Lindelani Mkhize’s ‘Ignite’ unleashes raw talent in Jozi

05 September 2016

 

Under ordinary circumstances, people celebrating their 50th birthday would be surrounded by family and friends, marking the milestone with the mandatory singing of the “Happy Birthday” song, blowing of 50 candles and tucking in lots of food.

 

But there is nothing ordinary about Lindelani Mkhize. The veteran music producer of the Joyous Celebration fame – who has carved a niche for gospel music, forcing it out of small rickety churches into big-stage theatres of South Africa – celebrated his 50th birthday at the weekend doing what he does best: exposing raw and unpolished talent to the world. 

He did this during his Ignite 2016 show at the Joburg Theatre in Braamfontein on Friday and Saturday.

For three hours on each night, members of the audience were showered in a dazzling display of stage lights and transported into heavenly bliss as angels nudged them closer to their Maker, breaking into unrestrained gyrations as they danced the KwaMashu and Umlazi moves. Three performers who have “star” written all over them were the beautiful Sike, who easily switched genres like models change clothes; the John Legend-sounding Njabulo Nkabinde, who inherited the music genes from his well-travelled gospel star and producer father Jabu Nkabinde; and the regal Mary B, who gave a scintillating performance that earned her a standing ovation.

Ignite 2016 was about unleashing unheard of talent to unsuspecting audiences.

There was the thumping bass sound of the Destruction Boys, who are destined to give the Trompies oldies a run for their money. There was the immensely agile Zinhle, who dished out free dance lessons that ranged from GwaraGwara and NaeNae to Sbhujwa and got the elegantly attired audience forgetting about their expensive suits and costumes and dancing the night away.

The Ignite choir and band held it all together, supporting the starlets in the process of charting a path towards musical stardom and success. Music lover and grandmother of two Lizette Cloete said Ignite 2016 was a night to remember.

“I’m glad I’m not at home watching TV. I’m so much enjoying this. I hope Lindelani takes this to other parts of the country and unleash the careers of other young musicians. The talent displayed was top-drawer stuff,” she said.

In between the music, lights, clapping and dancing, comedian Desmond Dube had the audience laughing their lungs out as he made jokes about Mkhize’s short stature and his Lasting Dignity TV adverts. But Mkhize’s children showed him who the real boss was as they interrupted him from time to time, leaving the audience in stitches.

Mkhize’s results of his investment in gospel music has been the meteoric rise of stars such as Ntokozo Mbambo, Nqubeko Mbatha, Brian Temba and Idol SA winner Khaya Mthethwa. 
When asked if there would be Ignite 2017, all Mkhize could say was: “Just watch the space …”