Online Reporter
Zimpapers Entertainment Hub
THE voices arrived before anything else − strong, commanding and heaven-bound.
Before the fashion, before the fine dining, before the countdown to midnight, it was the sound that took control.
Hymns thundered, harmonies soared and an entire auditorium surrendered as gospel music transformed the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC) into sacred ground.
The Celestial Choral Hymns Soirée did not warm up − it erupted.
Zimbabwe’s gospel queens seized the opening moments with authority and grace. Janet Manyowa stirred deep emotion with Kufamba naMwari, her delivery tender yet resolute. Sharon Cherayi followed with the soul-soothing Ndomutewera, wrapping the room in reverence, while the ever-energetic Rudo Tania Madhindi ignited praise with the hymn Iwa Gamba, sending worshippers to their feet.
Petronella Sengwayo pushed vocal boundaries with soaring high notes that drew gasps and applause, creating moments so electric they felt almost otherworldly. Within minutes, the audience was clapping, singing and praising in unison, no longer spectators but participants in worship.
The night expanded in scale and sound as international voices took the stage. American gospel heavyweight Bishop Jason Nelson delivered a spine-tingling rendition of Jesus Lover of My Heart, his rich vocals cutting straight to the soul and holding the room in reverent silence.
Fellow American Robert Guy, renowned for his work with the Acapella Company, reminded audiences of the timeless power of harmony with a stirring performance of Power in the Blood. Stripped-down yet profound, his delivery proved that gospel needs no embellishment to move hearts.
South Africa’s contribution came with polished vocal excellence. Sindi Ntombela commanded the stage with emotive precision, while Mmatema brought contemporary flair rooted in worship tradition.
Bishop Mthunzi Namba, a founding member of the Joyous Choir, delivered depth and maturity, bridging generations of gospel sound. Rising star Canaan Nyati impressed with confidence and vocal clarity, earning some of the loudest applause of the night.
“Our neighbours from down south are unmatched when it comes to vocal discipline,” said local gospel producer Tafadzwa Chitandara. “What we witnessed tonight is continental excellence.”
Beyond the stage, the soirée lived up to its name. Elegantly dressed guests from Zimbabwe and across the region − including Nigeria, Uganda, Rwanda, Botswana and the Kingdom of Eswatini − filled the HICC, turning the night into a fusion of worship and high society.
A lavish global buffet complemented the experience. Chefs from Italy, France and the UAE worked alongside local culinary talent to serve Mediterranean, Asian and traditional Zimbabwean dishes − flavours reflecting the diversity mirrored on stage.
Yet for all the glamour, the music remained the undisputed centrepiece. Rooted in choral tradition but boldly contemporary, the performances blurred denominational lines and cultural borders.
“This is the kind of worship that unites everyone,” said Thomas Mafuse from the Methodist Church in Mbare. “You forget labels. You just worship.”
As midnight approached, anticipation thickened in the air. When the countdown finally ended, jubilation erupted. Canaan Nyati ushered in 2026 with an electrifying set, while award-winning gospel star Everton Mlalazi − doubling as host − guided the programme with veteran finesse and warmth. He also put up a scintillating performance as he dished out SDA tunes.
Also on the list were Mpumi, Sbu Noah and Natasha Mlalazi, whose vocal ability caused a stir.
As the final harmonies faded into the early hours of the new year, one thing was clear: the Celestial Choral Hymns Soirée was not just a crossover event. It was a masterclass in gospel performance − proof that when voices unite in excellence, worship becomes an experience that lingers long after the music stops.
