Online Reporter
Zimpapers Entertainment Editor
UNITED STATES-BASED Zimbabwean gospel music icon Shingisai Suluma is set to make a powerful and emotional return to the stage, launching her comeback at the Grateful Concert in Canada, a landmark event that signals the beginning of a new chapter in her musical and spiritual journey.
The Canada edition, scheduled for May features top local acts such as Minister Micheal Mahendere, Blessing Jedthun, Takesure Zamar, The Cherayis and Eleana Makombe (host), officially opens the Grateful Concert Tour, a worship-driven series designed to celebrate gratitude, healing and restoration through music.
For Suluma, the decision to begin the tour outside Zimbabwe carries deep spiritual meaning.
“Starting in Canada is very intentional,” said Suluma.
“This is a season of gratitude for me. I am returning not as the person people remember, but as someone refined by life, faith and God’s grace.”
Suluma, who is celebrating 30 years in ministry, has time-less gospel catalogue that includes “Maitiro Enyu” and “Tatenda Taona.”
Her major albums include “Zvanaka “(1995), “Huyai Ishe Jesu” (1998), “Nokuti Wakanaka” (2002), “Fara Zvakadaro” (2004), “Maitiro Enyu” (2007) and “Rwendo” (2013).
Though she has been largely absent from the mainstream stage in recent years, her re-emergence has stirred excitement among gospel music lovers at home and in the diaspora, many of whom view her return as long overdue.
“This is not about reclaiming a spotlight,” she said. “It’s about obedience. I am coming back with a heart that wants to minister, to heal and to remind people that thanksgiving can carry you through any season.”
Mai Suluma said the Grateful Concert project has reignited her passion for ministry, admitting she is both excited and spiritually prepared for this season of return, adding that she is now fully ready to minister in Canada.
Reflecting on the journey, she revealed that she had previously been invited as a guest performer at the Grateful Legends edition, an opportunity she regrettably missed due to family commitments at the time.
“This project excites me deeply because it aligns with where I am spiritually, and I feel ready now,” said Suluma. “I was invited to perform at the Grateful Legends event, and I really wanted to be there, but family had to come first then. I missed it, but I believe everything happens in God’s perfect timing.”
She said the missed appearance only strengthened her appreciation for the Grateful vision and her anticipation for the Canada leg.
“Coming to Canada now feels intentional and complete,” she added. “I am ready for Canada, ready to worship, ready to serve and ready to give thanks. Standing on that Grateful stage at this moment feels like a full-circle blessing.”
However, the Grateful Concert host, Eleana Makombe, a respected worship leader in the diaspora, said hosting Suluma’s return is a moment of honour and responsibility.
“Shingisai is a voice that shaped many of us,” said Makombe.
“To host her first concert back on stage is historic. This night is not about entertainment; it’s about creating an atmosphere where God moves.” Makombe explained that the Grateful Concert concept was birthed from a desire to centre worship on authenticity rather than spectacle.
“Grateful was created to give people space to pause, reflect and truly worship,” she said. “We’ve seen lives changed at previous concerts, and Canada is just the starting point of a much bigger journey.”
The Grateful Concert series has steadily grown into a respected worship platform.
Previous editions have been held in various cities, drawing audiences from across the African diaspora. Known for its intimate worship settings, live instrumentation and testimony-filled moments, the concert has become synonymous with spiritual renewal and unity. Unlike conventional gospel shows, Grateful concerts deliberately blend music with moments of prayer and reflection, making each event feel more like a worship service than a performance. Organisers have consistently prioritised collaboration, featuring both established gospel ministers and emerging voices.
As the opening leg of the tour, the Canada concert sets the tone for what organisers describe as a multi-city experience, with additional dates expected to be announced across North America and beyond.
“For Suluma, however, expectations remain rooted in ministry rather than numbers,” said Makombe.
“I don’t measure success by crowd size,” she said. “If one person finds hope, if one heart is restored, then the mission is fulfilled. I am grateful to still have a song, and even more grateful that God is allowing me to sing it again.”
