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Tafadzwa Zimoyo
Acting Entertainment Editor
“Dzisiri nyasha dza Jehovha…Hondo yacho ndeyaJehovha, ndingori muchekadzafa…Vaudze kuti wakakunda…,” goes the lyrics “Vaudze” by award-winning gospel singer Janet Manyowa.
Well, the above lyrics aptly prove and confirm that the musician’s victory comes from God and she believes this each time she starts the year.
The song was released first week of January 2022 and she went on to perform it at the National Arts Merit Awards (Nama) at the Harare International Conference Centre, where her act can be described as epic.
Indeed, she has changed the gospel scene, representing the fairer sex.
It would be myopic not to mention that the classic and sumptuous show held on New Year 2022 was on a top notch stage set up.
Anyway, that is Janet for you, setting standards and the bar high. Still on that, the song went further to win Best Gospel Song of the Year at the Gospel Greats show hosted by bubbly presenter Yvonne Tivatye.
Now on New Year, the musician has announced that preparations for the ‘A Night of Thanksgiving’ dubbed ANOT are underway and this is the third edition.
Already billboards have been erected, stories have been written and fans are excited that they are starting the year 2023 on a good note.
Definitely many can’t wait to see what is in store this time, considering the change of venue from HICC to Celebration Church in Borrowdale.
Of course, this is the resident church of the musician henceforth the fan base is guaranteed, but not sure the venue is big enough to accommodate everyone considering that most people want to attend.
How is the stage is set up, and the show itself? Time is the best answer on that.
In an interview with The Herald Arts, the artiste, who on Christmas holiday visited some of her fans, delivering tickets to lucky fans and obvious receiving and giving Christmas presents, said all was ready for the show and declared 2023 her year again.
But what inspired the ANOT?
“As suggested by it’s name, ‘A Night of Thanksgiving’, the event was inspired by a need and desire to be grateful to God for the abundant blessings He affords us freely. We can never thank Him more than enough,” she said
Surprisingly this time around the show has attracted a powerful delegation in the mould of artistes who are lined up to share the stage.
It’s massive. This time around Janet has made a mark in the history of the gospel genre that she not only invests in her shows, but works with fellow artistes as well.
“We have Dr Tumi and King D from South Africa, this makes it a regional feat. Locally we have Takesure Zamar, Michael Mahendere, Sharon Manyika, and myself as the host. We also have guest appearances from Tembalami and pastor Bonnie Deuschle.
“People can expect an experience rather than a show. A time of praise and worship as we connect with our Maker, thanking Him for the year gone by and dedicating the new year to Him. I am sure everybody will have something memorable and impactful to walk away with after the concert, by the grace of God,” she explains.
Manyowa said they always strive for family friendly events.
“ANOT has predominantly been held at the HICC. This year we decided to switch things up, and go back to the venue where the inaugural ANOT was held. It feels like a homecoming.
“The worship event will start at 3PM and we expect to wrap up by 9PM. There will be a meet and greet dinner with the other artistes after the event,” she said.
Describing 2022, Manyowa said it was a good year.
“We held two successful events, ANOT 2022 and Wanqoba in Bulawayo. We believe the music had an impact, touching people’s lives through the Word of God. Challenges were some of the perennial ones and piracy, among others.”
Asked why no new album as she was focusing rather on singles and videos, she said the 2022 script wanted that.
“The Fathers House album which we recorded at the Wanqoba concert in Bulawayo is loading. We have already released two singles from the project namely Shoko Renyu and Jesu Makanaka.”
“First, #ANOT2023 is on the first day of 2023 so I am super excited about that. Let us see how the year goes after we align our strategic focus within the first quarter of the year.”
Online Reporter