... VIRTUAL CROSSOVER FOR POPULAR EVENT UMLILO - GAWUZELA

MBABANE – There might be light at the end of the tunnel for people who were scrambling for what to do on New Year’s Eve.

Following the ban of crossover events, Umlilo Crossover pioneer Member of Parliament (MP) Mduduzi ‘Gaw’zela’ Simelane has announced that his annual crossover show will take place this year.

The lead singer of the gospel music group Mduduzi Nezinceku Zamagawugawu announced this yesterday, while stating that the show would be virtually held this year.

The Umlilo Crossover is the most popular crossover event in the country which has attracted over 20 000 gospel music lovers to the Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre grounds each year for the past 10 years.

In an interview, Simelane said he was aware that Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Themba Masuku banned all crossover events in his statement on December 18, hence his decision to host it virtually.

gallivanting

“It is a fact that people, especially the youth, who were used to attending my show or any other show will be on the streets on December 31. Not only will they be gallivanting but they will not be observing social distancing with whatever activities they will be engaging in.

“So, to avoid this, it was decided that the Umlilo Crossover should be hosted and broadcast online and on TV,” said Simelane.

The ‘Thuma Mina’ hit maker said by hosting the show virtually, most people would be entertained in their houses and also, it would give room for families to pray, which is what the country currently needs.

“The emergence of this killer virus has not only caused physical damage but it has dismantled the spirits of many. The country is in dire need of prayer and the show will give that platform,” said Simelane.

broadcast

When asked which platforms would be used to broadcast the event, he said live performances would be broadcast through Channel YemaSwati, his Facebook page known as ‘Hon Gaw’zela Touching Lives’ and through a link that would be provided for by Eswatini Mobile.

“People should make sure their sigujana sets are up-to-date to access the show. Also, we are still in the process of making people pay about E10 for the Eswatini Mobile link,” said Simelane.

Simelane clarified that they will not host the show at the Channel YemaSwati studio, while highlighting that they would find a venue where they would set-up a stage and have a live band.

actual

“This will give the audience the feel of the actual event,” said the MP.

The show will start at 10pm on December 31 until 2am the next day.

Confirmed South African artists who are set to perform during the show are Sipho Makhabane, Donny Ngwenyama, Sifiso the ‘By Fire By Force’ hit maker, Glory of the last days and others who are yet to be confirmed. Local artists on the line-up include Mduduzi Nezinceku Zamagawugawu, who will be live at midnight, Frans T Dlamini, Phathwakahle, Shiba and the Travellers, Bishop Vusimuzi Maculuve and many others.

distancing

When asked how they would observe social distancing during the shoot, Simelane said artists would come to the studio during the allocated time to perform and leave immediately after.

“South African artists will perform live from their country,” said Simelane.

He encouraged people to visit his Facebook page or stay glued to the TV on December 31 for a show which he promised to be fantastic.

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