Online Reporter
Tafadzwa Zimoyo
Zimpapers Entertainment Editor
ZIMBABWE’S gospel scene is celebrating after Sharon Cherayi pulled off one of the biggest surprises of this year’s National Arts Merit Awards nominations.
She landed her first NAMA nod by breaking into a category long dominated by familiar names.
The soft-spoken gospel singer admits she was completely caught off guard.
“I was shocked, honestly,” Sharon said.
“I didn’t expect this at all. I just froze when I heard the news.”
Her nomination rides on the unstoppable wave of her hit song “Huya,” a gospel anthem that swept across the country and refused to be boxed into church walls.
From kids singing it at home, to elderly worshippers lifting it in prayer, Huya became a song for everyone.
Last year, it was virtually impossible to escape Huya.
It echoed through churches, blasted from speakers at family gatherings and flooded social media timelines.
Within Christian circles, it dominated airplay and quickly became one of the most requested worship songs of the year.
“I never imagined the song would reach so many people,” Sharon said.
“To see children, parents and even grandparents connecting with it has been overwhelming.”
The song’s reach did not stop at Zimbabwe’s borders.
Huya travelled far and wide, earning Sharon international attention and opening doors to performances and ministry opportunities beyond the country.
“I started receiving messages from people overseas telling me how the song touched them,” she said.
“That’s when I realised this was bigger than me.”
When the NAMA nominations were announced, congratulatory messages poured in from fellow artists, church leaders and fans at home and abroad.
For Sharon, the recognition felt surreal.
“My phone didn’t stop buzzing,” she said with a laugh.
“People were celebrating me more than I was celebrating myself.” Despite the buzz, Sharon remains humble and quick to share the spotlight.
She had warm words for the other women nominated in her category.
“They are amazing artists,” she said.
“I truly wish them the best.
‘‘Being nominated alongside them is already a blessing.”
Her nomination is being hailed as a win for gospel music, a genre that has often watched from the sidelines as secular acts dominated major award categories.
Sharon’s inclusion has reignited debate about the growing influence of faith-based music in the mainstream.
But for Sharon, trophies are not the focus.
“This nomination doesn’t change my purpose,” she said.
“I will keep singing for God, with or without awards.” Win or lose on awards night, Sharon Cherayi has already made her mark.
