Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
THERAPEUTIC!
That is perhaps the best word to describe the 2026 July Worship Music Festival held at Glamis Arena in Harare over the weekend.
The event, which left many yearning for paradise, transformed into a powerful worship service where the presence of God was deeply felt.
A brainchild of Minister Michael Mahendere, the festival attracted a bumper crowd, proving that gospel music continues to enjoy immense support in Zimbabwe.
Beyond the impressive attendance, the event reaffirmed that gospel music is here to stay. Judging by what unfolded at Glamis Arena, Zimbabwe remains a predominantly Christian nation, with thousands gathering to worship through music.
Everything was on point — from the stage design, lighting, sound system and barricades to the overall organisation.
To say the event lived up to expectations would be an understatement. Magical perhaps best sums it up.
One of the major highlights of the festival was its stellar line-up of performers.
Eleana Makombe, who flew all the way from the United Kingdom to perform at the event, was full of energy from start to finish.
Despite her petite frame, her powerful voice and infectious energy, coupled with her joyful interaction with the crowd, proved that she is a giant when it comes to leading worship.
“I don’t even know where I get the energy every time I take to the stage,” Makombe said with a chuckle in an interview with Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub.
“I was born to worship and that will always remain my calling.
“I love everything that I do on stage because it is God’s calling.
“I don’t regret choosing this path and I will continue worshipping for years to come.”
Makombe expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support she received from fans.
“To be honest, I was humbled by the way the fans responded to my songs.
“They made my job easier and that alone shows that gospel music is here to stay.
“I will forever be grateful because they truly appreciated my ministry.”
South Africa-based Misheck Mahendere, the elder brother of Michael Mahendere, also had an outstanding day.
He delivered one of his finest performances, displaying remarkable energy from beginning to end.
In many ways, he proved to be the anchor among the Mahendere siblings.
He can sing, play virtually every instrument imaginable and dance joyfully before the Lord.
“I am always travelling in and out of Zimbabwe and worshipping is my calling,” said the energetic singer.
“I take every opportunity to minister seriously and I don’t regret following my calling and passion as a servant of God.
“I was humbled by the response I received today.
“It proved to me that people love gospel music and that it is here to stay.”
The singer, who warmed up the stage before Charles and Olivia Charamba’s performance, added:
“I will forever be grateful for what I witnessed today. It was truly epic.
“It was amazing hearing thousands of voices singing along with me.
“It means a lot to me and to the fans.”
As expected, Charles and Olivia Charamba brought class and maturity to the festival.
With their rich history in Zimbabwean gospel music, the first family of local gospel effortlessly led the crowd through a catalogue of timeless sing-along hits.
Their polished performance left the audience in awe.
Despite being one of the biggest names in Zimbabwean gospel music, Charles Charamba was also quick to applaud Minister Mahendere’s vision.
“I was ordained to do this and I cannot afford to disappoint my fans,” he said.
“I am proud of this young man and what he is doing. We are all servants of the Lord and that means a lot to us.
“I will continue doing my best to keep people in the presence of God.”
He also thanked the thousands of worshippers who packed the venue.
“Drawing such a huge crowd is never easy and it means a lot to us.
“I will always appreciate the fans for their unwavering support.
“I encourage them to continue supporting gospel music because it is here to stay.”
As for the host, Minister Michael Mahendere, he undoubtedly stole the show.
From his wardrobe, choreography, stage communication and overall performance, everything was executed to perfection.
At one point, he fought back tears as he thanked fans for turning up in their thousands.
“It is by God’s grace that we have attracted such a bumper crowd. I will always be grateful for your support.
“It is only God who has made this event such a huge success,” he said during his performance.
Corporate sponsors who backed Minister Mahendere’s initiative should be proud of what they helped achieve.
Mahendere is not only a gifted singer but also an outstanding brand ambassador who understands how to deliver a world-class production.
The success of this year’s July Worship Music Festival has undoubtedly raised the bar for gospel events in Zimbabwe.
More importantly, it demonstrated the unifying power of worship music, bringing together thousands of believers for an unforgettable day of praise, hope and spiritual renewal.
If the atmosphere witnessed at Glamis Arena is anything to go by, the festival is well on its way to becoming one of the country’s premier annual gospel gatherings.
