Zimpapers Entertainment Editor
Forget the fashion statement for a moment.
Forget the familiar spectacle of gospel heavyweights commanding the stage.
At the fourth edition of God the Lifter of Men, held at Rainbow Towers on Saturday, all roads led to one woman, Sharon Cherayi.
And what a statement she made!
Draped in royal green, adorned with exquisite diamante stone detailing, Sharon was arguably the best-dressed woman in the room.
Not simply because of what she wore, but because it was her moment, her platform and, increasingly, her stage to own.
Green is often associated with life, growth and renewal.
In Sharon’s case, it was almost symbolic of an artist blossoming before an audience that is only beginning to appreciate the full extent of her musical potential.
Her husband, Minister Ellard Cherayi, complemented her appearance in a brown suit, bringing a warm contrast to the couple’s coordinated presentation.
Together, they looked every bit the power couple behind one of Zimbabwe’s growing gospel entertainment brands.
But beyond the glamour, Sharon delivered something far more valuable, a reminder that Zimbabwe could be sitting on a gospel music export waiting to happen.
She has the vocal ability, stage presence and musical instinct to command audiences beyond the country’s borders. Watching her perform, one could not help but wonder why the conversation around her international ambitions has not grown louder.
Why should the Grammy conversation always belong to someone else?
Why should Zimbabwean gospel talent not dream of sharing international stages with the likes of Beyoncé and other global music giants?
It is not about suggesting that Sharon is already at that level of commercial reach, but recognising that ambition must match talent.
And if anyone thought the royal green was simply a fashion choice, there was another interpretation: Sharon was announcing her arrival.
Green with envy, perhaps, but certainly not green with experience!
The fourth edition of God the Lifter of Men, hosted by the Cherayis, was always expected to attract heavyweight gospel performers.
However, this edition somehow felt particularly personal for Sharon.
The event, which initially carried the usual expectations of a major gospel gathering, later became free to the public courtesy of its major sponsor, effectively giving thousands of gospel fans an early Christmas present.
The decision transformed the gathering into a massive celebration of worship, music and generosity, drawing thousands from different walks of life.
The couple performed songs such as, ‘Ruoko’, ‘Emmanuere’, ‘Burn like a fire’, and ‘Jesu ndiye’, among others.
The Cherayis also used the platform to showcase new material from their catalogue, giving fans a taste of their evolving musical direction.
Sharon appeared to have another surprise up her sleeve when she delivered what fans interpreted as a remix version of her song Huya.
The response was immediate, with the performance generating considerable excitement and attracting thunderous reactions on social media.
It was one of those moments that demonstrated the importance of live platforms in testing new music and building anticipation before an official release.
Minister Ellard also had his own moment of musical discovery.
In a surprise move, he performed a song in English for the first time, drawing praise from sections of the audience. It was an interesting departure from his familiar musical territory and suggested that the minister is also prepared to stretch his creative boundaries.
The supporting acts equally had a good day in the office.
Vocal Base, Eleana Makombe, Takesure Zamar, Worshipper Larry Gunda and The Unveiled brought their different musical identities to the gathering, ensuring that the programme maintained its spiritual and entertainment appeal.
However, the Tanzanian gospel outfit Agape Gospel Group proved once again why they remain a welcome addition to the platform.
Performing in Zimbabwe for the second time at the edition, although it was their fourth time to be in the country, the group sailed through its segment with confidence, leaving fans wanting more.
Their appearance also reinforced the importance of regional gospel collaborations in growing Zimbabwean artists beyond domestic audiences.
Yet, when the curtains came down, the bigger conversation was Sharon Cherayi.
God the Lifter of Men has built its identity around bringing established gospel names together, but this edition offered an opportunity to look beyond the guest list and recognise the home-grown talent behind the brand.
“My greatest inspiration comes from God. Everything I do, including my music and the platform we have built through God the Lifter of Men, is driven by my desire to serve Him and use the gift He has given me to touch lives,” said Sharon.
“I am deeply grateful to everyone who continues to believe in this vision.
“I also believe it is time for the gospel community to stand together, put aside divisions and support one another. We must learn to collaborate, invest in our music, improve our production and create opportunities that allow our gospel artists to compete on the international stage. Gospel music is not just ministry; it is also an industry that deserves serious investment. Together, we can take Zimbabwean gospel music to the world.”
However, Zimbabwe’s gospel industry needs more than successful concerts.
It needs exportable voices.
And Sharon Cherayi might just be one of them.
