GOSPELLA: THE EXPERIENCE – AN UNFORGETTABLE SHOWCASE OF TALENT

August 3, 2026 23 6

Owethunamandla Madhlala

@082_mandla

“The Experience” was the name, and an enchanting musical performance was the game. The North-West University (NWU) Gospella’s latest showcase pulled out all the stops when it came to entertainment.

On the night of Friday, 31 July, the NWU Gospella held “The Experience” – a live concert created to showcase the brilliance of the choir’s musical capability whilst allowing audiences to be immersed in the show. This production did not stand in isolation but fell within a long line of annual showcases executed to share the talents of all those within the choir.

According to Tshidiso Mofokeng, Vocal Director and Chairperson of Gospella, ‘Gospella: The Experience – Live in Concert’ is the choir’s flagship production, created to provide an immersive musical experience while showcasing the choir’s growth, excellence, and artistry. Mofokeng continued to express how the production has evolved over the years and has now become the choir’s signature event, where audience members from all different walks of life are brought together for an evening of acapella gospel music and artistic excellence.

The production’s most recent instalment definitely did not disappoint. Performing of a total of seven acts, the choir took the audience on a journey that tantalised their ears and touched their hearts. From the first harmonious act to the last lively act within the choir’s repertoire, the audience was fully engaged. The voices were not the only aspect of the night that stunned. The wardrobe changes, beautiful stage design and live instrumentalist were integral to the success of the production.

The performances themselves were not the only testament to the success of the production, but the raves from the audience members and choristers were as well. Luyanda Madlala, a LLB student and tenor for Gospella, shared his experience with Wapad. “The show quite exceeded my expectations actually. I did not expect it to go as well as it did,” he said.

Rhulani Ndzipho, an audience member and cousin to chorister Zethu Kalipa, also shared her experience of the evening. “I really had no expectations, but they just blew my mind like. It was tops,” she said. Ndzipho went on to mention her favourite moment of the evening, namely act 5, which included a cultural number that got the audience jumping out of their seats in excitement.

Gospella was the place to be. The voices were angelic, the technical production was stellar and the audience made it all the more enjoyable. It was truly a night to remember.