Joyous Celebration Marks Over 27 Years of Praise with Double Album Release

You simply cannot speak about South African gospel music without mentioning Joyous Celebration. Since their debut in 1996, what began as a dream shared by three visionary friends—Jabu Hlongwane, Lindelani Mkhize, and Mthunzi Namba—has grown into a legacy of worship that continues to move hearts across generations.

Formed in the spirit of a new democratic South Africa, the ensemble was created to reflect a nation in transition—a country healing, hoping, and finding its voice again through praise. And over the past two and a half decades, Joyous has become more than a choir. They’ve become a movement. A home for voices raised in song, unity, and faith.

Now, in 2025, Joyous Celebration is extending their spiritual journey with not one, but two powerful new projects. Just in time for Easter, the group delivers Joyous Celebration 27: Victory and Joyous Celebration 27: Hope, each offering a fresh wave of inspiration and powerful worship anthems.

Each project brings its own unique flavor, but together, they carry a unified message of encouragement. Victory is a vibrant, joyful celebration of Jesus as the divine fixer of life’s brokenness, fusing energetic rhythms with heartfelt testimonies. Tracks like “Jesu ke Mechanic,” “We’ll Be Marching,” and “Go Get Your Blessings” uplift the spirit with every beat.

Meanwhile, Hope is a gentler, more contemplative offering—filled with worship songs that echo in the quiet spaces of our hearts. It reminds listeners that even in the most uncertain times, Jesus remains our anchor. Songs like “Ithemba Ngu Jesu,” “I Need You Lord,” and “Themba Lempilo Yami” speak directly to the soul.

The remarkable thing about Joyous Celebration is how they’ve evolved without losing the essence of who they are. For more than 27 years, they’ve consistently reinvented themselves—whether in sound, style, or stagecraft—while staying rooted in the gospel that first brought them together.

The release of these two new albums also marks another milestone: their continued global partnership with Universal Music Group and Motown Gospel in the U.S.—a clear testament to their international reach and enduring impact.

In an era of global uncertainty, Joyous Celebration remains a steady source of comfort and upliftment. With Victory and Hope, they once again provide a soundtrack for healing, praise, and perseverance—one that reminds us that no matter how dark the night, joy still comes in the morning.

So, whether you’re seeking strength to march forward or the quiet reassurance of God’s presence, these albums offer something for every believer’s journey. And as always, Joyous Celebration stands not just as a choir, but as a living, singing testimony to the power of worship.