Online Reporter
Entertainment Editor
Tafadzwa Zimoyo
GOVERNMENT has welcomed the introduction of the Shekinah Gospel Awards, describing them as a timely intervention that strengthens the country’s vision of expanding and professionalising the creative sector through the establishment of more structured awards platforms.
The awards which will honour Zimbabwean gospel musicians, producers, writers and creatives among others will be held on December 12 in Harare and are a brainchild of producer cum composer MacDonald Chidavaenzi.
Speaking at the official launch, in a speech read by Deputy Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Emily Jesaya, on behalf of Minister Anselem Nhamo Sanyatwe, said the move to introduce additional awards in the arts industry reflects a growing maturity within Zimbabwe’s creative space.
He said the Government views such initiatives as critical in promoting excellence, consistency and healthy competition among artistes, while also creating sustainable opportunities within the sector.
“Your vision to establish a platform that upholds high standards, consistency, and excellence within the gospel music industry is both timely and necessary,” he said.
“In an era where content is abundant, but quality is often compromised, initiatives such as these serve as a guiding light, setting benchmarks, inspiring discipline, and encouraging professionalism among our artistes.”
Minister Sanyatwe said that the establishment of more awards platforms signals an important shift from informal recognition to structured and credible systems that reward artistic merit.
“This occasion is not just about celebrating music, but about recognising a genre that continues to shape values, restore hope, and strengthen our nation’s moral fabric,” he said.
“Gospel music is more than melody and harmony; it is a ministry, a message and a movement.”
Government further cited that the Shekinah Gospel Awards are aligned with Zimbabwe’s economic development blueprint, National Development Strategy 2, which identifies the creative and cultural industries as key drivers of economic growth, innovation and employment creation.
“Through platforms such as this, we are witnessing the formalisation and elevation of gospel music into a structured, competitive and economically viable sector,” he said.
“This is exactly the direction we must take as a nation if we are to unlock the full potential of our creative industries.”
He added that the proliferation of awards platforms across different genres is essential in ensuring inclusivity and fair representation within the arts sector.
“Genre-specific platforms allow us to celebrate excellence in its purest form while ensuring that no creative voice is left behind,” he said. The minister also highlighted the broader social impact of gospel music, particularly in addressing national challenges such as drug and substance abuse among youths.
“Gospel music carries a unique and powerful social responsibility. It speaks directly to the soul, influences behaviour and shapes mindsets,” he said.
“When a young person listens to a gospel song that speaks hope into their life, that is prevention. When they attend a gospel event that uplifts and redirects their path, that is intervention.”
Both Government and arts stakeholders expressed confidence that the introduction of more awards platforms will play a pivotal role in positioning Zimbabwe as a competitive player on the global creative stage.
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