dyton mupawaenda
Irene Kalulu-Arts Correspondent
The small mining city of Kwekwe was brought to life this past weekend when Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa graced the Apostolic Summit accompanied by top gospel musicians Minister Michael Mahendere, Takesure Zamar and Mathias Mhere.
This was the first time for such big names in gospel circles to share the stage in Kwekwe.
The Apostolic Summit is the brainchild of Apostle Joy and Pastor Mary Museba who founded New Creation Life Ministries International Church (NCL).
Thousands of people from all walks of life came for the summit to enjoy the preaching of the gospel and music from the season singers.
Minister Michael Mahendere did not disappoint as he took to the stage much to the delight of the crowd.
He started off by dishing out praise songs, including one of his hits “Ndinobuda Pakaoma”, with the crowd breaking out in dance and singing along.
The atmosphere quickly changed when he switched to worship songs like “Makanaka Jesu”, “Tangai Neni”, “Guta Reutiziro”, “Ndamuona” and “You are Yahwe”.
It became apparent why Minister Mahendere is a multi-award winner as he wowed the crowd from the first song and by the time he left the stage, people still wanted more from him.
Mhere kept the crowd on it’s feet, dancing to his hit anthems “Favour” and “Turner ma tables”.
Zamar, whom some have nicknamed ‘The Crying Worshipper’ came with another level of worship.
He started off singing popular choruses like “Ndiye Jesu”, “Ndaidziwanepi Nyasha”, “Ndoda Mwari”, among others.
Then he went a step further when he started singing hits like “Kuregerera in advance”, “Dururai Mweya Wenyu” and “Ndaenda”.
Apostle Joy said interest in gospel music highlighted the need for gospel music festivals to be held in Kwekwe, which he said was at the centre of Zimbabwe.
“I have seen how musicians hold gospel music festivals around Zimbabwe, but Kwekwe is always left out,” he said. “I want to monopolise you (the musicians) and have an event that happens every year that all Christians can come to attend.
“People should come here and experience God. I don’t know if its going to be a winter or a summer worship festival.”
Apostle Joy thanked everyone for the sacrifices they made to make the summit a success.
He thanked his spiritual father, Emmanuel Makandiwa for attending.
“God is so mindful of us here in Kwekwe. God is full in His might about us in Kwekwe. We can’t wait for what you are going to give us from our God,” said Apostle Joy.
It is the fourth time that Makandiwa, who is a highly sought after preacher, has been to at NCL in Kwekwe.
“It is an honour for me to be here,” he said when invited to address the gathering. “By reason of choice and decision that Apostle Joy has made, which is to invite us to come for an annual conference, which is apostolic in nature.”
Another highlight of the summit was the business component where a business mentorship conference titled the Kingdom Affluent Masters (KAM) was held.
KAM was founded in 2018 by Apostle Joy and this year’s keynote speaker was Jerry Nyazungu (37), who manages an organisation employing more than 70 people.
KAM sessions brought together top scholars and executives from around the world to be taught on strategic business, as well as receive feedback from industry experts on how to better develop their work and careers.
Ambitious entrepreneurs and business owners were taught, among other traits, the importance of having good sales professionals in every business.
“You should invest in sales and master the art of selling,” said Nyazungu. “Sales is how you hunt for clients.”
Nyazungu said humble beginnings should never be an excuse for not achieving greatness.
“Everyone has the ability to change the world,” he said. “I never thought I would ever graduate from being a corner street vendor to starting and managing an organisation that employs over 70 young people, not only in Zimbabwe, but Zambia and now South Africa.”
Online Reporter