Gospel choir Joyous Celebration formed in 1994, with the hope of using music to both unify South Africans and offer praise after the end of apartheid in their country.
∙ Thanks to their widespread popularity, the group’s albums have been the bestsellers in South Africa—in any genre—five years in a row. ∙ Their inspirational anthem “Uyalalelwa,” which has more than 8 million views online, helped 2017’s Joyous Celebration 21: Heal Our Land take four prizes at the South African Music Awards. ∙ Joyous Celebration 22: All For You shot to the top of iTunes and radio charts in South Africa immediately after its 2018 release. ∙ They have received more than two-dozen accolades, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Crown Gospel Awards. ∙ Several popular artists started out in the choir, including Idols South Africa winner Khaya Mthethwa and gospel singer HLE, who hit No. 1 with her 2020 album, Your Kingdom on Earth.
