Online Reporter
Tafadzwa Zimoyo
Zimpapers Entertainment Editor
GOSPEL music lovers are set for an even bigger start to next year after Ecobank was unveiled as the headline partner for gospel diva Janet Manyowa’s ‘A Night of Thanksgiving (ANOT).’
The announcement was made on Friday at a press conference held at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe during the official unveiling of ANOT 7, with organisers also revealing a major change to the format of the annual gospel celebration.
For the first time since its launch, ANOT will no longer be confined to New Year’s Day.
The event will now run from January 1 to 2, 2027, giving gospel fans two days of worship, music and thanksgiving as they usher in the New Year.
The expanded format is expected to bring even more excitement to an event that has steadily grown into one of Zimbabwe’s biggest gospel music gatherings.
Ecobank senior executive, Mike Dengwane, was visibly excited about the partnership, thanking gospel fans for continuing to support ANOT and stressing the bank’s commitment to the local creative industry.
“Ecobank is excited to be part of ANOT. We want to thank the gospel fans who have supported this event over the years,” said Mike.
“As a bank, we believe it is also our responsibility to promote local talent, especially our musicians.
“Music is an important part of our culture and economy and we want to continue supporting platforms that give our artists an opportunity to shine.”
The partnership comes just weeks after Ecobank successfully hosted the Ecobank Legends Night Africa 2.0, which brought together some of the continent’s biggest names in music alongside Zimbabwean legends.
The concert, which featured international stars including Salif Keita and Yondo Sister, was widely hailed as a success, further strengthening Ecobank’s growing association with Zimbabwe’s entertainment industry.
Dengwani said the bank was determined to maintain that momentum.
“We had a very successful Ecobank Legends Night recently and we promised to continue delivering,” he said.
“ANOT is another opportunity for us to celebrate our people, our music and our culture.”
But the surprises did not end with the headline partnership.
Dengwani also made a US$500 donation to Manyowa towards her shoe campaign drive, another initiative that was revealed during the press conference.
For Janet Manyowa, the biggest revelation was the decision to expand ANOT into a two-day affair.
She said the change was driven by the growth of the event and the desire to give fans an even bigger experience.
“ANOT has grown beyond what we initially imagined,” said Manyowa.
“This year we are doing things differently. For the first time, we are extending ANOT to January 2. January 1 will have its own line-up and January 2 will also have a different line-up.
“We want people to have more time to worship, celebrate and give thanks. ANOT is about starting the year with gratitude, and we believe two days will allow us to create an even greater experience.”
The line-up has already sparked excitement among gospel music followers, with Janet Manyowa, Sabastian Magacha, Hlengiwe Mhlaba, Sharon Cherayi, Pastor G, Matthias Mhere, Ntokozo Mbambo, Todd Dulaney, Takesure Zamar Ncube, Joyful Praise and other leading gospel acts from local to regional expected to feature on the two-day celebration.
Fans have already started expressing excitement over the extended format, particularly the prospect of seeing different artistes across the two days.
ANOT has become synonymous with starting the New Year on a spiritual note.
What began as Manyowa’s thanksgiving initiative has developed into a major annual gathering, attracting thousands of gospel lovers who come together to worship, reflect on the year gone by and dedicate the new year to God.
Over the years, the event has featured some of Zimbabwe’s biggest gospel voices while also providing a platform for emerging musicians.
Now, with Ecobank stepping in as headline partner and ANOT expanding to two days, the seventh edition is shaping up to be its biggest yet.
And with January 1 and 2 now firmly marked on the gospel calendar, 2027 looks set to begin with a musical bang — and plenty of thanksgiving.
