Online Reporter
Tafadzwa Zimoyo
Zimpapers Arts Editor
For local artistes, performing in a foreign land is sometimes difficult, worse if it is for the first time, as they have to leave a lasting impression.
Good thing music is a universal language and also the best part, Christians are now all over the world, which makes their job, life easier to penetrate the market.
For those who have made a mark with their music, they have a starting ground.
But all the same, music is music, and with the advent of technology, many are using social media platforms like TikTok or YouTube to push their hits.
this weekend is a litmus test for our top local gospel musicians at the “Grateful Experience – Botswana” as they are set to serenade Zimbabweans living in that country, including the Tswanas and other nationalities.
To some on the line up, it is their second time performing in Botswana, and they now know the key and tune to press, while the first timers are optimistic about the event and said they are called to dominate, hence they will dominate.
Scheduled to take place at the Gaborone International Convention Centre (GICC) and hosted by songstress Eleana Makombe, for the first time, the event will see Janet Manyowa, Sharon Cherayi, Minister Micheal Mahendere, Ellard Cherayi, Blessing Jedthun, Everton Mlalazi, Snowy and Takesure Zamar sharing the stage with top acts from Botswana and South Africa, such as Tlotlo, Lebo Sekgobela, Omega Khunou and Shinkie Mochawacha.
What makes this concert unique is that it has a blend of cultures in the name of serving Christ.
According to the organisers, performing in Botswana was part of Eleana’s 2025 dream.
In an interview, some of the artistes said they were hopeful to show and can’t wait to market their countries through music.
“This will be my second time performing in Botswana with my wife Sharon, and at first it was difficult as we doubted how our music would be received, but surprisingly they accepted and welcomed us with open arms. We ended up having a sing-along session with the Tswanas,” said Minister Cherayi.
Minister Micheal ahendere said he is ready to conquer, especially with his “Messiah” hit song, which has gone global.
“We are more than ready for this, and we thank the organisers for coming up with such an initiative. Remember music is universal and of course, as Christians, this will be a success, we do not fail,” he said.
Tlotlo from Botswana, who has also been helping with the marketing and selling of tickets, said she was overwhelmed with the enquiries about the show in Gaborone.
“I would say this is amazing. Music unites us and we promise to do a return leg to come and perform in Zimbabwe. We have been having enquiries from various artistes, Tswanas, stakeholders and all want to meet Eleana,” she said.
“Her Botswana fans have been following her on social media and recently I heard a group of young people doing renditions of her songs. We are hopeful of the event.”
Eleana said the preparations are at an advanced stage, and already, some of the local artistes have left for Botswana for final rehearsals.
She said she is happy with how the show has been received.
“We have a surprise performance on the set and Botswana is going to be lit. I know it is my first time there, but believe me, it is like home. We are all Africans and nothing will stop us from shining,” she said.
“We used to have Tswana artistes from secular music like Slizer coming to Zimbabwe frequently, and she has become a darling to many, but we thought, why not have a gospel music show also in Botswana, not as competition but unifying nations.
“The show will unite the African countries, as we also have a South African team performing.”
Eleana said everything is going according to the plan and is happy that even the local arts authorities have endorsed her initiative.
