Online Reporter
Langalihle Mhiti
BABA Harare, who is also known as King David, says singing and listening to Jiti does not mean that one is not a firm believer in God.
The musician has been in the spotlight in recent weeks after he announced he was returning to his Jiti roots after a spell in the trenches of gospel music.
He was one of the artists who performed at the Love Zimbabwe festival in Highfield.
“This is a big opportunity for me. Yes, this is gospel action but Jiti can also do it,” he said.
“Singing and listening to Jiti does not mean one doesn’t worship. To all people out there, put God first.”
Drawing thousands of people from across Harare and beyond, the three-day Love Zimbabwe festival has lived up to its name by uniting communities through gospel music, worship and faith.
The festival ended yesterday.
“I have been feeling happy at this festival,” Andrew Palau, the organiser of the festival, said. “The food, everything in Zimbabwe is very nice. I hope that after this amazing crusade, everyone will have been born again.
“Through all this praise and worship session, everyone should give his or herself to the Lord and not just enjoy the music only.”
Palau, an international evangelist known for hosting similar large-scale festivals globally, played a significant role in organising the event.
His presence and message have further cemented the event’s spiritual significance.
From the very first performances, the energy was undeniable.
Crowds waved their hands, sang along and danced as both local and international gospel artists took the stage.
The highlight of the opening night was the powerful spirit of worship that gripped the venue, creating a shared atmosphere of joy, healing, and transformation.
“It was such an honour to perform on a stage before thousands of people,” said gospel artist Obert Chari.
“The feeling of performing for people who appreciate what you do is just something else. It made me feel blessed and ready to perform more for them.
“I want to thank the Love Zimbabwe Festival for this opportunity.”
Many artists praised the organisers and emphasised the spiritual impact the event is having on the lives of both performers and attendees.
Minister Jeduthun, a gospel artist, said:
“It was an amazing experience performing at the Love Zimbabwe Festival,” he said.
“It was excellent, the energy from the crowd was amazing. People filled up the Zimbabwe Grounds, and that shows people are hungry for praise and worship.”
Beyond the music, the festival is designed to minister to people from all walks of life.
Prayer tents, counselling booths, and children’s ministry sections were available on site.
The event was free of charge.
Meanwhile, the Call to Worship Group was overwhelmed by the crowd’s response.
“When we got to the stage, people were ululating, they were happy, which is an amazing feeling for us as performers.”
According to the organisers, Love Zimbabwe Festival aims to build community through love, unity, and hope, using music and faith as bridges.
This year’s theme, ‘Hope for All,’ comes at a time when many Zimbabweans are facing economic pressures and social uncertainty and it seems the festival has brought a welcome sense of renewal.
