Online Reporter
Trish Mukwazo, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
GOSPEL ensemble The Unveiled, made a bold statement on Saturday, performing before a packed auditorium in their first-ever Bulawayo concert, where they also launched their new single Ngcwele Ngcwele, featuring South Africa-based gospel star, Canaan Nyathi.
The auditorium was filled mainly with excited young people, marking one of the most vibrant youth-driven gospel shows the city has hosted this year.
A strong line-up of local groups, including Harvest House Music, Family Voices, Nkosi Herman & ELA Music and Vocal Ex, set the tone for a night defined by spirited praise and worship.
One of the evening’s biggest surprises was nine-year-old Lil Eliana, The Unveiled’s newest member, whose powerful performance of Ndikhokhele Bawo drew roaring applause. Her delivery of the emotionally rich song, famously performed by Mzansi Youth Choir and Soweto Gospel Choir, left many in awe of her vocal maturity. Rooted in Psalm 23, the song’s depth and harmonies are demanding even for seasoned vocalists, yet Lil Eliana handled it with ease, prompting some in the audience to rise to their feet.
The concert opened with Vocal Ex, a nine-member male group whose harmonies signalled a strong start. Family Voices followed, guiding the room deeper into worship. Nkosi Herman and ELA Music then took the stage, earning warm crowd participation as hands lifted across the auditorium. Their song You Are Holy, resonated widely, amplifying the reverent atmosphere.
Harvest House Music ignited the venue with energetic praise, especially during their rendition of Praise the Lord Oh! My Soul, originally by Maverick City Music. Their version of Mwari Makanaka saw the crowd break into jubilant dance.
The auditorium erupted when Sipho Snowy walked onto the stage. His lively performance of Are You Ready for Jerusalem? had fans rushing closer, dancing and singing along.
When guest star Canaan Nyathi took the microphone, the hall fell into a deep worship mood. Songs such as Yebo Nkosi and Totenda Kunaka carried the audience into a reflective moment, with Nyathi delivering both power and tenderness.
The final act of the night belonged to The Unveiled, who took the stage to a wave of glowing phone torches lifted across the auditorium. Their opening worship song, Mbiri Yose, drew the crowd into prayer. Mid-performance of Dedza Nyasha, the group leader stepped off the stage and into the crowd, intensifying the moment.
Then came the highlight — the announcement of Ngcwele Ngcwele, which they performed live for the first time. The song, featuring Nyathi, has not yet been recorded, but its debut stirred excitement among fans.
The Unveiled’s public relations officer, Ashley Mapfumo, said the group was overwhelmed by the turnout.
“It was our first time in Bulawayo and seeing such a huge crowd was encouraging. The experience was amazing for us — massive,” he said.
He thanked all the artistes who shared the stage.
“Everything came out perfect and the agenda to worship God was achieved.”
Mapfumo added that one of their standout songs for the night was Mweya Mutsvene, describing it as a powerful call for the presence of the Holy Spirit. He said the group is already planning a return.
“We hope to be back in Bulawayo next year.”
Canaan Nyathi, on the other hand, hailed The Unveiled for a well-organised event.
“The Unveiled are my brothers, an amazing group. What they are doing is authentic. This first-ever concert tonight shows how Bulawayo is big and favoured,” he said.
On the newly introduced single Ngcwele Ngcwele, Nyathi said: “Ngcwele means holy, holy — a language angels understand. It’s an amazing song and it reminded me that even today, we can still sing the language of angels.”
He described working with The Unveiled as effortless.
“It was very easy because I was working with people who are humble and easy to work with. Putting together the lyrics and melody was an instruction from God. It has been smooth, meaningful and impactful.”
The Unveiled, formed in 2023 to compete in the Old Mutual Amazing Voices competition, has defied expectations. Assembled just two days before the pan-African reality show began, the ensemble surprised many by reaching the finale and winning hearts with their emotive cover performances. Since then, they have launched an album and maintained strong momentum, scooping the Outstanding Music Group award at the 2024 National Arts Merit Awards.
