Joburg Theatre Presents Ihubo: Song of Ages

Known for his passion for heritage and culture, the celebrated musician, historian, actor and heritage activist, Mbuso Khoza will be launching a one-of-a-kind Gospel show at the Joburg Theatre on 1 – 3 April, and the proceeds of this show will be donated to the Mbuso Khoza Institute.

Speaking about the upcoming show, this is what Khoza had to say: “There have been many Gospel shows staged locally and internationally, and after requests from fans and supporters I curated a show that speaks to Gospel the way I believe it should be presented. This show – titled Ihubo – Song of Ages – is not an ordinary concert. It will be packed with information that dissects what we have come to know today as the Gospel. The theme of this show is God-Spel – meaning we are spelling God, spelling everything positive, good news, healing and strength to keep on keeping on.

The show will see a performance by the one and only Mbuso Khoza accompanied by 7-piece band comprising of Qhubekani Mthetwa – on Bass, Sanele Phakathi on keys, Drums – Sam Ibe from Nigeria, Thabo Sikhakhane on Trumpet, Thembinkosi and Tshepo on the saxophone.

The audiences will be taken through the rearranged olden choruses and compositions by Mbuso Khoza – just as he has done with Amahubo, as well as the spiritual songs which were lamented by Americans (e.g. Swing Low) educating patrons about the history of our brothers, and how they came to begin worshipping. “It is time for us to get back on our feet and reclaim our rightful places in this world.

The sufferings of the past two years that brought us to our knees have been a great eye opener, and have necessitated these kinds of initiatives. I began my journey as a Jazz artist, and the evolution has been fulfilling.

When I began researching the Amahubo, which I refer to as the scroll of the nation, I’d never have imagined how it would grow and be embraced by our people. Today, I am ready to give Gospel a twist on stage, for my people,” says Khoza.

Khoza believes that he did not find himself in the Creative Arts space by chance, but rather was called to push the envelope. He says that performing is like going through a spiritual journey, and by appearing on screens, be it as an actor, singer, performer, or narrator at least one person gets some form of healing, and that propels him to work even harder and unleash all the potential within himself.

Khoza has recently been on a Europe tour with Swiss Trumpeter Mat Spiellman, which is a result of the recording that took place in 2021 when they collaborated on a project titled Matts Up. The tour was of the fusion of Amahubo and Western sounds performed in Germany and Switzerland, as one of the initiatives to raise funds to get the Khoza Institute off the ground. The institute is aimed at unearthing and nurturing talents of aspiring artists in the Northern KZN region.

Tickets for the show are already on sale and Mbuso Khoza is also appealing for donations towards his initiative the Khoza Institute.