Online Reporter
Tafadzwa Zimoyo
Zimpapers Arts Editor
MAGNIFICENT!
This is how to aptly describe Minister Mahendere’s mega show, the July Worship Music Festival (JWMF), held at Belgravia Sports Club in Harare, which was highly subscribed by gospel lovers.
The event, which began in the afternoon, ended around 2130hrs and saw Minister Michael Mahendere sharing the stage with Blessing Jedthun, Eleana Makombe, Nyasha Mutonhori, Cleo Arie and Samantha Harry.
The event was a family fun day fiesta with exhibitors showcasing their wares and jumping castles for the children before the main show got underway.
All the supporting acts were given 45 minutes to shine with the host performing for two-and-a-half hours.
First up on set was rising star Cleo Arie.
This was Cleo’s introduction to the corporate world.
Then her big sister in ministry, Nyasha Mutonhori, clad in a red outfit matching her backing vocalists, took over and entertained the crowd with her hit songs.
She paved the way for South Africa-based Zimbabwean musician Blessing Jedthun, who performed ‘Kwatabva Kure’ and the crowd’s favourite, ‘Ndinoda Iwe.’
He was joined by Minister Michael Mahendere on stage.
Eleana Makombe was next and she started with dance tunes like ‘Kana Jehovha’ but she later changed the drive to a worship session as she sang popular hymnal songs.
Then, the gospel couple — Minister Ellard and Sharon Cherayi — took over and left an indelible mark on stage as they belted out tune after tune.
Then, it was time for the main act and Minister Mahendere delivered a polished act during his two performances, the first was a worship session and the last was a praise segment.
He sang ‘Messiah’, ‘Makanaka Jesu,’ ‘Guta Rerutiziro’, ‘Ndinobuda Pakaoma’, and ‘Salt of the Earth’ among others.
He was joined by his wife, Vimbai, on stage.
He filled Belgravia Sports Club to capacity. Mahendere, who is also an instrumentalist, displayed his guitar skills on stage and said he was inspired by the late Dr Oliver Mtukudzi and Baba Mechanic Manyeruke.
“Thank you all for coming in your numbers, this means a lot to me. I salute my mentors, Dr Tuku and Baba Manyeruke,” he said.
“This festival also gives an opportunity to the talented young artists such as Cleo Arie and Samantha Harry whom I have been nurturing.
“I am happy they delivered, especially performing not to thousands of people but alongside the top artists in the gospel industry.”
Mathew Masinge