Online Reporter
Maria Chiguvari
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
FROM a smaller stage to a bigger stage—this aptly sums up the journey of the annual July Worship Music Festival (JWMF), which continues to be praised for promoting new and fresh gospel talent.
Running under the theme “Great Joy,” the 2025 edition of the festival is scheduled for July 12 at the Belgravia Sports Club in Harare.
Each year, the festival introduces emerging gospel artists and provides them with the opportunity to share the stage with some of the genre’s most established names.
This year is no exception, with upcoming talents like Samantha Harry and Cleo Arie poised to share the spotlight with gospel heavyweights such as Minister Michael Mahendere, Eleana Makombe, Nyasha Mutonyo, Blessing Jeduthun, Minister Ellard and Sharon Cherayi.
In an interview with Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub, Samantha Harry said she was excited to perform at this year’s event.
Under the mentorship of the renowned Minister Mahendere, Harry has steadily grown in her musical journey and is thrilled to finally share her ministry on such a grand platform.
“It’s all thanks to Minister Michael Mahendere who’s been mentoring me in this music journey. It feels great, and it feels like a step in the right direction for my career.I look forward to actively contributing to the success of the event, worshipping together with the people in line with the theme ‘Great Joy’. I shall also be performing my songs, ‘Hazviko’ and ‘Tinokurira’. My songs minister hope to the believers and that’s the message I hope to convey. Every now and then, believers find themselves in dire need of hope, therefore, the message of hope becomes paramount.”
Although this year’s edition will be a one-day event, organisers have promised that the faithful can still expect the full JWMF experience they have come to know and love over the years.
In 2024, the festival spanned three days, running under the theme “Celebrating the Beauty of Diversity”.
That edition featured a star-studded line-up that included Minister Ellard, Janet Manyowa, Sharon Cherayi, Bridget Ndanga, Eleana Makombe, Tsitsi, Mai Tande, Psalmist Hubert C, Everton Mlalazi, Tapiwa Masara, Misheck Mahendere, Larry Gunda, Pastor Josh Kays, and Blessing Jeduthan. Many of those names are expected to return for this year’s show.
