DURBAN - World class music production facilities are on the cards for Durban, eThekwini's parks head Thembinkosi Ngcobo revealed.
Ngcobo said his unit, eThekwini Parks and Recreation, had identified potential sites for the construction of the facilities which would include recording studios and theatres.
Ngcobo was speaking to the Sunday Tribune ahead of a gospel concert and Live DVD recording of the Gospel Icons at the International Conference Centre. He said his unit envisioned Durban would be known around the world for best gospel musicians and production by the year 2033.
"We want to be a gospel tourist destination and there's a potential to attract international audience. We want this city to have the best facilities for the production and consumption of gospel music," he said.
Ngcobo said the plan has started by producing local gospel musicians which his unit identified through its Gospel Icon competition.
eThekwini's Gospel Icon competition winners from previous years recorded a Live DVD at the Durban ICC. Video: Siphelele Buthelezi
On Wednesday night, 17 aspiring gospel artists, who won the competition recorded a live DVD at the ICC.
"Gospel music has not received much support (from government), and we saw a need to invest in it. It's also one of the genres that lays a foundation for any artist to become the best. We are hoping that the talent we have identified over the years will make a success of their careers.
"Our city declared that by 2033 it wants to be most caring and livable city. We are of the view that we can achieve that through gospel values in the way we do things. We also want to host a world-renowned gospel event which would be made up of a 3-day event," he said.
eThekwini Parks Head Thembinkosi Ngcobo. Picture: Sabelo Mngoma
The event was a star-studded affair which featured prominent gospel musicians, Dr Tumi, Rebecca Malope, Thina Zungu, Ga Ndlela and others.
R9 million was spent on the competition in the current financial year, ending 29 June 2018.