Online Reporter
Remember Deketeke
Zimpapers Arts, Entertainment Hub
FOR two decades, Parktown Methodist Church in Zimbabwe Society Choir has resonated with soul-stirring gospel melodies, evolving into one of Zimbabwe’s most captivating choral ensembles.
Its journey, deeply rooted in Methodist tradition and infused with indigenous Zimbabwean musical styles, tells a story of faith, community and artistic innovation.
The seeds of Parktown Methodist Choir were sown in the late 1990s, a time when established traditional gospel choirs like Mubvuwi weUnited Methodist Church (MUMC) Harare West Choir were enjoying widespread acclaim.
Inspired by this burgeoning gospel scene and driven by a desire to connect people with God through music, a group within the Parktown Methodist Church in Waterfalls, Harare, envisioned a choir that would blend the rich heritage of Methodist hymns with the vibrant rhythms of Zimbabwean culture.
“The idea to start the Parktown Methodist in Zimbabwe Society Choir was inspired by the main principle of spreading and bringing people nearer to God, which is stated in the books of Matthew, Luke and Mark when Jesus picked his disciples,” explained choir member Simbarashe Musanhi.
“We decided to form a group that would bring people closer to God through the gospel.”
Officially registered with an initial cast of 50 members, the choir quickly gained recognition for their disciplined performances and unwavering commitment to worship through music.
They became a fixture at church competitions and spiritual gatherings, captivating audiences with their powerful harmonies and the distinctive sounds of traditional Zimbabwean instruments.
What sets the Parktown Methodist Choir apart is their ability to seamlessly blend traditional Methodist hymns with the pulsating rhythms of the ngoma drums, the rattle of the hosho, and the bold tones of the bhosvo horn. This fusion creates a unique and captivating sound that resonates deeply with audiences.
“Our mission is simply to share the word of God through music,” said the choir’s chairperson, Jorum Pfunye. “We don’t just sing, we worship. Every note we sing is a prayer.”
This commitment to worship is palpable in their performances. Choir member Musanhi describes the experience: “When we sing, it is from the soul.
“You can feel the Spirit when the hosho shakes and the ngoma beats. It’s not just music; it is a message.”
The choir’s spiritual fire is fuelled by a rich Methodist legacy. Reverend Munashe Matatu, the presiding minister, explained, “Music has always been at the heart of the Methodist Church.
“From Charles Wesley’s hymns centuries ago to today’s choirs like ours, it is how we praise, teach, and inspire.”
The Parktown Methodist Choir’s dedication to their craft has not gone unnoticed. With three church competition trophies proudly displayed and a recent collaboration with gospel heavyweights Vabati vaJehova on the song “Rakanaka Iro Zuva” (That Day is Beautiful), the choir is rapidly gaining recognition on the local gospel music scene.
“Rakanaka Iro Zuva” exemplifies the choir’s artistic vision.
The powerful gospel anthem blends the rich choral tradition of the Methodist Church with the signature harmonic layering and spiritual storytelling of Vabati VaJehova.
Built on the rhythmic energy of traditional instruments like the ngoma (drum), hosho (shakers), and bhosvo (horn), the song creates a sound-scape that is both reverent and deeply rooted in Zimbabwean musical heritage.
As the choir looks to the future, they are embracing new platforms to reach a wider audience.
Choir director Takudzwa Matata is committed to maintaining the spiritual essence of their music while embracing both traditional and modern platforms to reach souls both locally and abroad.
“Our music has always been about worship, not performance,” he said. “Even as we step into the world of digital media, that will not change.
“The move to online platforms is not about popularity — it is about reaching people who may never walk into a church building but can still be touched by God’s message through song.”
Matata also emphasised the importance of preserving the group’s rich heritage while adapting to contemporary expectations.
“We are not abandoning our tradition. If anything, we are showcasing it to the world in new, dynamic ways,” he said.
“There is a growing appetite for authentic, spiritually driven content, and we believe our choir can speak powerfully to that need across generations and cultures.”
For the Parktown Methodist Choir, music is more than just a performance; it is a form of worship, a means of connecting with God, and a way to share their faith with the world.
As they continue to evolve and innovate, their commitment to their roots and their passion for gospel harmony will undoubtedly continue to touch hearts and souls for years to come. Zimbabwe, according to Musanhi, has not yet seen the best of this grand choral group. Their journey is a testament to the power of music to transcend boundaries and unite people in faith and celebration.
