Makhabane to headline AFM conference concert

Pauline Mhuka-Magavu Arts Correspondent
SOUTH AFRICAN gospel singer Sipho Makhabane is expected to grace International Apostolic Faith Mission Greater Conference that begins today at Harare International Conference Centre.

Makhabhane will share the stage with local musicians like Pastor Charles and Amai Charamba, Sebastian Magacha, Matthias Mhere, Zim Praise, Kudakwashe Mutsvene and other upcoming gospel singers.

The conference is schedule to run until April 24.

“This is our first time to invite the South African gospel singer to come and perform during the AFM conference in Zimbabwe,” said AFM general secretary, Reverend Amon Madawo.

The gospel musician who was recently admitted in an intensive care unit has recovered and resumed performances.

He is expected to reunite with his local fans after a long time.

Makhabane remains one of the most influential gospel musicians in the region and his hits like “Yekintokozo”, “Hambanami”, “Over and Over” and “Devil is a Liar” are popular.

The seven-day international conference runs under the theme “Being a Mission Church in a Globalising World”.

After the first leg of the conference in Harare a second edition of the event will be held at the church headquarters in Chatsworth, Masvingo from April 21 to April 24, 2016.

The conference will be attended by delegates from 32 countries where AFM operates in.

“Zimbabwe is just hosting, many people will come from other countries. There will be huge numbers to witness this bigger ever event.

“People should expect a higher level of anointing and the word, not forgetting a greater level of grace and networking,” he said.

AFM in Zimbabwe was established 100 years ago.

It traces its origin to the Pentecostal Revival, which was started in 1901 at Bethel Bible School in Arkansas, Taxas by Charles Parham. From Bethel Bible School emerged William J Saymour, a Pastor of a local Black Holiness Congregation who was especially intrigued by the doctrine of the Spirit Baptism.

In February 1906, he held his first service at Azuza Street and launched a paper called “The Apostolic Faith.” As the Azuza Street grew, the mission was organised as the Apostolic Faith Gospel Mission.