This special event took place at Planetshakers Church in Century City, Cape Town. Cocktail snacks, smart casual formal wear and obviously Neville D's album playing in the background created an exciting yet relaxing atmosphere in the room.
Elton Jansen had started the event with his stage captivating presence and humour to get the ball rolling. In between all the talks from the stage, such as by Elton, Faboo99 and Neville's publisher, a few tracks of the album, Beauty of Difference, played. Also, a behind the scenes short video played about the work Neville put into this project. As we progressed further into the evening, Neville had called a pastor friend to dedicate this project of BOD and Prag Van Verskil into the Lord's hands, as it would spread to the nations. I found this moment so precious, because once I had researched about how satanic artists would dedicate their original copy to the spirits of darkness and I often wondered why we don't do the same. Not because we want to copy but rather because we were ignorant and they took our principle and used it for great success. Everyone stretched out their hands to bless what God was doing and we honoured Him who sits on the throne, the Giver of good gifts.
It was time for Neville to speak and humbly he would get onto the small levelled stage and start talking away. "He is so down to earth", Candice said in the car as myself and Kristen agreed to. For someone who has won a Dove award to be so humble is profound. What I enjoy and appreciate the most about Neville is his love and honour for his family. He esteems his family highly and there is a great unity amongst them. Then Neville went on to explain why he says certain words a certain way (Now you would start to know this story - which is true - as tou spend more time with Neville). To others it might sound like an accent but it all makes sense when he explains it, because I won't do any justice to explaining why he talks the way he does. Let's leave that up to Neville when you meet him okay.
Neville spoke a few words and he also played and sang a few songs off the album with some back up singers and the choir backing him out of the crowd. This just brought such wonderful memories and it was just amazing to sing with these wonderful people again.
By this time my tummy was grumbling and moaning, but Elton saved the day by announcing that the food is ready to be savoured. During his announcement he also made mention that Neville was going to sign albums and VIP cards for those who bought CD's. The food were delicious and so yummy, you definitely left satisfied after having some of those finger foods and snacks. The line started to extend for Neville to sign the albums they had just bought on the other side of the room and the line continued for the rest of the course of the evening. The cameras were out as BOD peeps were taking group photos, mingling and eating. I swear every person in the room had a CD, some bought 4 or 5 albums at once and some had bought one, nevertheless the support was great. It was also awesome to recognise Jolene Martin (from the tv show Psalted on SABC 2) in the crowd. I was so excited and I couldn't understand that no one noticed Jolene amongst the people. Also Jonathan Rubain was in the place as he wished Neville wishes with his presence. Such amazing down to earth souls.
As we (Candice, Kristen and myself) were driving home, we always speak about BOD events and reflect on our journey and we also dream a lot about being full time with Neville and stuff. I started to realise and our hearts just went out for the Beauty Of Difference choir. Kristen actually said if we should all sit down and listen to each other's life stories we would be shocked, and I thought that was so true! We really don't know each other deeply, but we getting there. You can actually see how some have tried to hide and some have opened about what they are facing. Yes to some it might just be another choir group and to some it might just be another singing showcase, but to me it is about family. We want to build that culture of bringing different races and different people together to experience the love of Jesus Christ and not just that but to be healed by the love of Jesus Christ.
So tonight I pray BOD that we will find the strength to confide in each other when needed to and to celebrate what Abba Father has given us. Firstly such beautiful relationships and friendships. Some might be going through high waters, but you are not alone. Secondly, our wonderful artistic gifts and talents.
May God just take us from glory to glory and from strength to strength. We miss and love you Neville. And we know that your mom is proud of you and your great achievement. She would have loved the album so much! To my BOD family, you all are special and unique and I cherish that about you.
Now let me get to the thousands of notifications and messages from my BOD family on Whatsapp and Facebook.
Shalom.
Twitter and Instagram @rocoetzee
No comments:
Post a Comment