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The Vine Choir’s 10th anniversary celebration on July 13 was not just a concert; it was a gospel extravaganza! Imagine a stage (Harare International Conference Centre) filled with a 100-piece orchestra from Johannesburg, a soaring 30-piece brass section, a 30-piece choir and 30 children from the Adventist Pathfinders! Add in renowned American gospel singers VaShawn Mitchell, Jekalyn Carr, United Kingdom-based Zimbabwean singer Blessing Annatoria Chitapa and the soul-stirring voices of The Vine Choir itself and you have a recipe for an unforgettable night of praise. The energy was electric, the crowd roared with approval and the whole event was captured on film for a live DVD due for release later this year. The event was a testament to the power of faith and music. The stage was fancy and well-organised, with top-notch sound and cameras to capture everything perfectly. Themed “Great is Thy faithfulness”, the concert was so popular, they added another day. The event was free to attend, thanks to the sponsorship the choir secured. Our Entertainment Reporter caught up with founder and director of The Vine Everton Mlalazi and below are excerpts from the interview. Read on . . .
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Q: Can you briefly explain how you formed The Vine Choir?
A: In 2014, I decided that it was necessary that we come up with an Adventist music group that uses instruments to accompany its music, following the SDA US-based group The Heritage Singers.
Our intention was to minister to both Adventists and non-Adventists, fulfilling the great commission, as enshrined in Matthew 28:19-20, which reads, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Q: Have you achieved the objective?
A: It is 10 years now and we continue to push to reach out to all cities and towns in Zimbabwe, the rest of Africa and the world. Our music now plays in Zimbabwe and Africa and we need to spread it across the globe.
Q: How many members make up the choir?
A: The Vine has 18 vocalists, a pianist, two sound engineers and music producer Nigel Nyangombe.
Our music is predominantly composed by Nigel and myself.
Q: Your events, album launches and general concerts have a touch of class. What inspires you?
A: We believe in excellence in the things of God. We appreciate our sponsors who make this possible.
Q: What is your take on the anniversary celebration and how did you select performing artistes?
A: I was extremely happy with the recording and also the concert on Sunday.
The show was sold out and we extended it to the following day to allow our international artistes to also perform their own songs, which were not part of the recording on Saturday.
We looked at our songs and felt that we needed Jekalyn on the up-tempo song “Wait on the Lord”. VaShawn collaborated with me on the song “Glory to His Name” and we felt his voice would work.
For Annatoria, we thought the song “Tariro”, which she did with Peniel (Tambama), would suit her.
Q: Who assists you with concepts for your concerts?
A: We work as a production team to come up with a concept that aligns with the music and the theme.
This time the theme was “Great is Thy faithfulness”. We wanted to show our gratitude to God through the stage setup.
Q: Are you the inspiration behind your daughter joining music?
A: Natasha, my elder daughter aged 15, is the one who sings.
The younger one (Keisha), aged 12, is into public speaking and, therefore, is our homegrown MC. These are their natural talents and all we are doing is to nurture and support them.
Q: Besides music, you also have another profession, and you are also a family man. How are you balancing everything?
A: I have an able team led by manager and wife Gamu that supports my music, plans for my travels, rehearsals and bookings.
That way, some pressure is taken off my shoulders.
Q: What do you like doing in your spare time?
A: I follow soccer and support Manchester United and Real Madrid. I love traditional food — maguru nematumbu, mabhonzo, muboora, et cetera.
Online Reporter