Online Reporter
Tafadzwa Zimoyo
Zimpapers Arts, Entertainment Hub
MORE than 105 delegates have departed for the Grateful Concert 3.0, set to take place this weekend at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham, United Kingdom.
This landmark event in the arts and entertainment landscape celebrates the power of music under the theme of gratitude and unity.
Hosted by award-winning gospel artiste Eleana Makombe, the concert has evolved into a significant platform for promoting and supporting artistes from various backgrounds.
The delegates, who include artiste managers, bishops, local, regional and international musicians, apostles and business personnel, will be led by National Arts Council of Zimbabwe director Napoleon Nyanhi as guest of honour. His presence underscores the importance of cultural representation and the support of local talent on an international stage.
“I am travelling to the UK on family business, but it coincided with the Grateful 3.0 concert and they graciously invited me to be a guest at the prestigious gospel event,” said Nyanhi.
“We have already been speaking to festivals in the diaspora so that we register them and create a circuit that we can market and give prominence locally. We have also started reaching out to diaspora artistes to register with the NACZ in their individual capacities for formalisation, so that when they return home, they have no struggles.”
Nyanhi will be in the UK for four days.
“During my stay, I intend to speak life. To deliver a message of hope and optimism for our artistes based in the UK. They must know that we are rooting for them back home and we desire to have even closer working ties so that we collaborate in marketing our arts and culture all over the world.”
In an interview, John Tinashe Makombe, singer Eleana’s husband, said it is all systems go as delegates have started arriving.
“This year is very special as we are also having NACZ director Nyanhi as our guest of honour. He is expected to deliver a speech before launching Eleana’s book,” said Makombe.
His enthusiasm reflects the anticipation surrounding the concert, which aims to not only entertain but also educate and inspire artistes.
The Grateful Concert series has gained traction since its inception, with a growing number of attendees each year.
Many delegates have already started arriving in Birmingham.
“We have created various programmes which include tours and seminars that will also equip them. We do not only want them to come and perform, but they should also have something to take home,” said Makombe.
The concert serves as a vital platform for uniting artistes from different corners of the globe. By bringing together diverse talents, the event fosters collaboration and cultural exchange.
Artistes have the opportunity to share their experiences, learn from one another and form lasting connections that extend beyond the concert.
This spirit of unity is essential in an industry often marked by competition.
“We are not competing; we are complementing each other,” John said, highlighting the concert’s mission to create a supportive community.
The line-up for this year’s concert features an impressive array of artistes, including Spirit of Praise, Ellard and Sharon Cherayi, Minister Mahendere, Takesure Zamar, Heavens Mutambira, Siphos Ncube and Lebo Sekgobela, among others.
Each artiste brings their unique style and message to the stage, contributing to a rich tapestry of musical expression.
“I am happy with how local music is appreciated in the diaspora. I have performed at all Grateful concerts and learned a lot,” said Ellard Cherayi, a two-time performer at the event.
His excitement about unveiling new music at this year’s concert encapsulates the spirit of innovation and creativity that the Grateful Concert aims to promote.
The event is also significant for the Zimbabwean community in the UK, offering them a chance to connect with their roots through music.
“We scouted the venue last year after finishing Grateful 2.0, and due to some fans being turned away because of a full house, we then got a bigger venue,” Makombe explained, emphasising the concert’s growth and the demand for its continuation.
The Grateful experience extends beyond just a one-time concert; it represents a series of events that will also take place in the United States, Botswana and Zimbabwe.
This expansion reflects the concert’s commitment to reaching a wider audience and further promoting African talent globally.
“We are going to release the line-up of other countries after this show and we would like to thank all the sponsors and stakeholders who came on board,” John added.
The Grateful Concert 3.0 not only showcases musical talent but also serves as a beacon of hope and unity in a world that often feels divided. Through the power of music, artistes and audiences alike will come together to celebrate their shared passion and commitment to creativity.
