Sundaymail Editor
Takudzwa Chihambakwe
IT appears the gospel music scene is buzzing on a different and much better frequency this year compared to previous periods.
Yes, there is still a long way to go into the year, but the positive vibe is encouraging.
We have already witnessed the release of several projects, which include live DVD recordings from the likes of FIG Worship Culture, Nyasha Mutonhori, Marbel Madondo and Petronella Sengwayo.
Bigshots such as Zimpraise are set to drop new material on Independence Day, while rising star Wenyasha Chingono has been serenading audiences with content from his new project. Add to that, one of the most celebrated and leading worship leaders on the continent, Sinach, will be in Zimbabwe for a concert at the Harare International Conference Centre tomorrow.
The multi-award-winning Nigerian singer — famed for her hit track “Way Maker” — will be the headline act at the show dubbed “It’s Time”.
She will share the stage with some of Zimbabwe’s crème de la crème in gospel music, namely Janet Manyowa, Minister Michael Mahendere and Takesure Zamar Ncube. To add spice, organisers of the show, Go Gospel International, have roped in the services of South African singer Ntokozo Mbambo.
Speaking in an interview with The Sunday Mail Society, Go Gospel International head of public relations Pastor Yasha Chiriseri said the gig was initially set to take place in Australia.
“My friend and founder of Go Gospel International, Frazer Chibanda, based in Australia, started having conversations with Sinach and her team earlier this year regarding a tour in Australia and New Zealand.
“However, when Sinach found out he was stuck here in Zimbabwe due to Covid-19 travel restrictions, she suggested having the gig in Zimbabwe. I don’t think this was a coincidence, God had something in store,” said Pastor Chiriseri.
“God tells us that there is a command blessing when we are united; but even more so now after we have been starved of corporate worship due to the pandemic. We believe that there is a key moment that God had set in motion, hence our theme comes from Psalms 102:13.”
On whether they will be hosting more shows, he said: “This certainly isn’t a once-off for Zimbabwe. We have plans in the works that will put smiles on faces of many Zimbabweans, not just in Harare.”
Pastor Chiriseri also shared how they came up with the list of performers.
“Takesure Zamar has a way of ushering people into the presence of God from many different tongues and tribes, an anointing that has crossed borders. We also have Janet Manyowa, whose songs have touched the hearts of everyone across the nation; a true worshipper in her own right. Minister Michael will help our praises go up and bring the glory of the Lord down.
“Then there is Mkhululi Bhebhe, who we all love to dance and sing along with whenever he is on a platform. Celebration Choir, under Pastor Bonnie Deuschle, has truly changed the way gospel music sounds in Zimbabwe, and they truly have a unique sound that is needed on a day like this,” he said.
But, eyebrows have been raised over the pricing of tickets, which are pegged at US$25 for ordinary seats and US$50 for VIP silver.
VIP gold tickets, which include backstage moments with Sinach, are going for US$100, while one has to part with a cool US$250 for VIP platinum tickets.
The platinum-pass includes backstage dining with Sinach and a night for two at the hotel.
“We think the ticket prices are very reasonable considering all the factors involved in hosting the top performers,” argued Pastor Chiriseri.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter