Online Reporter
Tafadzwa Zimoyo recently in Botswana
The just-ended Grateful Experience held in Botswana united the continent, triggering a demand for more shows in other parts of the countries.
Successfully held at the Gaborone International Convention Centre and hosted by Eleana Makombe, the event was blessed with a stellar line-up from South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana.
Several artistes, both international and local, cancelled as they doubted that fans would attend the show, but Eleana did a sterling job and still achieved a big turnout.
Eleana and her Grateful team came, saw, and conquered.
Performing artistes, who included Janet Manyowa, Everton Mlalazi, Minister Micheal Mahendere, Canaan Nyathi, Takesure Zamar, Eleana Makombe, The Cherayis, Tlotlo, Omega Khunou, and Snowy had a good day in the office as each one had to perform their hit songs.
All the artistes complimented each other as they took turns to perform the same on the stage. It was a different setup altogether from the norm, where we have artiste after the other.
This time, they were all on the same stage and dancing and backing songs of each artiste, showing unification and love for one another. Eleana’s Grateful backing vocalists donned the Botswana national flag as a symbol of unity.
From worship to praise, the concert saw high-profile personalities such as diplomats, ministers, mayors, business personnel, and Botswana celebrities attending.
In an interview with Zimpapers Arts Hub, praised the just ended event as a unification and heroes celebration as not only as it brought various countries together but also bringing lost and rekindling memories of yesteryear hymns.
“I came for the hymns that we grew listening to from artistes such as Everton Mlalazi, Lebo Sekgobela, The Cherayis, and Eleana Makombe, among others.
“The event was amaing, and I came here to witness the magic of gospel music. Weeks before, we were promised Travis Greene, but the show was cancelled. We are used to South African musicians coming to perform, but having Zimbabweans was something else,” said 34-year-old Tswana lawyer Bogolo Kenewendo Kesegofetse.
She added that such events should be held as they promote unity among the countries.
“We are tired of xenophobia stories, but we love one another. What I experienced today (Saturday) was something else. I used to hear Minister Micheal Mahendere and Janet Manyowa on Tiktok, and this was a dream come true for me, meeting them. Thank you, Eleana, for the initiative,” said the lawyer.
Mpho Thato (29) said he was happy attending a gospel show at GICC after a long time due to ignorance of some promoters and artistes.
“We idolise and admire festivals and shows taking place in countries like Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Nigeria. Never had such a big event with top musicians under one roof and one stage. This is amazing, and I will continue to support the genre. We are the SADC members, hence we are family,” he said.
Theresa Mapungu from Zimbabwe, who followed the Grateful team to Botswana said history is repeating itself of having such shows.
‘‘We used to have foreign gospel stars like Sipho Makhabane and Rebecca Malope coming to Zimbabwe, and it was uplifting, but some shows are more of investments and money, although music is business, but looking at the lineup in Botswana, the musicians are original, and when it comes to promoting Christianity and pushing the genre high,’’ she said.
Mathew Masinge