More praise, worship for gospel fans

international artistes and groups that have performed in Zimbabwe over the years include Kirk Franklin, Donnie McClurkin, the Hillsongs, Deitrick Haddon, Joyous Celebration Choir and most recently, Nicole C. Mullen and Michael W. Smith.
While many gospel music lovers are still digesting the refreshing music of Mullen and Smith, who performed live at the Harare Gardens last week, it seems there is more good news for the Christian community following indications of yet another gospel concert to be held at the Zanu-PF Headquarters this Friday.
According to concert organisers, four international hip-hop and urban gospel musicians — Da’ T.R.U.T.H, The Ambassador, Jahaziel and Sean Simmonds — will perform alongside local artistes such as Illceey, Mudiwa and Prime Minister.
The concert, which has been dubbed “The Move Tour Harare”, is being organised by IT Solutions, a Zimbabwean technology and production company, together with TedNet Solutions, a production and entertainment company, in association with Fresh Impressions, a South African music production company.
Farai Sigauke, who is representing IT Solutions, said fans will have a lot to look forward to since a variety of activities have been lined up leading to the concert.
These include an opportunity for fans to welcome the artistes at the Harare International Airport on Thursday 2pm, after which there will be a special VIP event for fans with VIP tickets to interact with them on the same day at 6pm at Freshly Ground Shop in Avondale.
“The VIP event will be a unique experience as fans, the media, sceptics, youth leaders, ministry leaders and local artistes will have an opportunity to hold open discussions with our international guest artistes where they will ask questions, interact and fellowship.
“Ordinary tickets are US$10 per head while VIP tickets will be going for US$25 per head. Fans can buy the tickets at Faith Wear outlets at Joina City, Avondale and Borrowdale. Tickets can also be bought at Freshly Ground coffee shops in Avondale and Borrowdale,” said Sigauke.
Sigauke added that a photograph and autograph session with both international and local artistes will be done on Friday at 10am at Joina City.
IT Solutions had partnered with a renowned urban clothing label to have their flagship “Promotional Campaign Outreach” in their shop at Joina City.
“The Move Tour Harare” concert will be a follow-up to yet another successful concert that was held last year by the same organisers titled the “Unashamed Tour Harare 2011” which saw international artistes such as Lecrae, Tedashi, Trip lee and KB of Reach Records of the United States performing.
Friday’s concert aims to foster a positive development in the lives of youths in Zimbabwe.
Da T.R.U.T.H, whose real name is Emanuel Lee Lambert, and The Ambassador or simply William Branch, are both university graduates holding theological degrees in the United States and will be expected to touch on a variety of Christian-related subjects before taking to the stage.
On the other hand, Jahaziel — whose Christian name is Jahaziel Eliot — is one of UK’s most acclaimed hip-hop gospel artistes, whose music touches on real-life issues of human experience, will also inspire many young Christians with his powerful lyrics which made him a renowned urban-gospel musician.
As Friday’s concert draws closer, the debatable subject about using any genre of music for the gospel will ring again in the minds of many Christians who are divided on the subject.
In Zimbabwe, however, it appears a large number of gospel musicians have over the years adopted newer forms of music which include accapella, rock, reggae, house, and jazz among others, a scenario which indicates a general shift in attitude and perception about gospel music.
While this may be the case, there continues to be disagreements between young Christians and adults on the acceptability and relevance of newer genres of music for gospel.
A look at gospel music fans in Zimbabwe; however, shows a common trend where more youths than adults have attended contemporary gospel music concerts across the country.
Commenting on this subject, Sigauke said the debate around music was only driven by resistance to change among some Christians adding that this resistance which has and continues to exist cannot stop people from spreading the gospel through contextually relevant music.
There are high expectations that Friday’s concert will attract a bumper crowd of mostly young Christians who love the beat and flavour of urban gospel music.