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Tafadzwa Zimoyo Senior Arts Reporter
It was a night to remember last weekend, for Christians and gospel lovers, as prolific songstress Janet Manyowa held a successful album launch and DVD recording at Celebration Centre in Harare. The 11 track album dubbed ‘Grateful’ saw some of the local and international gospel greats performing at the fully packed auditorium which had an overflow crowd.
Some of the high profile artistes who performed include Pastor G, Tembalami, Shower Power, Celebration Choir, Call to Worship, South African gospel couple Ntokozo Mbambo and Nqubeko Mbatha, Dr Thumi and United States based singer Shingisai Suluma.
According to the organizers’ of the event the tickets for the show were sold out last Thursday and on the day the demand was so high with some people turned away at the door with their monies because of house full.
The event which ran under the theme, ‘Grateful Hearts – Lifted Hands’, saw Star FM radio personality Kudzai Violet Gwara affectionately known as KVG, television star Mbo Mahocs (real name Mbonisi Mahonondo) of popular South African soap Scandal and former radio presenter Napoleon Nyanhi (Napster) as masters of ceremony.
Not to be left out, is Bulawayo upcoming comedian and singer Nceku left everyone in stitches during the music interludes as he put up a scintillating performance with his Christian jokes.
The high live event kept everyone dancing and singing each time according to the line-up, an artiste was on stage
Globe trotter musician Tembalami dished out crowd’s favourite tunes from his recent albums.
Pastor G had his share on the cake too as he managed to wow the crowds with songs from his upcoming album ‘Victory 1911’ before South African Ntokozo Mbambo and hubby Nqubeko Mbatha were on stage.
Mbambo warmed the stage for ‘lady of the moment’ Janet Manyowa who had a marvelous grand entrance clad in a white designer garment which spread throughout the stage.
The crowd could not help it as they screamed for Manyowa who battled out tunes from her upcoming album which include ‘Nothing’ and ‘Tomutenda Nei’ among others.
Suddenly she disappeared on stage and came back in another attire as she started telling the crowd a little story.
Little did the crowd know, it was a stunt to introduce a song and her duet with Shingisai Suluma, which led the crowd in jovial mood?
The duo performed the song ‘Muchengeti’ with the whole auditorium singing along. They later sang Suluma’s song, ‘Tenda Mwari’ leaving the crowd in awe and proving that she was still in the game.
Manyowa also performed a worship song, ‘NdiMwari’ which she said was written by her husband Munyaradzi.
She was also joined on stage by Mbambo and Mbatha before she left the stage for local 90’s popular accapella group ‘Shower Power’, who rekindled their romance with their fans as they performed, ‘Jesu Anondidisisa’ and ‘Tsime Reropa’.
South African gospel icon, Dr Thumi was the icing on the cake as the crowd couldn’t control themselves, screaming, ululating and shouting his name as he was introduced on stage.
Thumi performed songs which include, ‘Reign in my life’ and ‘There is no other name’ as he managed to sail his pace flawlessly, singing together with the crowd. However, Manyowa alos took the opportunity to release her new video of ‘Tomutenda’ song
In an interview backstage with Manyowa, she said was shocked and excited at the same time.
“This is unbelievable. We under estimated this. I was surprised when I heard on Thursday that all the tickets were sold out, and today hearing again that there is also a huge crowd outside, it touched my heart,” she said.
She said was going to identify a local orphanage, where she will donate some of the proceeds.
Asked why she doesn’t hold shows or perform just occasionally just like other artistes, she said music is a part time job.
“I have a professional job and I do music on part time. My only strategy is to release singles. Remember this takes more time, planning and resources,” she said.
Online Reporter