Paheja Siririka
It’s been a while since gospel musicians came together under one roof to sing praise and worship songs, and by God’s grace, they will do so on 4 September 2021 in the MTC081Every1 Hope Concert.
Gospel sensation Magdalena Gabriel, stage name Manda Gabriel, is thrilled at the opportunity and can hardly wait.
She told VIBEZ! that Covid restrictions apart, not all gospel artists have the means, resources and platforms to regularly showcase their craft.
“The MTC 081Every1 Hope Concert will present us with a networking opportunity for both local and international gospel artists,” shared the enthusiastic songstress.
Gabriel, who has been in the music industry for almost a decade, added that she is honoured to be in the line-up.
“It serves as acknowledgement to my craft and work, and I do appreciate it very much. The music festival is a good example of needed platforms where we artists can showcase our craft,” she enthused.
She got into music by virtue of being a PK (pastor’s kid) and as expected, PK’s end up in Sunday school, church choir and the worship team.
Gabriel has released four albums thus far, and is about to release a single soon – she’s in the studio working on it.
Hailing from Oshakati, she draws inspiration from renowned South African gospel artist Rebecca Malope and US musician Cece Winans.
Asked how she would improve the industry in Namibia, Gabriel said she would create more opportunities for musicians.
“I would set up a dedicated ministry that would facilitate and cater for arts and entertainment only. Namibian artists and musicians don’t have sufficient commissioned platforms. Not that we are asking for handouts, but rather just various platforms that would require content from artists and musicians,” said the visionary musician.
MTC spokesperson Tim Ekandjo was quoted as saying during the launch earlier this year that the MTC 081Every1 Hope Concert befits the trying times the nation is facing in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, loss of jobs, and the undeniable psychological effects on the world populace as a whole.