Online Reporter
Tafadzwa Zimoyo and Langalakhe Mabena
JUST days after its official release, Celestial Chorus Volume 3 has become the talk of Zimbabwe’s gospel music fraternity, with worshippers flooding social media with clips, praise, and testimonies inspired by the project’s powerful renditions of timeless hymns.
Songs such as “Tiri Vana VaMambo,” “It Is Well,” “Power in the Blood,” “Thwala Mina,” “Master the Tempest,” and “Jesu Ari Mufudzi” are already enjoying widespread circulation on digital platforms, with many describing the album as one of the finest gospel productions ever to come out of Zimbabwe.
The excitement reflects how Celestial Chorus has evolved into much more than an annual concert. In just three editions, it has established itself as Zimbabwe’s flagship gospel production, redefining live worship through world-class musician-ship, orchestral excellence, and international-standard stage production.
What makes the production unique is its ability to unite celebrated gospel ministers from Zimbabwe and South Africa on one platform while preserving the beauty of traditional Christian hymns through fresh orchestral arrangements that resonate with both older worshippers and a new generation of listeners.
Unlike conventional gospel concerts centred on one headline act, Celestial Chorus celebrates collective worship, placing the message above individual personalities.
The result has been a production that continues to draw thousands of worshippers to the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC) every New Year’s Eve while attracting audiences beyond Zimbabwe through digital streaming.
The latest milestone came recently with the official release of Celestial Chorus Volume 3, recorded live during last year’s New Year’s Eve celebration at HICC before thousands of worshippers. Additional scenes were captured at the Big Top Arena in Carnival City, Johannesburg, South Africa, further reflecting the project’s growing regional foot-print.
Sponsored by the Bridging Gaps Foundation, the album once again demonstrates that Zimbabwe has the creative talent, technical expertise, and production capability to deliver gospel content that meets international standards.
At the centre of the vision is award-winning gospel musician Everton Mlalazi, who serves as executive producer while leading one of the most experienced creative teams assembled for a local gospel production.
Supporting him are project manager Gamuchirai Mlalazi, music director and producer Nigel Nyangombe, producer and engineer Courage “CoG Beatz” Munyamwa, technical director Tatenda Gaylord Rushwaya, show director Napoleon Nyanhi, show producer Rumbidzai Matinanga, production technical lead Tatenda Rushwaya, and events planner Kevin Zhou.
Together, they have built a production whose quality has become synonymous with excellence in Zimbabwe’s gospel music industry. Volume 3 features an impressive line-up of Zimbabwean and South African gospel heavyweights, including Sharon Cherayi, Janet Manyowa, Dum Mkokstad, Canaan Nyathi, Mthunzi Namba, Mmatema, Mpumi Mtsweni, Fisani Masinga, Rudo Madidi, Natasha Mlalazi, Peniel Tambama, Petronella Sengwayo, Tawanda Midzi, and Sindi Ntombela.
Their voices are accompanied by a rare 100-piece symphonic orchestra and a polished in-house live band, creating a worship experience rarely witnessed on the continent.
The 20-track album includes Tiri Vana VaMambo, It Is Well, Thwala Mina, Ndotondera Kalvari, I Surrender, Themba Nilale, Mira Segamba, Power in the Blood, Sobuthana Emfuleni, O Bvumai Ndifambe Nemi, Blessed Assurance, Mlindi Ngitshele, Mudyi Wenhaka, Master the Tempest, Izwe LaseBeula, Mununuri Huya, Give Me Jesus, Jesu Ari Mufudzi, Jesus Lover of My Soul, and Thokoza.
Speaking on the release, Mlalazi described the journey of producing Celestial Chorus Volume 3 as one of the most demanding yet fulfilling projects of his career.
“It’s a long and intricate process. When you’re working with a 100-piece orchestra, you can imagine the level of preparation involved. Every musical arrangement has to be carefully crafted for the orchestra, the band, and the choir, while we also work with a range of lead vocalists.
“For this album to be released is a dream come true. To see a production of this scale hosted and produced here in Zimbabwe is something special. It’s certainly not one of the easiest projects to execute, but it is one of the most rewarding.”
He said one of the greatest achievements of the project has been the collaboration between Zimbabwean and South African musicians.
“It was more than just a performance. It became an exchange of ideas, experience, and musical excellence that enriched everyone involved.” According to Mlalazi, audiences only witness the polished final production, yet months of planning, rehearsals, and coordination take place behind the scenes.
Managing a production involving more than 100 performers, technicians, and crew members requires meticulous planning and teamwork. “Each department has its own production team, and my responsibility is to ensure that everything, from audio and video production to stage execution, set design, and technical operations, is coordinated seamlessly. It’s a massive undertaking, but by God’s grace we’re able to deliver it year after year.”
For many in the arts industry, Celestial Chorus has become a benchmark for excellence, demonstrating how investment, creativity, and collaboration can elevate Zimbabwe’s gospel music sector while opening doors for regional and international partnerships.
Mlalazi believes the journey is only beginning. His long-term vision is to take Celestial Chorus beyond Zimbabwe and South Africa, staging the production across the African continent before expanding to destinations such as the United Kingdom and Australia, where vibrant Zimbabwean communities and strong orchestral traditions provide fertile ground for the concept. Even as gospel lovers continue embracing the newly released Volume 3, the team is already looking ahead.
Preparations for Celestial Chorus Volume 4, scheduled to be recorded on December 31, are already underway, promising yet another spectacular celebration of worship, musical excellence, and the continued rise of one of Zimbabwe’s most influential gospel productions.
