Online Reporter
Tafadzwa Zimoyo
Zimpapers Entertainment Editor
IT was a night of goosebumps and nostalgia as the old guard took back their throne at the sold-out Grateful Experience concert on Saturday night.
The Harare International Convention Centre was packed to the rafters, with the balcony, aisles and every corner drowning in excitement as Zimbabweans, especially the “golden oldies,” rekindled their decades-long musical romance with South African gospel royalty, Rebecca Malope and Sipho “Big Fish” Makhabane.
While today’s youths speak about playlists and reels, Saturday belonged to the generation raised on vinyl, cassette tapes and Sunday gospel marathons.
They came dressed for the occasion, going down memory lane with elegant hats, vintage bling, matching church colours and loud ululations that could shake the walls straight through to Borrowdale.
The moment Malope walked on stage, the house fell into silence. Then, everything exploded. She didn’t need an introduction.
The opening beat of “Njalo” had the crowd crying, hugging and singing word-for-word like they were back in 1994 watching ZTV’s Gospel Hour.
Malope delivered with fire, belting notes with the kind of electric energy that would humble someone half her age.
Every word was a reminder why Africa still calls her the Mama of Gospel.
“My Zimbabwe, you are family.
“Thank you for loving me for so many years,” she told the crowd, her voice cracking with emotion.
“Tonight you reminded me why I started singing. My heart is home.
“We don’t take it for granted.
“You filled this place like a family reunion. God bless Zimbabwe.”
The gentle giant, Sipho Makhabane, stepped into his show like a man preaching a sacred story.
The moment he started “Over and Over,” the HICC transformed into a 5,000 seater church.
People lifted their arms, some knelt on the cold floor, and others cried softly.
“Zimbabwe, you are special. We always feel your love over and over,” Makhabane said, drawing a thunderous roar from the crowd.
But Grateful Experience wasn’t just a reunion, it was a full-scale gospel festival with local stars refusing to be overshadowed.
Eleana Makombe, Takesure Zamar, Minister Mahendere, Nyasha Mutonhori, The Cherayis and Blessing Jedthun all performed at the show.
One minute Mahendere was running the stage like a general, the next Zamar floated in with silky harmonies, before Eleana took it straight back home with soulful chants.
They backed each other up on stage like one worship army, serving hit after hit, all hot and seamless.
Just when the crowd thought the night was over, the lights dimmed and in rolled a surprise.
A lucky fan, Farai Mugwambi of Riddle Ridge, walked away with a Toyota Aqua, courtesy of John Makombe who turned his 40th birthday into a blessing rather than a party.
While others post gifts for clout, Makombe kept it humble.
“This is not a gimmick. It’s my way of thanking God and giving back,” he told the crowd.
The winner, a man who could barely speak through tears, brought his family along and revealed they bought their tickets on the very day and never imagined he would drive out with a car after the draw.
Makhabane probably provided the fitting closing words.
“We must do this again soon.”
