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Fungayi Munyoro
Weekender Reporter
SCORES of people thronged the Harvest House International Church auditorium last Sunday to eat from the palms of one of the founding members of South Africa’s multi-award winning gospel group Joyous Celebration Choir, Lindelani Mkhize.Mkhize jetted into the country early last week and has been touring Harvest House International churches conducting trainings for all music teams ahead of their August choir competitions dubbed ‘Annual Clash of Hubs Competition’ to be held in Bulawayo.
All the Harvest House choirs will fight for top honours in this year’s competition which carries $50 000 for the winners, $20 000 for the first runner-up and $10 000 for the second runner up. Mkhize will also be part of the judging team.
Mkhize began his career at a tender age of five at church where his mother was also part of the music team. Years later he relocated to
Johannesburg in search for greener pastures and began his long journey in the music industry.
In 1995, together with his partners, Jabu Hlongwane and Mthunzi Namba founded one of the most notable gospel projects in South Africa, Joyous Celebration. Apart from Joyous Celebration, Mkhize owns an entertainment company, LME (Lindelani Mkhize Entertainment) and he also owns an engineering company.
After the training session, Mkhize applauded HHI music and described it as unique.
“Harvest House International Church is on the right path and in few years it will be a powerhouse in terms of music. I have been touring all the churches doing some trainings and the music is unique. My advice to the young musicians is that they should not give up on their dreams and believe more in themselves,” he said.
Mkhize said he enjoyed his visit in Zimbabwe as well as Mutare.
“I have enjoyed my stay here. I think I will be back in Zimbabwe, Mutare in particular which is my second home. The people are just humble and gifted,” said Mkhize.
Harvest House International Church, Mutare was established 11 years ago and over these years the church has given birth to 13 assemblies namely Rusape, Mutare City 1 and 2, Tsanzaguru, Vengere, Magamba, Headlands, Zimunya, Nyazura, Birchenough Bridge, Sakubva, Chikanga 1 and 2.
Speaking after the training, HHI hub leader, Reverand Peter Phiri, thanked the Joyous Celebration frontman for a job well-done.
“We are very grateful to our Lord Jesus to have opened for us this door to bring in Lindelani Mkhize to Mutare.
“It is through the relationship that our parents and founding members of this church Bishop Colin Nyathi and senior Reverend, Dr Sarah Nyathi and Mkhize that has been blossoming over the years that we were able to bring him to Mutare for the very first time.
“We brought him specifically to train our music team ahead of the annual clash of hubs competition.
“I believe our music team has potential and we look forward to a number of these training sessions in future,” he said.
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