admin
Arts Correspondent
Gospel musician Ellard Cherayi and wife Sharon Manyonganise gave gospel music lovers an experience of a lifetime with a polished and spirit filled performance at a filled up 7 Arts Theatre in Avondale, Harare over the weekend.
The new generation power couple of gospel music demonstrated why they have become one of the most sought after gospel musicians, after they gave a scintillating performance backed by a glitch-free backing group.
Speaking on the sidelines of the sold out concert, Minister Ellard, as Cherayi is widely known in gospel music circles, said he was grateful to God for the grace and continued growth in their music ministry.
“God has been faithful and we are humbled by the positives that we are registering in our ministry. This is testimony of God’s presence in what we are doing and we are believing him for more.
“The numbers that came and the powerful praise and worship we witnessed tonight is so uplifting and I believe God has healed and ministered to his people in a big way.”
Cherayi said their career has continued on a positive surge since they started their solo careers as husband and wife and they are buoyed by the love they are getting from music lovers in general.
“Music is ministry to us and we strongly believe we are duty bound to play our part in ministering hope through our music and even beyond the stage. When we went solo, we were believing God for elevation and we are happy to continue witnessing growth in our work. Venues are becoming smaller and we are humbled by the numbers that filled 7 Arts today.”
The concert started on a high note with Bulawayo based Sipho Snowy taking music lovers through a powerful performance that demonstrated why he is a name to watch out for in gospel music circles.
The gospel music protégé belted out beautiful productions and showcased some fancy footwork that left the merry crowd in awe.
After Snowy came Sharon Manyonganise Cherayi who led the house into powerful praise backed by a polished live band and backing vocalists.
She has remained one of the most gifted vocalists since her dalliance with Zimpraise together with her husband before they embarked on what has become a highly successful solo career.
Sharon, who left the stage for his husband before they joined each other for the last segment of the show, thanked fans for their unwavering support.
“We have seen God at work through our ministry and being full time pastors and musicians we are grateful for this big endorsement.
“We started off with church performances then to smaller venues and now 7 Arts and I believe bigger things are coming both at local and international level,” she said.
The concert, which was ably handled by the high-riding radio and TV personality Becky K, was a marvel, thanks to a beautiful stage and powerful lighting that gave the perfect ambience for a memorable gospel music show.
Minister Ellard, who is a powerful speaker of the word, also took some time to exhort the filled up auditorium with some powerful biblical take as he shared of God’s love.
“God is indeed the Lifter of Man and he is still working out miracles and changing lives. Whatever life situation you are facing, God has got the answers. Open your heart today and receive God’s promises as enshrined in his word.”
Comedian Nigel ‘the Slick Pastor’ Maritinyu also had a good day in office, with his stand up comedy segment laced with real life take on issues that left the crowd in stitches.
The concert ended on a powerful note with AFM of Zimbabwe Bishop Panganai Vitalis Makarichi speaking a word on the life of Minister Ellard and wife.
“These two have been called for a greater purpose and I speak the blessing of the Lord upon their lives and ministry. I see you performing in sold out concerts in Zimbabwe, the region and globally. We pray that the Lord continues to use you in a might way,” he said.
As their stock in music circles continued to grow, The Cherayis who also announced that they now have a full time manager had various corporates supporting their weekend concert both financially and materially, leading to a beautiful and glitch free praise and worship experience.
leeroy