admin“The Next Generation” conference, which runs from August 10-13 in the capital.
Also expected at the conference are high- profile speakers among them Dr David Molapo, a popular South African motivational speaker and businessman, as well as
Dr Nevers Mumba, former vice-president of Zambia.
Petunia Chiriseri, who is the senior pastor and co-founder of His Presence Ministries, confirmed Haddon was coming to Zimbabwe.
“We are privileged to host Haddon, an amazing performer, spirit-filled and dynamic young musician.
“The purpose of the show is to provide positive role models for the youths. This is why the theme is Next Generation.
“As a ministry we want to promote Christian moral values in music and lyrics because as, you are aware, secular music is now laden with negative messages that promote alcohol abuse, drug abuse, illicit sex and satanism that impact negatively on the youths.
“Celebrities’ lives affect people and this is why we want them to portray positive messages through music because music is powerful,” she said.
Pastor Petunia urged not only the youths but also adults to attend the concert.
“We have been partnering with several schools in Harare and students will buy tickets at discounted price of US$8 and US$30 for the VIPs while those under the age of 12 will attend the show for free,” she said.
Haddon’s tour of Africa will take him to South Africa, Zambia and then Zimbabwe.
In Harare, Haddon will share the stage with Sebastian Magacha, Thembelani, His Presence Ministries Choir, Zimpraise Choir and many others.
Born Deitrick Vaughn Haddon in 1973, he is a gospel singer, songwriter, producer and pastor popularly known for his contemporary style of music and progressive gospel styles.
He is a native of Detroit, Michigan.
According to wikipedia, Haddon launched his solo career as a Christian R&B vocalist with the Lost & Found on Tyscot/Verity in 2002. The set peaked at number one on Billboard’s Top Gospel Charts and received wide critical acclaim and spawned the hit “Sinner’s Prayer” which received heavy spins on gospel and mainstream R&B radio stations.
“The 70s-leaning ‘Crossroads’ followed in 2004, led off by the upbeat single “God Is Good”.
“In an uncharacteristic move for marketing a gospel album, Detrick made an appearance on the long-running syndicated series “Soul Train” performing the single as well as the title track from the album.
“Haddon appeared to be pushing his gospel artistry for many things further into the ranks of mainstream venues with “7 Days”, released in October 10, 2006.
“7 Days” was produced almost entirely by R&B stalwart producers Tim & Bob (also responsible for hits by Sisqo, Chante Moore, Karen Clark Sheard, and others). Balancing out the contemporary bulk of the album is the traditional gospel flavoured lead single “Heaven Knows” which Deitrick produced himself.
“On December 1, 2006, Deitrick and Damita Haddon’s “85 South Gospel Street Show” premiered on The Word Network. The show features notable gospel artistes such as Men of Standard, Donnie McClurkin, Kierra Sheard, Natalie Wilson, and many other prominent gospel artistes. In essence, Deitrick and Damita Haddon provide novice artistes an opportunity to display their talents and gifts.
“Haddon once inked a recording contract with major label Arista Records, not known for producing gospel artistes. Haddon and his brother Gerald also produced the comeback album ‘Brand New Day’ for veteran gospel vocalist Vanessa Bell Armstrong. Deitrick Haddon & Voices Of Unity’s “Live The Life” won Gospel Music Workshop of America Excellence Awards for New Artiste of the Year — Urban Contemporary and Album of the Year—Urban Contemporary.
“On September 2, 2008, Deitrick Haddon released another album called ‘Revealed’. This album includes the popular single, ‘Love Him Like I Do’ (featuring Mary Mary and Ruben Studdard).
“On July 27, 2010 Haddon made his film debut in a movie released directly to DVD called ‘Blessed and Cursed.’
“On January 25, 2011 Deitrick Haddon released the much anticipated ‘Church On The Moon’, his fifth album with Verity Records.
“The album debuted at number one on the Billboards Top Gospel charts and number 65 on the Billboard 200.”
Online Reporter