Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
OVER 5 000 gospel music enthusiasts thronged the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre (ZIEC) Hall 3 on Sunday, ushering in the festive season with electrifying praise and worship as South African gospel powerhouse, Spirit of Praise (SOP), brought their Next Level Tour to Bulawayo, the City of Kings.
The event was a complete sell-out, with the 5 200-capacity hall filled to the brim.
This marked SOP’s second appearance in Bulawayo following last year’s visit, but this edition attracted an even larger crowd as loyal fans turned out in force for the local launch of the Spirit of Praise Volume 11 project.
The show commenced at 6pm, with celebrated MC Mbo Mahocs commanding the stage, introducing acts and keeping the audience engaged throughout. Local groups Vocal Ex and Dunamis Men were added to the programme in the final hour, their spirited performances effectively warming the stage and setting the tone for the main acts.
Vocal Ex proved to be a crowd favourite, earning two appearances on stage. They delivered a stirring cover of Uyikho Konke, originally performed by Joyous Celebration’s Nozipho Phiri, as well as Nothando Hlophe’s rendition of the Methodist Medley.
At 7:30pm, the SOP cast was introduced to thunderous applause. The ensemble featured Ayanda Ntanzi, Dumi Mkokstad, Lufuno Dagada, Mpumi Mtsweni, Omega Khunou, Sindi Ntombela, Xola Toto and veteran vocalist Zaza Mokhethi. Zimbabwean gospel sensations Everton Mlalazi and Canaan Nyathi, now regular collaborators with SOP, also graced the line-up.
Adding prestige to the event was the legendary Pastor Mthunzi Namba, who attended as guest of honour.
Psalmist and songbird Sindi Ntombela opened SOP’s set with a seamless blend of song and ministry. Among her selections was a heartfelt rendition of Let Your Living Waters Flow, a timeless classic that resonated deeply with the audience.
She was followed by the group’s newest member, Xola Toto, who performed her contribution to Spirit of Praise Volume 11, titled Speak Lord. Her impressive vocal control and commanding stage presence captivated the crowd, affirming her place within the revered gospel ensemble. The show would not have been complete without veteran member Zaza Mokhethi, whose recent return to the group added a welcome touch of nostalgia. Her performance and graceful dance moves rekindled memories of SOP’s earlier years. When she belted out her signature song Namhla Nkosi, the crowd was visibly moved, reconnecting revellers to the very foundations of Spirit of Praise.
Following Zaza’s set, Mpumi Mtsweni took over, delivering her signature track Nangu Mthokozisi along with Sibuyise, the song that first introduced her to the SOP family.
When the ladies concluded their performances, legendary Pastor Mthunzi Namba filled the venue with pure praise energy through his timeless hit Sweet Jesus, which kept many on their feet. Omega Khunou, who also played a key role in stage management, then introduced Lufuno Dagada, the Venda musician whose addition to the line-up proved refreshing. Dagada impressed with a set that included Shona songs, instantly resonating with the Bulawayo audience.
After Dagada’s set, the youthful Ayanda Ntanzi took to the stage, delivering a smooth fusion of praise and worship through songs such as Oh Hallelujah and Imimoya Nemimoya. He also honoured his mentor, the late Sfiso Ncwane, with a touching rendition of Ncwane’s classic Amen, drawing warm applause from the audience.
Performing on home soil proved advantageous for Canaan Nyathi, who seized the moment with exceptional depth and control. He presented his latest offering, Usibiyele, a composition blending gospel and Afro-jazz elements, anchored by lyrics that reaffirm God’s enduring protection over His people. Widely hailed as a wordsmith, Nyathi once again demonstrated his gift for crafting songs that speak to both mind and soul.
Nyathi then passed the baton to Everton Mlalazi, who delivered an exceptional set highlighted by his bilingual rendition of Ndinomira Pa Jordan, performed in both Shona and Ndebele. The song’s core message — a longing for a heavenly home after life’s hardships — resonated deeply with the audience. Mlalazi also performed Ekhaya, a favourite among his followers, drawing loud appreciation.
With the night approaching its final stretch, the “poster boy” Dumi Mkokstad made his entrance, opening with Asikho Isikhali. The SOP team entrusted him with closing the show, and he did so with his signature excellence, ending the concert at 10:30pm with a powerful performance of Lomhlengi.
In his closing remarks, Mkokstad announced that Spirit of Praise will “definitely” return to Bulawayo next year, expressing gratitude for the warmth, hospitality and overwhelming love the ensemble received in the City of Kings.
