Online Reporter
Zimpapers Entertainment Hub
HARARE did not just attend a mega concert over the weekend — it went to church!
When Nigerian gospel powerhouse Sinach finally took the stage for the Arise Concert, the atmosphere shifted from entertainment to worship.
Thousands of gospel lovers sang, danced, prayed and raised their hands in what became a memorable night of praise.
The concert, held in Harare at Celebration Centre, lived up to its ambitious billing as a celebration of faith, music and hope, with Sinach proving once again why she remains one of Africa’s most recognisable gospel voices.
From the opening moments to the final praise, the message was clear: this was Sinach’s night, and Harare was ready.
There are artists who perform songs. Then there are artists whose songs have become part of people’s lives. Sinach belongs to the second category.
The moment she launched into her well-loved catalogue, the audience responded with the familiarity of people singing songs they have carried through difficult seasons, celebrations and personal battles.
Her signature anthem ‘Way Maker’ inevitably became one of the emotional peaks of the evening.
It was no longer a performance but a congregation.
Thousands sang back every word, creating one of those rare concert moments where the performer almost becomes secondary to the audience. And Sinach knew exactly how to work the moment.
Rather than rushing through her hits, she allowed the crowd to breathe, sing and worship.
The genius of the concert was that it did not attempt to disguise worship as entertainment.
Instead, it embraced both as there were moments of high-energy praise, followed by quieter stretches of worship and reflection.
Sinach moved effortlessly between the two, demonstrating the vocal control and stage confidence that have made her a major name on the international gospel circuit.
Her delivery was powerful without becoming unnecessarily theatrical. That restraint worked.
The audience was not looking for fireworks but they wanted an encounter.
And Sinach gave them one.
Adding to the Nigerian flavour was gospel star Victor Thompson, whose energetic performance helped keep the momentum alive.
Known for his youthful approach to gospel music, Thompson brought a different energy to the stage, blending contemporary sounds with a message of faith.
His appearance also reinforced one of the strongest aspects of the concert — the meeting of generations and styles within African gospel music.
The result was a programme that appealed to both traditional gospel lovers and younger audiences.
Zimbabwe’s own gospel talent was not forgotten.
From Minister Ellard and Sharon Cherayi, Janet Manyowa, Joyfull Praise Choir to Eleana Makombe they brought a local flavour to the proceedings, reminding the audience that while the headline act had travelled from Nigeria, the heart of the event remained firmly rooted in Zimbabwe.
Pastor Lyncolin Kapswara said the concert also reflected the vision of the organisers, who successfully positioned Arise as more than another date on the entertainment calendar.
It was a faith gathering dressed in concert clothing.
Pastor Kaspwara and the organising team had promised an experience built around hope, worship and transformation — and judging by the response from the crowd, the message landed.
There was something striking about seeing a predominantly Zimbabwean audience responding so passionately to Nigerian gospel music.
