Langalakhe Mabena, [email protected]
The stage is being set for another spectacular celebration of Gospel music, with preparations for the 2026 edition of the Celestial Chorus Soiree gathering momentum as organisers promise a bigger production that will raise the bar in Zimbabwe’s Gospel entertainment industry.
Executive producer Everton Mlalazi said this year’s showcase, which returns to the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC) on December 31, would build on the success of previous editions through an ambitious production, a diverse line-up of local and international performers and a spiritually driven message centred on judgment, salvation and personal transformation.
The preparations follow the successful release of Celestial Chorus 3 on July 24. The production was initially recorded on December 31, 2025, at the HICC, with additional scenes captured on March 21, 2026, at the Big Top Arena, Carnival City, in Johannesburg, South Africa.
For the fourth edition, organisers are shifting their focus from the theme of the Law, explored through last year’s elaborate stage concept depicting Mount Sinai and the two tablets of stone, to a subject they believe carries an equally compelling spiritual message.
Mlalazi revealed that his song Apo Mambo would serve as the central hymn for Celestial Chorus 4, anchoring the production’s message.
The song’s title draws from the Shona expression referring to the presence of a king or ruler and speaks to God’s sovereignty, majesty and authority. It calls on humanity to recognise God as the ultimate King, before whom everyone must acknowledge their place and responsibility.
Its inclusion in the production reinforces the central message of divine authority and accountability.
“Last year, our theme focused on the Law, which is why we depicted Mount Sinai and the two tablets of stone on stage, highlighting the perfection of God’s law.
“This year, our theme is centred on judgment. However, we do not want people to look at judgment only from its frightening perspective. Our message is that judgment is coming, but we still have an opportunity to accept Christ as our personal Saviour and change our ways.
“While judgment is ongoing, there will also be a final judgment, and we want people to be prepared for that day,” he said.
Beyond the spiritual message, audiences can expect a musical experience bringing together Zimbabwean and South African Gospel performers, with Mlalazi also teasing the appearance of a surprise headline act from the United States.
The event will extend beyond the concert stage, with patrons set to enjoy a pre-show dinner hosted through the Bridging Gaps Foundation before the musical celebrations continue into the New Year.
Mlalazi said the intention was to create an experience combining faith, music and fellowship while giving audiences a memorable way to usher in 2027.
“Through the Bridging Gaps Foundation, patrons will also be treated to a dinner before the concert, after which the celebrations will continue into the New Year. We are looking forward to another memorable experience that brings together Christians and music lovers,” he said.
The ambition to raise production standards is also being supported by investment in the skills and expertise of the people working behind the scenes.
Last month, the Celestial Chorus team, operating under the Bridging The Gap Foundation, embarked on a week-long educational and entertainment study tour to South Korea, where members explored international approaches to event production, technical innovation and entertainment management.
The visit was designed to expose the team to professional systems and creative practices that could be adapted to Zimbabwe’s growing live entertainment industry.
The delegation comprised specialists from various departments, including show production, event planning, event direction, media, camera operations, technical management, sound and lighting engineering.
Among those who travelled were Rumbidzai Matinanga, Gamuchirai Mlalazi, Endelani Kachepa,
Marshal Chikorowondo, Tatenda Rushwaya, Blessing Bhero and Kevin Zhou.
For the team, the experience was less about sightseeing and more about understanding the technical and organisational processes behind internationally acclaimed productions, from stage management and technical coordination to the seamless integration of sound, lighting and visual effects.
Team leader Gamuchirai Mlalazi said the trip represented an important investment in the people responsible for translating the Celestial Chorus vision into a live experience.
“The importance of this trip was that it gave our team an opportunity to learn, observe and experience how entertainment is produced at an international level. We wanted to understand the systems, the technical requirements and the creative thinking that go into delivering world-class shows,” she said.
She added that the knowledge gained would give the production team greater confidence and technical expertise as it prepares for the upcoming showcase.
“Producing a major show requires more than putting artistes on stage. It involves coordination, planning, sound, lighting, visuals, stage management, and ensuring that every department works together seamlessly.
“We believe this exposure will help us improve our standards and bring new ideas to the production of Celestial Soiree,” she said.
The experience has also strengthened the team’s ambition to develop the event into a platform capable of attracting talent from across the world while giving Zimbabwean performers opportunities to share the stage with international acts.
“I am very happy about what Celestial Soiree represents and the opportunities it creates for us to work with talented artists from Zimbabwe and beyond. Bringing different performers together requires careful planning, creativity and a professional approach.
“We want Celestial Soiree to continue growing, and we believe that learning from other markets will help us raise the bar and create an experience that audiences will remember,” she said. With an international study tour behind the production team, a new musical theme taking shape and performers expected from across borders, the 2026 Celestial Chorus Soiree is positioning itself as more than an end-of-year Gospel concert.
