Online Reporter
Maria Chiguvari
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
LEGENDARY American gospel singer, CeCe Winans, brought the house down and dished out more than just the music at the Celebration Centre in Harare on Tuesday night.
The show is part of her global “More Than This” tour which has been drawing capacity crowds around the world.
The 17-time Grammy Award-winner delivered a powerful message of faith, worship and perseverance.
During her deeply emotional performance, which left many in tears as the American superstar opened up about her career, family and spiritual journey.
“I come from the Winans family, a pretty big family that’s been singing gospel music for a long time, that is what I also do.
“I’ve been blessed to know what a good family is and to be a part of the body of Christ,” she said.
She was joined by Rorisang Thandekiso, the South African broadcaster, author, and speaker, who hosted the event.
Janet Manyowa and Bonnie Deuschle also gave a good account of themselves.
This is CeCe’s most expansive international tour to date, following the global success of her 13-track worship album ‘More Than This,’ featuring fan-favourite ‘That’s My King.’
CeCe’s husband, Alvin Love II, was also present during her performance.
“My wonderful husband is here with me tonight as well. We’ve been married for 41 years.
“A lot of people don’t know but my last name really is Love but I’m kind of stuck with Winans, you know.
“We come from all the reasons that lift up the name of Jesus. I want to encourage you to get rid of all the distractions. Let’s focus on Him only.
“Let’s give Him all of our heart, all of our soul, all of our mind, all of our strength.”
The 60-year-old Cece performed in South Africa in Johannesburg and Cape Town.
The ‘Goodness of God’ hitmaker is a 17-time Grammy Award winner.
She has worked alongside her twin brother, BeBe Winans, as part of the duo BeBe & CeCe Winans.
Reflecting on performing in Africa, she said:
“Africa, oh my goodness, the talent, you know, I come over here to sing but I actually come to hear you sing.
“I love to hear you worship, there’s nothing like it, so we’re excited about tonight, you know, I don’t do what I do by myself, it takes a lot of people.
“We are honoured to be here. We’ve been touring internationally and, in the States, but the heart being the song, the tour is for God to help give us more.
“It says we must love Him with all our soul, heart and mind and how many of us know that we can’t do that without the Holy Spirit and we need the Holy Spirit to help us do that?
“That is our goal tonight, to forget about our stresses, meditate and give Him everything we have.”
Mathew Masinge