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Tafadzwa Zimoyo in London
Just like the Biblical verse Joshua 1 verse 3 which says: “I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses,” ZimPraise came, saw and conquered in London.
This is how aptly to describe the just-ended AfriPraise Festival held in London last Saturday which attracted over 4 000 people at Gaumont Theatre.
Hosted by award-winning interdenominational choral group, ZimPraise Choir, the festival saw the venue being packed to the maximum to the extent that some could not find seats.
ZimPraise, known back home as one of the best choral groups, won the hearts of many at the festival in London.
“It felt and reminds me of back home,” said one fan identified as Brena Mupa, who was at the show.
Of course, with such adrenalin, who would want to sit down, rather it was a sing-along show, dancing, and ululation, as artistes belted out every tune, especially the crowd’s favourites.
Apart from ZimPraise, the festival saw gospel music giants such as Minister Michael Mahendere, Janet Manyowa, Grace Forlu, Everton Mlalazi, Kudakwashe Mutsvene, Canaan Nyathi, Loveness Mutirikwa, Jonah Chivasa, Sir Benjamin Rupapa, Eleana Makombe, Juanita, Maureen Forlu, Voice of Triumph, Shabaach the Band and AfriPraise United, among others, putting up scintillating performances.
The well-organised and choreographed show had host radio personality Becky K flawlessly sailing through her paces as she wowed and charmed the audience with her voice, beauty and show.
Becky K did not fly alone; organisers also roped in the services of renowned Scarlet Studios stage and events manager Rumbidzai Matinanga, who made sure everything was on point and according to the script.
Becky K and Rumbi gave value to the show, kudos to them.
Back to the music, ZimPraise outdid themselves as they honoured ZAOGA leader Apostle Ezekiel Guti who passed away recently at 100 years, and dedicated the show’s second segment to him.
ZimPraise founder Joseph Madziyire gave an eulogy as the group sang Baba Guti’s favourite song, “Coming Down”.
It was emotional as everyone waved with their cellphone torch lights on, singing along.
What made the show unique for ZimPraise is that apart from its own performance, the group backed other musicians such as Janet Manyowa, Everton Mlalazi, Minister Michael Mahendere, Canaan Nyathi, Eleana Makombe and Minister Rumbie.
ZimPraise will remain ZimPraise, always at its best.
Clad in their African style robs like Little Red Riding Hood, they worked their magic as they kept their fans entertained, tune after tune.
The show, which started in the afternoon, had United Kingdom-based youthful group Voice of Triumph receiving a standing ovation from the crowd as they brought their A-game, fusing the gospel genre with hip-hop.
Then on the foreign side, guest artistes Maureen Forlu, Muyiwa Olarewaju and Juanita Francis had a good day in the office too, though they felt the heat from the Zimbabwean team.
It would be not fair to skip Sir Benjamin Rupapa, Kudakwashe Mutsvene and Jona Chivasa, whose energetic and vibe moves were par excellence.
They brought the house down with their transition backed by ZimPraise.
Janet Manyowa made sure that everyone fulfilled “Zadzisa” with blessings and grace as she came on stage singing the hit song.
The crowd was in left in awe.
Calm and collected, Everton Mlalazi did not disappoint as he also proved his mantle.
What made his presence unique, this time around, was his fashion sense and with such good vocal ability, he fused music and fashion just like an international star that he has become.
Closing the show was Minister Mahendere who drove the crowd wild – too bad he did not finish his performance due to the time limit of the venue, leaving fans clamouring for more.
The show was a success in all respects, but the organisers should in future learn to keep time, which is of importance when it comes to performances in the United Kingdom set up.
The organisers then announced that next year’s AfriPraise festival will be in Birmingham, at a bigger venue and space.
“This was amazing and I greatly enjoyed the show,” said Mona James from Leicester. “You know, with our tight schedule here it is difficult to meet or have a social life. We started planning to attend this show two months ago.
“Having Zimbabweans under one roof praising God, was what I liked most. Kudos to the organisers, and for next year’s event they can also have yesteryear artistes, fusing with the current ones.
“We want Baba naMai Charamba here at the festival.”
Madziyire said he was happy with the turnout and could not believe the festival was such a success.
“Thank you London,” he said. “This is the first and many more to come. Next year we are in Birmingham and thank you for the support.”
Online Reporter