daniel chigunwe
Bren Mupa
United Kingdom Correspondent
Thousands of gospel music lovers from all walks of life including pastors, bishops, and apostles descended to Ezekiel Guti Conference Centre in Birmingham for the Free To Worship (FTW) concert recently.
It seems that gospel music concerts are taking their rightful place in the United Kingdom as gospel musicians are finding the opportunity to perform for the Zimbabwean market.
Good thing about these shows, is that they are almost sold out days before the show.
Kudos goes to the marketing side.
The Free To Worship concert was held in commemoration of the late Archbishop Ezekiel Handinawangu Guti who passed away in July at the age of 100.
For many gospel music lovers, this was the most anticipated show considering the group had not held any shows in the last two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Free to Worship choir gave a beautiful rendition of Baba Guti’s favourite song ‘It’s coming down”, which was emotional though left the fans clamouring for more. The crowd was so excited to see some of their favourite artists; they described it as a “Tribute like no other” after seeing Sir Benjamin of the ‘Mbiri Kunashe’ hit energetically performing, making sure he leaves an indelible mark with crowds singing along and dancing.
Not to be left out was Obert Mazivisa who also wowed the crowd with his song ‘Meso Emweya’.
The music moved from the group’s all-time favourite ‘Rumbidzayi Ishe’ sung by Dumi Mhlaba to gospel hip hop unlocked ‘Better day’ by the emerging generation JT Suave featuring Sal Sabvute and Tia Mutambira.
The young and old jammed to this song confirming that the emerging generation is the future of ‘Free To Worship’.
Gospel singer Mai Tekeshe, did well to blend in with the emerging generation to produce this amazing show”.
FTW music director for this year’s show fondly known as ‘MD’ said it was good to be back on stage after a long time.
“It had been a long time since FTW hosted a concert and the scenery at EGCC, people coming in their numbers to witness a comeback was amazing to see,” said the director.
“We brought new songs to the audience and took them on a journey down memory lane with all their favourites like ‘Rumbidzwai Ishe’, ‘Khuluma Moya’, ‘Ndaiwana Hama’, and ‘Meso’.
“We’re growing as a team and the experience next year will be better. Get ready for new songs, new talent, a refreshed performance, and experience.”
The vocal director Shylet Mudzamiri also left the crowd wanting more with her hit song ‘You are Good’ when asked how she managed such a huge group to give a flawless performance.
“This year was such an amazing experience.” She added, “The dedication, consistency, and willingness to do well from the entire team made it so easy for myself and the MD.” “I don’t like to pick favourites but the vibe that Blessing Mudzamiri brought on stage with her Amapiano fusion of ‘Ino inguva’ leaves me no choice but to confirm that she indeed stole the show! The dance, energy, and confidence that she brought on stage cannot go unnoticed.”
Minister Rumbi, Esther Mukazika Matanga, and Mai Tekeshe brought a beautiful balance to the group.
The event saw bubbly Aunty Mimiey as master of ceremony as she flawlessly sailed through during her segment.
In an interview with the chairman of FTW Tawanda Sarireni, he said the show was a good opportunity for musicians and gospel lovers as they had to interact and praise at the same time.
“This year Free To Worship had quite a mixture of age groups. The youngest being 16 years and majority all under 20 years including the administration,” he said.
“The majority of our fans were teenagers because they marketed the show very well on their social media platforms.”
Online Reporter