Online Reporter
Tafadzwa Zimoyo in BIRMINGHAM
THE much-publicised gospel concert dubbed, Grateful Experience 3.0, which was organised here by gospel singer Eleana Makombe has brought joy, unity and love to Zimbabweans in the United Kingdom.
More than 3,000 people converged at the International Convention Centre for the mega show.
Spirit of Praise, Everton Mlalazi, Takesure Zamar, Minister Michael Mahendere, Doreen Chikuni, Lebo Sekgobela, Siphos Ncube, Heaven Mutambira, Sharon and Ellard Cherayi, FIG Worship Culture and Blessing Jedthun shared the stage with host Eleana Makombe.
Radio personality Becky K, comedian Chisale and Jesse Madigele facilitated the show as they flawlessly sailed through during their segments, while another radio star, Noxy, hosted the red carpet.
The show, which was well choreographed and scripted, was held on Saturday and started on time at midday and ended at 10pm with no technical glitches.
The sound and lights were excellent.
It gave a platform to musicians such as Bulawayo-based Siphos Ncube, UK-based Heavens Mutambira and Doreen Chikuni and FIG Worship Culture to shine as they were curtain-raisers.
They paved the way for the Spirit of Praise group made up of Omega, Dumi, Mmatema and Ayanda who brought the giant auditorium into a frenzy with their powerful voices, leaving the crowd clamouring for more.
Mlalazi was calm and collected as he performed two songs, ‘Tichanoimba’ and ‘Ndofamba NaJesu.’
Everton Mlalazi
As the stage was heating up, Eleana’s daughter Alisha surprised many with her performance on ‘Muri Mwari,’ a song which led all the children in the room to a sing-along moment.
As Eleana with her Grateful Team (Minister Michael Mahendere, Takesure Zamar, Ellard and Sharon Cherayi and Blessing Jedthun) were preparing to go on stage for their segment, her husband John came on stage with a huge belated birthday cake.
The cake was for Mlalazi, Minister Michael Mahendere and Matt (SOP manager) who had birthdays last month.
The crowd joined in a sing-along to the Happy Birthday song, led by the Makombes.
As soon the celebrations were done, Eleana and her team came on stage and this time the script had changed.
Now everyone was on stage with their chairs, with the artists getting a chance to sing their favourite hit songs.
They then came up with a grateful theme song.
Clad in cream-ivory stylish power suit with gold studs and sequins and peplum design at the waist, Eleana proved to be a force to reckon with not only in music but her fashion sense as well.
She belted out her tunes, ‘‘Baba Mune Nyasha’’ and ‘‘Kana Jehovha Avhura Masuwo’’ among others, as she led the crowd in a dance frenzy.
She had a good day in the office.
Ellard Cherayi, with his infectious smile, also put up a scintillating act as he dished out tune after tune.
The climax of the show came when he joined his wife Sharon, during her set as she was performing ‘Fara Iwe’, a song that has been trending since last year.
Minister Mahendere
Mahendere dished out ‘‘Tangai Neni’’, ‘‘Messiah’’ and ‘‘Makomborero’’ while Zamar belted out his hit songs and also prayed for Zimbabwe as he was joined by the crowd in three three-minute prayer sessions.
They gave the crowd value for their money.
Some fans travelled from Ireland, Scotland, Manchester, Doncaster and Liverpool to come and enjoy the live Zimbabwean show.
Eleana announced the Grateful Experience 4.0 will be held next year.
She left the crowd to guess the city where it will be held.
This year, she is set to take the Grateful 3.0 concert to Botswana, the United States and back home in Zimbabwe.
