Times Of Swaziland: MZWAKHE, GAWUZELA CLASH  OVER CROSSOVER 2017

MZWAKHE, GAWUZELA CLASH  OVER CROSSOVER 2017
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 BY NHLANHLA MATHUNJWA on 08/11/2017 04:32:00


MBABANE – It seems like there is no gospel crossover without controversy.
Mduduzi ‘Gawuzela’ Simelane, who has been hosting the popular end-of-year
gospel music festival, has clashed with the Association of Christian Artists in
Swaziland (ACASWA) over the same concept.
Gawuzela has been hosting the show at the Mavuso Trade Centre for the past six
years and this year  he is expected to host the seventh edition.
ACASWA, now under the leadership of former Ncandweni Christ Ambassadors singer
Mzwakhe Myeni is not seeing eye to eye with Gawuzela.
Gawuzela through his group Mduduzi Nezinceku Zamagagwugawu is also a member of
the association.
Host
This follows a decision by ACASWA to host its own crossover festival this year.
The Entertainment Desk has confirmed that ACASWA is currently busy preparing for
its festival and the plan is to host it at the Prince of Wales Sports Ground in
Mbabane.
On the other hand, Gawuzela is also planning his crossover which will be held at
the Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre.
The Entertainment Desk is in possession of a telephone conversation recording,
between the ACASWA President Myeni and Gawuzela.
It is worth noting that most of the gospel artists have heard the conversation
as it was sent to them through one of the social media groups.
In the conversation, Myeni and Gawuzela talk about both events.
Gawuzela tells Myeni that he does not understand why ACASWA was hosting the same
concept at the same time, which is December 31, 2017.
Meanwhile Myeni insists that ACASWA should benefit from the event.
Both Myeni and Gawuzela are heard telling each other off. Gawuzela adds that he
does not understand why ACASWA suddenly has an interest in the crossover
concept.
The conversation has left most artists not knowing what to do following the fact
that Gawuzela was told that in order for him to have artists in his show, he has
to seek permission from the association.
Shocked
Some of the artists said they were shocked to hear the conversation, saying it
was sad to hear the president and Gawuzela arguing on the phone.
“I believe this matter should have been sorted without us artists being
involved,” said one of the artists.
When called, Gawuzela mentioned that he was aware of the conversation.
He said he still does not understand why ACASWA is suddenly interested in his
concept.
“I still do not understand why this is happening,” he said.
He said he was yet to meet the ACASWA executive where he would raise most of his
concerns.
“While I can go on and on about this matter, it would be best that I meet with
the ACASWA executive. However, I should be clear that I do not understand why I
am being  put in such a controversy,” he said.
Comment
Ronnie Dlamini, ACASWA Public Relations Officer (PRO), asked not to comment for
now as the executive committee was yet to meet.
“The only time I can discuss this issue is after our executive meeting,” he
said.