RENOWNED Congolese contemporary gospel singer Solomon Mukubwa will be performing during this year's Pasaka Festival to be staged in various regions around the country.

The chairman of Pasaka Festival organizing committee, Alex Msama, said in Dar es Salaam the hit singer and composer was voted by gospel music lovers to headline foreign artists who are set to spice up the annual festival. "Solomon Mukubwa is the first artist from outside Tanzania that the committee has passed to participate in our festival," Msama said.

Msama said preparations ahead of the much-awaited festival are moving on smoothly and the number of foreign artists who have been proposed by fans to appear at the show is large. "When an artist receives enough votes from fans, conducted through sms and calls, the organizing committee approaches the artist and when the agreement is reached we announce him to the public," Msama said.

Mukubwa, one of the most sought after African gospel musicians, has always touched people by his music and singing. Known for his energetic stage performances and bewitching vocals, Mukubwa promises to thrill fans with some of his captivating songs, including 'Mfalme wa Amani', 'Mungu Mwenye Nguvu' and 'Uwe nami Bwana'.

This year's 'Tamasha la Pasaka' will be held in Dar es Salaam on March 31, and proceed to Mbeya on April 1, Iringa on April 3, Dodoma on April 6, and climax the following day at the CCM Kirumba in Mwanza. The concert will also feature popular local artistes including Rose Mhando, John Lissu and Upendo Nkone.