Online Reporter
Tafadzwa Zimoyo
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Editor
MORE than 100 local, regional and international delegates have left their respective locations for the Grateful Concert 3.0 scheduled for England this weekend.
The event will be held at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham.
It is being hosted by award-winning gospel songstress Eleana Makombe.
Among the delegates are musicians, artist managers, apostles and businessmen and businesswomen.
The local delegation will be led by National Arts Council of Zimbabwe CEO Napoleon Nyanhi.
Eleana’s husband, John Tinashe Makombe, said it was now all systems go as some of the delegates had started arriving in Birmingham.
“We have 105 delegates who are attending this year’s third edition and some of them have started arriving with the rest jetting in on Thursday and Friday,” he said.
“This year is very special as we are also having NACZ CEO Napoleon Nyanhi as our guest of honour.
“He is expected to deliver a speech before launching Eleana’s book.”
John said that after the concert, some artists will have an opportunity to attend some activities.
“We have created various programmes, which include tours and seminars, which will equip them.
“We do not only want them to come and perform but they should also have something to take home.”
He said VIP tickets have been sold out.
“We scouted the venue last year after finishing Grateful 2.0 and, due to some fans being turned away, because of a full house, we then got a bigger venue and I am happy with how tickets have been selling this year.
“We will be hosting the Grateful Experience in the UK, US, Botswana and Zimbabwe.
“The UK event is the first one and we are excited with the preparations.
“The concept is not about competition but we are just complementing each other.
“We are going to release the line-up of other countries after this show and we would like to thank all the sponsors and stakeholders who came on board,” he said.
Spirit of Praise, Ellard and Sharon Cherayi, Minister Mahendere, Takesure Zamar, Heavens Mutambira, Siphos Ncube, Lebo Sekgobela and Blessing Jedthun are expected to share the stage with Eleana.
Ellard Cherayi said he is happy to perform again.
“I am happy with how local music is appreciated in the Diaspora. I have performed at all Grateful concerts and learnt a lot.
“It is a great platform for exposure, last year’s edition attracted people from Scotland, Germany, United States and Ireland.”
