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Tafadzwa Ndlovu and Yeukai Karengezeka
Many gospel artistes received recognition at the Prophets Emmanuel and Ruth Makandiwa Invitational Concert and Awards Night held at the City Sports Centre over the weekend.
The concert was held to celebrate the first anniversary of the United Family International Church channel — Christ TV – and to honour local talent.
Over 40 musicians were recognised for their positive contribution in the music industry over the past years at the PERMICAN Awards
Amongst them were the first gospel music couple Pastor Charles and Olivia Charamba, Baba Manyeruke, Willis Wattafi, Pastor G, Sunshine City Choir, CCAP Choir, Fungisai Mashavave and Kudzai Sevenzo.
The invitational awards were given to many artistes as a way of encouraging them to spread the word.
Entertainment on the night was from artistes across genres as secular musicians made surprise appearances. Performers included Saiwe Chimbetu, UFIC Choir, Baba Manyeruke, Mathias Mhere, Sabastian Magacha, Hubert C, Gospel Power, Bethany Pasinawako- Ngolomi.
A big hit was Sulumani Chimbetu who thrilled fans with his song “Sean Timba” which he turned into a gospel song and it became a sing-along as people sang “Kana Satan anetsa varume batai munhu”.
He took his chance while on stage to announce that he was thinking of joining the church following the footsteps of Leonard Zhakata, a fellow secular musician who has since aligned himself with the church.
Another surprise act was Kapfupi, who joined afro-jazz sensation Edith WeUtonga and Sulumani for a rendition of Joyce Simeti’s popular song “Ndakange Ndisipo” much to the delight of fans.
Vabati VaJeovha performed the song “Narini” that left fans begging for more and saw the whole auditorium dancing Berea style.
The song “Kwekuturira” by Magacha and Zhakata ushered people into the realm of worship.
Pastor Charamba said he appreciated the ministry for uniting gospel musicians.
“We feel humbled to be part of this event. It is a good thing to be honoured and I salute him for blasting piracy,” he said.
Speaking during the function, UFIC Prophet Makandiwa said there was need to eradicate piracy in the music industry and support local musicians so that they can earn a living from making music.
He said stringent laws must be enforced on people who practise piracy and that Christ TV was a platform open for Zimbabwean gospel artistes and was going to be used as a tool to support and finance local talent.
Online Reporter