EASTERN CAPE gospel artists, who claim to have been purposely excluded from a gospel show at Bhisho Stadium over the weekend, say they feel betrayed by the event organisers

The concert, which took place on Saturday and featured 12 gospel artists - including heavyweights such as Rebecca Malope, Lusanda and Sipho Makhabane - only had two of the province's artists in the line-up.

The show was organised by Eastern Cape radio stations Umhlobo Wenene FM and Trufm and was sponsored by the Film and Publication Board, Buffalo City municipality (BCM) and Big Fish Music.

Speaking on behalf of the disgruntled artists yesterday, of Buffalo City Gospel Expansion chairperson Thembalethu Ngalwana said they felt marginalised and betrayed watching artists from other provinces perform.

Ngalwana said members of the organisation met at Buffalo City College yesterday, where they decided to register their grievance with Umhlobo Wenene FM, Trufm and the local municipality.

"We decided to take the matter up after the event because we did not want to disturb the success of the event. More than anything else we are pleading for support," he said.

He said they wanted the two radio stations to recognise and involve local artists in their future plans.

"When they (other stations) have events of this nature they invite their own artists," Ngalwana said.

NHe said some of the artists had initially been involved and invited to perform, albeit at the 11th hour. But he claimed that on the day of the event local artists were told they would not be featuring.

Ngalwana, who is also leader of Zwelitsha gospel group Lord Comforters, said he tried in vain to have his group perform during the show.

"I approached Sipho Makhabane who said he would speak with Trufm station manager, but we were only told on the day of the event that the line-up was very tight."

Speaking on behalf of the East London-based gospel group Youth With Mission, Mzi Nkantsu said "to be left out of an event of that nature was tantamount to betrayal".

When contacted by the Dispatch yesterday, Umhlobo Wenene station manager Nada Wotshela said: "I don't have a comment."

Trufm station manager Thobeka Buswa also refused to comment.

Buffalo City communication's manager Keith Ngesi said the municipality's involvement in the event was limited, adding that BCM did not finance the event.