Xolly Mncwango to Headline The Next Chapter Gospel Concert in Bulawayo
Award-winning South African gospel star Xolly Mncwango is set to ignite the stage in Bulawayo on May 10 as the headlining act at The Next Chapter gospel concert. Hosted by VOCAL Extraordinaire (Vocal Ex) in partnership with the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) Students Representative Council, the event will be held at the NUST Ceremonial Hall and promises an unforgettable night of worship and inspiration.
Fresh from her triumphant win at the 2025 Metro FM Music Awards — where she took home Best Female Artist and Best Gospel Album — Mncwango’s performance is expected to be a highlight of this spiritually charged gathering. Known for her emotionally rich and soul-lifting songs like Alikho Igama, Liyabasebenzela, Ukubonga, and Yebo Nkosi, the beloved gospel singer will be making her first-ever appearance in the city of Bulawayo.
This year’s event marks the sixth edition of The Next Chapter, an annual celebration of gospel music that has become a staple on the local faith and entertainment calendar. Vocal Ex, the inter-denominational movement behind the concert, aims to bridge church communities and showcase the power of gospel through unity and musical excellence.
Thembelani Mdlaziba, founder of Vocal Ex, shared the deeper meaning behind this year’s edition.
“We recently celebrated 10 years, alongside Canaan Nyathi and Everton Mlalazi — a testament of growth over time. It can never be any less than a continued celebration and the Lord’s hand upon us,” he said. “We will praise and worship together and experience the power and move of God in a mighty way.”
In addition to Mncwango’s headline set, the concert will feature an impressive lineup of Zimbabwean gospel talent. Performers include Snowy, Tehilla Testament, Spirit Praise Choir, Lorraine Maplanka, and Faith Mucha. Together, they represent the vibrant spectrum of the country’s gospel music scene — from emerging voices to established favorites.
With a venue known for its electrifying worship events and a city with a strong gospel following, the night is expected to draw fans from across Zimbabwe and beyond. The partnership with NUST also reflects a growing synergy between youth-led initiatives and faith-based platforms, bringing gospel music to a new generation of believers.
Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to ensure seating, as excitement builds for what promises to be one of Bulawayo’s most anticipated gospel events of the year. From praise and worship to heartfelt moments of reflection, The Next Chapter is set to be a transformative experience for all who attend.
