02 May 2022

New Dawn pair Pastor Shinkie Mochawacha and Boitshepo Tlhabiwe delivered a sanctified and electrifying performance during the New Dawn Home Coming concert at Maitisong Theatre on Friday.
The two performed separately in a fully packed hall backed by six vocalists alongside a live band. The show also featured guest artistes from South Africa’s Spirit of Praise’ Omega Khunou as well as some from Lesotho.

Tlhabiwe was given a heroine’s welcome as her fans showered her with love and ululations.
Her presentation too did not disappoint as she looked all royalty, clad in a long, left silted blue velvet dress and modestly long puff ponytail hairstyle.  

She began her set with praise and worship songs, with technical glitches almost ruining her set minutes into her set, an occurrence that forced her to pause as sound engineers attended to the problem.
But the fans did not allow or the devil’s tactics to dampen their spirits, as they gave a rendition of ‘Hallelujah o Senatla’ hymn in took in acapella style.

Having prepared for the night, Tlhabiwe unleashed her all despite after the restoration of the sound system. Despite continuing sound malfunctions here and there her performance was on point and engaged the audience.
 The audience was on cloud nine when she intoned her hit song ‘Ke a mo itse, I know my God’ which she late revealed  in an interview that it was a personal song which she composed in the midst of COVID-19 pandemic.

“COVID-19 shook everyone and everything was left at a standstill, and this was a time when we really needed to search for our God on our personal level especially that churches were closed,” Tlhabiwe stated.

She said she was cognisant of the impact the song would have and its power to bring people closer to the love of God and true nature of God. She said God is revealing Himself to His people daily in various ways.
Before Tlhabiwe took to stage, Botswana gospel Disc Jockey (DJ) Kellz alias The Revolution with Kellz on Facebook thrilled the scores of Gospel enthusiasts who were evident to have been longing for such a do.

The Yarona Fm presenter, created a worshipping with his contemporary and Traditional Gospel set.
DJ Kellz opened his sequence with slow tempo melodies such as Spirit Lives,  Victory belongs to Jesus and ‘It’s in You Lord.

 He then upped the tempo getting everyone warmed up with Bucie Radebe’s Impilo and Blaq Diamond Thelumoya which definitely lit the theatre hall and prepared the crowd of what was to come later on.
Pastor Mochawacha also owned the stage giving his fans an inspiring, breathtaking performance as he delivered worship and praise songs.

In true homecoming spirit, Pastor Mochawacha was  clad in local clothing BK Proctor Collections latest regalia from red and white jersey, black track pants as well as black and white trainer sneakers.
The fans who were in jovial mood blew vuvuzelas and danced along and it was undeniable that they were proud to have chosen to lead a holy life.

Pastor Mochawacha who could not hide suppress his excitement from the love they received from their country folks described the concert as a night for God.
“It was a magical experience, the response was just amazing and we experienced the love of God from the supportive and vibrant crowd,” said Pastor Mochawacha.

 He said they performed songs that they composed themselves alongside traditional Gospel folk songs, and also noted that their style is a fusion of contemporary, traditional and just about all Gospel genres.

“We derive our inspiration from just Gospel music holistically.” Closing down the night’s performance was Khunou with his fascinating, fantastic powerful sharp voice.

“Batswana are great music lovers across, not just a particular type and they are supportive of their own,” Khunou said in an interview.
He said The New Dawn Homecoming concert was indeed a new beginning for local entertainment scene, adding that despite being slow Botswana entertainment industry has shown significant growth are making their mark not only in Botswana but across borders.

“I am blessed to be part of New Dawn project from onset as I foresee big things for them,” said Khunou who himself worked hard from the bottom to make his name.
Spirit of Praise is one of the regulars in Botswana, with Pastor Benjamin Dube frequently hosting shows and visiting Botswana and engaging with the Gospel scene here.
“There is something that God is communicating with Spirit of Praise particularly Ntate Dube about Botswana entertainment,” said Khunou.

He said he believed that there will be an opportunity for Gospel artistes to engage and collaborate with Spirit of Praise in its next visit to Botswana.
“There are lot of talented Gospel artistes in Botswana, not just from New Dawn but we have people such as Tshepo Lesole who is doing tremendously well in the Gospel and entertainment scene of Botswana.”ends