Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
FOREIGN-based Zimbabwean gospel musician Mkhululi Bhebhe, is set to reunite with his homeland audience as he brings a powerful gospel festival dubbed, “The Ultimate Praise”, to Bulawayo.
Scheduled for December 6, at a venue yet to be announced, the event will run under the theme “Careful for Nothing Praise.”
Speaking to Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub from abroad, Bhebhe revealed that the vision behind The Ultimate Praise was birthed more than a decade ago.
“In 2017, after over 10 years of dreaming of a platform where worshippers could gather and praise God without reservation, I began to brainstorm a name for this movement through prayer and meditation.
“I wasn’t planning a one-off event, but rather a legacy, a platform where people from all walks of life could come together and lift up the name of Jesus in unity.
“My dream is not just for people to experience praise but the kind that transforms lives. I envision an atmosphere where the impossible becomes possible, where healing and breakthroughs are realised through the power of praise and worship,” he said.
Bhebhe said he hopes to make the event an annual feature and a household name in the gospel music industry.
“It has always been my desire to host The Ultimate Praise annually in different nations and I believe the Lord is raising a generation that will fund this vision for His glory.
“Chapter One of The Ultimate Praise Experience was recorded in Johannesburg, South Africa, my second home for over a decade. It was hosted at the 1 600+ capacity Perfecting Church International. Looking back, that evening was filled with many firsts: my first live DVD recording, my first time hosting an event and my first time sharing a stage with such renowned gospel ministers.
“These included SbuNoah from South Africa, Steve Crown from Nigeria, Celestine Donkor from Ghana, Evelyn Wanjiru from Kenya and Enkay Ogboruche from Nigeria. Sharing the altar with such anointed ministers was a true blessing.”
Bhebhe also shared a personal anecdote about the challenges he faced during that landmark performance.
“A funny but stressful moment was losing my voice the night before the recording after ministering at another church to raise funds for the self-funded project.
“That morning I woke up to one crisis after another. Finances were tight, and I almost cancelled everything because bekungahlangani lutho. But reflecting on it now, those were the least of my problems. God truly made a way.”
He admitted that the journey to hosting the event has been anything but easy.
“One major lesson came when the sponsor I was relying on disappeared without a trace. I had already begun advertising based on their commitment, but they vanished.
“However, God showed up and financed the project on His terms. It was tough, excruciating at times but He provided, and His name was glorified not only on the day of the event, but even now, eight years later, through the music recorded that night.”
He offered candid advice for anyone considering a similar production:
“If you’re planning to record something of that scale, start with an honest evaluation of your support system. Don’t waste time or resources on people who make promises but never deliver.
“You’ll lose contacts. Doors will slam in your face. There will be moments when it’s just you and God. But through it all, if you stay the course, you’ll win.”
Bhebhe stressed that The Ultimate Praise Experience is not about him, but about the presence of God.
“If it were all about me, I’d promise fireworks. But truthfully, it’s in God’s hands. My prayer is that people come in their numbers to encounter God at work.
“I pray for deliverance for the afflicted, joy for the depressed and healing for the sick as we stand together in praise to the Most High God.
“Before I speak or sing, I always pray: ‘Lord, You alone know the hearts of Your people, speak to them. May they not see me, but You.’ That same prayer leads me as I prepare for 6 December and beyond.”
He also teased a surprise line-up for the event.untapped talent that Zimbabwe possesses. Without giving away too much, I can assure you that there are plenty of surprises in store.
“Bulawayo is where it all began. I want a child growing up under humble circumstances in the dusty streets of Old Pumula, Emakhandeni, Gwabalanda, or Makokoba to know that dreams are valid and must never be abandoned.
“As my late mother, MaSibanda, would always say: ‘Qinisela, uphikelele usiya phambili ngoba akukho okungalungiyo ngoJesu.’ (Persevere and keep moving forward, for there is nothing wrong with Jesus.)
“Sometimes all we need is someone to remind us that giving up is never an option. Bringing this experience to Bulawayo is about that—and about honouring those who were there when the journey began. No matter where the Lord leads me, Bulawayo will always be home. Sadly, MaSibanda’s seat will be empty, but I believe she is watching from Heaven with a smile on her face.” — @mthabisi_mthire
