Liberty Dube
Entertainment Correspondent
THE countdown to the Eloi Prayer Outreach Festival has begun, with organisers set to bring together church leaders, prominent individuals, public office bearers and members of the media for an unveiling session on November 10 ahead of the main event on December 5.
The unveiling session will introduce stakeholders to the vision, objectives and programme of the forthcoming festival, which is expected to bring together gospel music lovers and worshippers for a celebration of faith through music and prayer.
One of the organisers of the event and veteran gospel artiste, Agatha Murudzwa, said the November 10 gathering will provide an opportunity to engage key stakeholders, outline the festival’s vision, and encourage participation from churches, individuals and other partners.
Members of the media fraternity are also expected to attend, giving journalists an opportunity to interact with organisers and familiarise themselves with the initiative ahead of the December 5 launch.
Murudzwa said the festival was designed to bring together people from different backgrounds, including musicians and other stakeholders, under one platform of worship.
“We want to give all stakeholders an opportunity to be involved. We also want musicians to be part of this initiative because music will be an important component of the festival. However, this will be music presented in a prayerful atmosphere, where people will come together, not just to enjoy the performances, but also to worship and praise God,” she said.
Murudzwa said the initiative was also aimed at creating an opportunity for people from different walks of life to gather in fellowship, noting that Mutare had relatively few gospel festivals taking place this year.
“It is actually one of the few gospel festivals taking place in Mutare this year. We felt it will be nice to have people from different walks of life coming together to praise God. We want to create an atmosphere where people can put aside their differences and unite through worship, prayer and gospel music,” she added.
The main festival will be held at the Eastern Highlands Christian Church, and is expected to feature a line-up of gospel music personalities, including Pastor Tinashe Murigo, Carol Chidzikwe, Pastor Billy Ngoreta, Cloris Machuwaire and Fungisai Zvakavapano-Mashavave.
The diverse line-up is expected to bring together different gospel music styles and expressions of worship, giving audiences an opportunity to experience performances from established gospel musicians and ministers.
The November 10 unveiling is expected to be an important step towards building stakeholder participation and creating awareness ahead of the December 5 gathering.
The festival seeks to create a platform for worship, spiritual reflection and the celebration of gospel music while bringing together churches, Christian leaders and communities.
