adminThe choral group beat 25 other groups that participated at this year’s edition held at Mkoba Teachers’ College.
For dominating the festival that was held for the eighth time, the Harare-based choral group received a floating trophy, US$300 in cash, umbrellas and caps.
Glen Norah St Andrews’ came out second and received US$250 plus a trophy.
In third place was Budiriro Choir, which received US$200 for their efforts.
All members of the winning choirs received maize seed, and all choirs walked away with cash prizes enough to cover their travelling expenses.
The festival dominated by the groups from Harare produced fireworks with director of ceremonies Mr Zacheus Kandemiri ensuring more entertainment for the audience.
The hilarious veteran spiced up the festival with anecdotes that sent the crowd into frenzy.
Mr Nyepanai Katsande, the worship chairperson of the Mubvuwi United Methodist Church Music Festival said: “This is not about fame but about spreading the Word of God. In that vein, sponsors, especially those from the corporate world, should help the church in spreading the gospel by assisting festivals of this nature.
“Sponsoring church events is like casting the net wider to lure more people in the worship of the Lord.
“This lightens God’s work and we thank the various sponsors for promoting the church to the highest level.”
The music festival – now in its eighth edition – also marked church’s West Annual Conference, which ran concurrently with the music festival.
The event, which was sponsored by
the traditional sponsors Black Granite, South Bay Real Estate, Rukariro Farm, and the Mhundwa Family had new sponsors like Kingdom Bank, Seed co and Muchi-Hyper.
Each group performed two songs, one of their choice plus a set piece, the hymn “Ndinouya Nemashoko”.
The adjudicators had a tough time in choosing the winner but it was the
group Glen Norah East, which put up a thoroughly polished act separating them from the rest.
Veteran harmonist, Kingston Dande who also leads the group mesmerised the audience with his well-choreographed dance moves and mellow voice.
Coordinator of choir festival Mr Katsande said he was very grateful of the support rendered to them by the event sponsors.
“The event went on smooth without any interruptions or glitches demonstrating that it was well planned. We are very thankful to our sponsors and the Lord almighty whom without, this would have not succeeded.”
Bishop E. K Nhiwatiwa of the United Methodist Church highlighted in his speech the power of music.
“Music serves not just as entertainment but also as a means of spreading the gospel and uniting the people. What we have done today is we have managed to entertain the people, spread the gospel as well as unify the people in song,” he said.
He said for next year’s edition, all United Methodist Churches in Zimbabwe will compete in the festival.
The Church is made of two conferences (the east and west.)
Speaking on behalf of the sponsors of
the event Mr Simba Utsiwegota of Black Granite said they are planning on taking the music competition to a higher level in the country.
He said this is one event, which brings men together in their big numbers and show serious commitment by practising together three to four months before the competitions at District Conference and finally Area, which is Zimbabwe.
He said all the sponsors were committed to this event and were ready for the next festival.
Peter Tanyanyiwa
Online Reporter