It wasn’t easy
- It’s done deal, but Sipho gave Great Angels some conditions
The Great Angels Choir have revealed it was not easy to catch Big Fish—Sipho Makhabane. The choir also spoke of massive corporate support for their September 29 concert featuring the South African gospel star in Lilongwe.
This is the second time for Makhabane to be at Bingu International Convention Centre (Bicc) in the capital.
However, the first appearance in August 2016 turned out to be a nightmare as the artist called off the show and left fans frustrated after his payment disagreements with his host— Steve Chinyamula of the National Product Magazine.
This time, Great Angels leader Ephraim Zonda said in an interview that the visiting artist has received his payment and signed a contract to avoid another debacle.
However, he disclosed that it was harder to convince him to sign the dotted lines ahead of his return as he spelled out “a few conditions”, including full payment and two-way air tickets, to avoid a repeat of the letdowns that left the patrons in fury two years ago.
“Of course, we had some difficulties, but he was quite understanding. Great Angels is an established music group and we do not want to tarnish our name. The show is already confirmed, the artist has been paid and the contract is sealed. People should not worry about anything because the show is on,” explained Zonda.
Makhabane and his six backers jet in on September 27 ahead of the launch of the Lilongwe-based choir’s website two days later.
As the countdown continues, companies and well-wishers are stepping in to bankroll the show—with Simama Group of Company donating two return air tickets for two members of Makhabane.
Other partners include ITS Enterprises, Humphreys Transport, GOtv, Timveni TV and Beata Group of Companies.
The choir envisages using the concert at the Chinese-built venue to record a live DVD for famous songs from their bestselling albums—Mundifungatire (released in 2005), Gwireni Dzanja (2007), Ndiyende Bwanji (2010) and Mwasankha Ine (2014).
However, the visiting gospel star will use the show to make up with his fans.
According to Zonda, the artist is eager to come and show his followers in the country that the first show did not fail due to his fault.
His itinerary shows that he will be in the country for three days. He is determined to clear his name.
Born to a poor family in 1965, Makhabane first rose to fame with his single Ngitinikela Kuwe in 1996.
He later established Big Fish Music, a record label for developing young gospel talent.
He has released a string of big-selling albums, including Calvary (2001), Moya Wami (2003) Umuzi Omuhle (2005), Hamba Nami (2008) and Ebenezer (2009).
He is a winner of Southern Africa Music Awards (Sama) and Crown Gospel Awards—as well as a Kora nomination.
