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has performed at sold out concerts in Harare in the last two years.
Three shows have been scheduled for August 24, 25 and 26 in the ceremonial home of gospel music — the Harare Gardens.
This year, the festival is expected to move a notch up as the revered man of song, three-time Grammy winner and platinum seller reaches out to his fans up close and personal.
Pastor Herman Chimusoro of Crossline Music and Video, who is organising the concerts, was over the moon that at last, Smith was heading to Zimbabwe for “not to be missed” exalting performances.
“As we speak now we have a contract with Michael W. Smith and negotiations are still underway with R&B superstar Nicole to return to Zimbabwe for yet another music romance and spiritual upliftment.”
He, however, could not give more details on the concert saying preparations were on course.
The “My Redeemer” hitmaker had a time of her life when she first came to Harare in 2010 and her visit ignited excitement within gospel circles.
Following the success of her debut concert, Nicole made a welcome return to Harare where she graced the “Action 2011”, which was organised by Celebration Centre. She was accompanied by her husband David, her children as well as her parents.
At the concert which was held at the Borrowdale Race Course just opposite the Celebration Centre, Nicole sprang a surprise when she belted the crowd favourite “My Redeemer” in Shona, much to the delight of the fans.
But this year, all eyes will be on contemporary Christian musician Smith.
Born Michael Whitaker Smith on October 7, 1957, he is best known for his Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit song, “Place in this World”.
Smith is married to Deborah “Debbie” Kay Davis and the couple has five children.
According to his biography on wikipedia, Smith resides in the Nashville suburbs and spends time at the Smith family farm.
Alderson-Broaddus College awarded Smith the degree Doctor of Music honoris causa in 1992. Smith is the founding pastor of New River Fellowship in Frankling, Tennessee, where he was the lead pastor from 2006 to 2008.
Currently Smith and his wife remain involved members of the church.
As a longtime musician, he has charted primarily in the contemporary Christian and occasionally in the mainstream charts.
His biggest success in mainstream music was in 1991 when “Place in this World” hit No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100. Smith has earned 40 Dove Awards. Over the course of his career, he sold more than 13 million albums and recorded 29 No. 1 Hit songs, 14 gold albums, and five platinum albums. Smith is an American Music
Award recipient; he was also named one of People magazine’s “Most Beautiful People”.
As a child, he developed a love of music through his church. He learned piano at an early age and sang in his church choir. At the age of 10, he had “an intense spiritual experience” that led to his becoming a devout Christian.
“I wore this big cross around my neck,” he would recall. “It was very real to me.”
He became involved in Bible study and found a group of older friends who shared his religious faith.
After his older Christian friends moved away to college, Smith began to struggle with feelings of loneliness and alienation. After graduating from high school, he gravitated towards alcohol and drugs.
He attended Marshall University for a few semesters while developing his songwriting skills. He also played with various bands around Huntington, West Virginia. During that time, his friend Shane Keister, who worked as a session musician in Nashville, encouraged him to move to Nashville, the country music capital, and
pursue a career in music. In 1978, Smith moved to Nashville, taking a job as a landscaper. He played with several bands in the Nashville club scene.
He also developed a problem with substance abuse.
In November 1979, Smith suffered a breakdown that led to his recommitment to Jesus Christ. The next day he auditioned for a new contemporary Christian music group, Higher Ground, as a keyboardist and got the job. It was on his first tour with Higher Ground, playing mostly in churches, that Smith was finally able to put the drugs and alcohol behind him.
Online Reporter