This past weekend, Benjamin Dube celebrated his 60th birthday, sharing the stage with other South African Gospel heavyweights at the Sun City Superbowl. With a powerfully moving opening performance by Benjamin Dube, Tshepang Mphuthi, and Buhle Dube (of the Dube Brothers), the tone had been set for the greatness that was to follow throughout the evening. The “Legendary In His Presence” live recording with Benjamin Dube proved to be nothing short of an evening filled with jubilating praise and worship.
In an interview leading up to the celebration, Reverend Benjamin Dube described the night as ‘’Legendary In His Presence, means my whole life. It says that God has been good to me, and I can celebrate it.’’, and what a celebration it was!
With a lineup of legends including Dr. Lindelani Mkhize, Dr. Winnie Mashaba, Lebo Sekgobela, Dr. Rebecca Malope, Brenda Mtambo, MTN Joyous Celebration, Soweto Gospel Choir, and Ladysmith Black Mambazo, the presence of God was truly felt throughout the evening. It was heartwarming to experience performances by the Dube Brothers, who have followed in the footsteps of their musical genius father.
Being a pioneer in the South African Gospel industry for over three decades, it only seemed fitting for Reverend Dube to take his fans and long-standing supporters on a trip down memory lane to where it all began for him in his career before performing music from his latest album.
Legendary In His Presence live recording, was split into two segments; the first segment acted as a build-up for what was to be a joyous evening with performances by the Dube Brothers and Xolly Mncwango whilst the second segment started with Reverend Dube honoring the legends in the room such as Dr. Winnie Mashaba, Dr. Rebecca Malope, MTN Joyous Celebration, Sipho ‘Big Fish’ Mkhabane, and Lebo Sekgobela with a ‘Legendary Award’.
This was followed by truly legendary performances by Dr. Winnie Mashaba, Soweto Gospel Choir, MTN Joyous Celebration, and Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Some would say that the highlight of the evening was Reverend Dube taking to the stage with the legendary Dr. Rebecca Malope where the pair even asked the crowd for any song requests. The iconic singers performed ‘Sabatha’ together which had the entire audience on their feet.
A beautiful tribute to the late Deborah Fraser moved everyone in the room to tears, as the work and life of the late gospel legend were honoured.
The multi-award-winning 60-year-old veteran’s ability to bring together musical legends and gospel lovers at such a magnitude is a testament to the significant impact that he has had within the gospel industry.
When interviewing the legend himself after the show, Reverend Dube stated that he hopes the rest of South Africa would be blessed with this live recording just as much as those in attendance were. He ended off the evening by stating ‘’Everything went just as I asked God to do it. I kept my word, I did my assignment and I am happy.’’
