Online Reporter
Tafadzwa Zimoyo
Lifestyle Editor
S the final sun of the year melted into the Harare skyline on December 31, the prestigious Harare International Convention Centre (HICC) to some known as Rainbow Towers began to hum with anticipation.
Luxury vehicles rolled in steadily, headlights cutting through the dusk as impeccably dressed guests stepped onto the red carpet, cameras flashing and greetings exchanged with excitement.
There was a buzz in the air — the kind that signals something extraordinary is about to unfold.
From the first arrival, it was clear that Celestial Chorus, third edition was not just ushering in a new calendar year, but announcing a moment of significance, elegance and reverence.
Fashion became a silent language of respect.
Guests arrived impeccably dressed, embracing formal elegance with intention. From tailored tuxedos and flowing evening gowns to Afrocentric luxury and classic silhouettes, the style narrative was unified yet diverse. There were no excesses, no attempts to overshadow the occasion. Instead, the collective wardrobe reflected reverence, celebration and a clear understanding of the moment. It was evident that the invitation had been honoured not just by attendance, but by presentation.
According to fashion stylists present, they described the fashion mood as an opening act of its own, tailored suits, flowing gowns and refined Afro-luxury silhouettes turning the entrance into a living gallery of style.
Grand marquees stretched elegantly across the grounds, guiding guests into a glowing universe of cascading florals, crystal chandeliers and soft ambient lighting that wrapped the space in warmth.
The execution was seamless, every detail deliberate, every angle designed to impress without overwhelming.
It was glitz and glamour elevated by restraint, luxury anchored in purpose.
Inside, the venue shimmered with life.
Ushers dressed in all black, guided guests through grand white marquees glowing under crystal chandeliers, while soft music floated through the corridors, setting a mood of sacred celebration.
Of course, the all-boy band, In Total Band, had one job to serenade guests with yesteryear music rendition as they play while moving along tables.
Conversations rose and fell in animated waves as socialites, government officials, captains of industry, church leaders and creatives took their seats, each arrival adding to the growing sense of spectacle.
Guest enjoyed an indulgent culinary experience that mirrored the global spirit of the night. A carefully curated menu prepared by top chefs from Zimbabwe, South Africa, Jamaica, Italy and the United States took guests on a journey of flavours, with each course thoughtfully presented. The dining area buzzed with appreciation as conversations flowed, laughter echoed and plates returned empty, a testament to both quality and execution.
But before that, during the banquet, cabinet ministers shared tables with business leaders, while prominent social figures mingled easily with gospel artists and church leaders.
By the time the doors to the main auditorium opened, the energy was electric, perfectly primed for a night that would blend worship, glamour and the promise of a New Year yet to be written.
Hosted by Dr Kudakwashe Tagwirei and his wife, Sandra, the annual gathering dubbed, ‘A Thanksgiving Year’, once again transformed the venue precinct into a world far removed from the ordinary, where faith met finesse and celebration carried meaning.
Inside the main auditorium, the set design commanded attention and reverence. Inspired by biblical imagery, it drew from Mount Sinai, rising dramatically behind the stage with a striking representation of the Ten Commandments at its centre.
The visual language was powerful yet refined, quietly reinforcing the spiritual foundation upon which Celestial Chorus is built.
It felt less like décor and more like a message — one that framed the entire night.
The guest list read like a living portrait of Zimbabwe’s elite and influential voices.
Government officials, senior clergy, captains of industry, diplomats, socialites, musicians and cultural tastemakers filled the room, creating a rare convergence of power, creativity and faith.
Despite the stature in the marquees, the atmosphere remained warm and communal, defined more by shared purpose than status.
As the evening unfolded, music gently took hold of the room. Curated around Seventh Day Adventist hymns, the performances were delivered with exceptional artistry by local, regional and international artists.
The tempo was measured and intentional, allowing moments of worship to breathe.
When vocalists like Bishop Jason Nelson, Petronella Semwayo, Natasha Mlalazi, Janet Manyowa, Rudo Madindi, Mpumi Mtsweni, Tawanda Midzi, Fisani Masinga, Everton Mlalazi (lead), Peniel Tambama, Mmatema and In Accord and Sharon Cherayi among others stepped onto the stage, the auditorium fell into an almost sacred stillness.
Their voices moved effortlessly through harmonies that invited reflection, drawing spontaneous sing-alongs that blurred the line between performer and audience.
It would be myopic not to talk of the 100-piece Celestial Symphony which comprised of highly talented musicians from around the world. It combined classical instruments with modern arrangements, resulting in a rich, powerful, and immersive sound. With members from various musical backgrounds, the ensemble showcases cultural diversity and artistic depth.
Each section, strings, brass, woodwinds and percussion, works together harmoniously to deliver performances that are both emotionally moving and musically refined.
Led by the masterful conductor Kutlwano Masote, the symphony celebrated collective talent while showcasing the unique strengths of its members. Their performances are known for their precision, energy, and the ability to fill any venue with breathtaking sound.
Well, enough of the sound, in those moments, the room felt united, suspended in shared emotion.
A particularly poignant moment came when the room turned its attention to the screens for televised New Year messages from President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Dr Amai Auxillia Mnangagwa.
The President’s address spoke of resilience, unity and collective responsibility as the nation stepped into a new chapter, while Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa followed with a message grounded in compassion, faith and service.
The auditorium responded with attentive silence and warm applause, acknowledging the national significance woven into the night’s celebration.
As midnight approached, the mood subtly shifted from reflection to anticipation.
Smiles widened, conversations grew livelier and the sense of shared expectancy became palpable.
When the New Year finally arrived, cheers filled the room, glasses were raised and embraces were exchanged between friends and strangers alike.
Outside, a breathtaking drone show lit up the Harare sky, marking the transition into the New Year with light, movement and symbolism that left guests in awe.
People lingered long after the countdown, reluctant to let the moment end.
“This is the kind of New Year that stays with you,” said Tendai Moyo, a Harare-based entrepreneur.
“It’s not just about celebration. You feel renewed, inspired and proud to be part of something so well thought out.”
From across the continent, Nigerian guest Chinedu Okafor echoed the sentiment, saying, “I’ve been to many New Year events, but this one was different. It was classy, spiritual and joyful all at once. You leave feeling fulfilled.”
Towards the close of the night, Dr Kudakwashe Tagwirei took to the stage, grounding the evening’s grandeur in reflection and vision. Looking back on the journey of the past year and ahead to what lies beyond, he spoke about the enduring relevance of values symbolised by the Ten Commandments. “Loyalty and obedience are not outdated,” he said.
“They are the foundation of sustainable success — in families, in business and in our nation.”
He spoke of discipline, faith and the responsibility that comes with influence, emphasising the importance of giving back and building for generations to come.
As guests slowly made their way into the early hours of the New Year, it was clear that Celestial Chorus III had once again set a benchmark. It was not merely an event of glitz and glamour, but a lifestyle moment shaped by faith, excellence and community — a fitting way to close one year and welcome another.
