Businessman drops surprise car gift

Tafadzwa Zimoyo

Zimpapers Entertainment Editor

Is John Makombe quietly stepping into the league of Zimbabwe’s big spenders the so-called mbingas?

That’s the question exploding across social media after the businessman and philanthropist stunned the nation by giving away a brand-new Toyota Aqua at this year’s Grateful Experience Concert.

In a country where figures like Sir Wicknell Chivayo have long dominated headlines for car gifting sprees, Makombe’s unexpected generosity has sparked fresh debate: Is a new mbinga rising?But Makombe himself is brushing off the comparisons.

Turning 40, he insists the car giveaway has nothing to do with clout, status or outshining anyone.

Instead, he says it is simply a heartfelt birthday gesture meant to bless someone’s life not a stunt to push ticket sales.

“This is just a gift,” Makombe maintains. I’m not trying to become anyone or compete with anyone. I just want to celebrate my milestone by blessing someone.

That’s it.”

Despite the chatter, one thing is clear: his act has electrified the entertainment scene and instantly become the biggest surprise of the festive season.

And as for tickets?

Organisers say the concert didn’t need the car to gain traction.

Sales were already strong and the announcement has merely added extra fire to the already blazing hype surrounding The Grateful Experience 2025 at the HICC on December 6.

This year’s concert boasts one of the strongest gospel line-ups of the season, featuring powerhouses and crowd favourites who never disappoint.

Fans can expect uplifting performances from Ellard & Sharon Cherayi, the evergreen Takesure Zamar, spirit-soothing Nyasha Mutonhori, Spiwe Ndebele, Blessing Jedthun, Minister Micheal Mahendere, and Larry Gunda among others.

The show will also host South African heavyweights Rebecca Malope and Sipho Makhabane, returning to the HICC to deliver deep worship moments fans have been craving all year.With that kind of line-up, insiders say The Grateful Experience was already set to sell out long before Makombe threw in a shocking birthday twist.

Yet nothing has stirred excitement like the car giveaway.

Fans have flooded social media with jokes, memes and prayers hoping destiny will smile upon them. The rules are simple: buy a ticket, attend the show, and your ticket automatically enters the random draw. One person will drive away with the Toyota Aqua and for them, December will never be the same again. Organisers have praised Makombe’s generosity, saying it aligns perfectly with the theme of the Grateful Experience: worship, gratitude, giving and community.

The gesture, they say, captures the true spirit of the event touching lives in personal and powerful ways.

And Makombe?

Even as the public debates whether he is joining Zimbabwe’s elite car-gifting league, he remains calm, humble, and focused on purpose.

“This wasn’t done for noise,” he says. “I’m just grateful for life.

If my birthday can make someone else happy, then that’s the best gift to me.”

Whether Zimbabwe crowns him a new mbinga or not, one thing is certain: Makombe’s 40th birthday has officially made headlines and The Grateful Experience 2025 is now the most anticipated gospel event of the year.

As the countdown begins, industry watchers say this year’s Grateful Experience could redefine the local gospel fraternity. With its bold production, elite line-up and unexpected acts of generosity, the concert is fast becoming a benchmark for how faith-based events can blend excellence, purpose and community impact.

Many believe this edition will raise the bar for local promoters, inspire more collaborative worship events, and cement the HICC as the home of Zimbabwe’s biggest gospel moments.

And coming right in the heart of the festive season, the show is expected to set the tone for December bringing families, worshippers and music lovers together for a night of joy, praise and healing.

From the powerful performances to the life-changing car giveaway, Grateful Experience 2025 is shaping up to be more than just a concert; it’s becoming the spiritual and celebratory launchpad for the holiday season, leaving the nation buzzing with hope, unity and that unmistakable December magic.