Mthabisi Tshuma, [email protected]
GOSPEL musician Vusa Mangena is set to take audiences on a nostalgic musical journey with the inaugural Izihlabelelo ZikaMakhulu concert, drawing inspiration from the hymns and choruses that shaped his childhood.
The concert, organised under the Vee Music banner, will be held at the Bulawayo Theatre on November 15.
Inspired by the traditional role played by grandmothers in raising children, particularly in families where parents migrate in search of better opportunities, the event seeks to revive the Gospel sounds that defined many people’s upbringing.
Mangena said the concert was conceived as an annual heritage Gospel event in Bulawayo, guided by the theme, “Reviving the Sound That Raised Us – Returning to the Presence”.
“For this event, I wanted a line-up that represents Gogo’s living room. We will have different voices, from anointed women such as Abigail Mwembe and Minister Lindani.
“We will also have Vuyile Qongo, popularly known as Vuyi Sax, as well as young ministers who will carry the sound forward, including upcoming artiste Menelisi Ncube and one of Zimbabwe’s finest gospel artistese, Blessing Jeduthan.
“Each artiste is known for authentic, soulful worship, not just performance. They all grew up singing the same old hymns, so this is personal for them too. The theme captures the essence of the event – going back to the foundation: the prayers, old hymns and choruses that taught us to believe before we even understood life,” he said.
Mangena said the initiative was also intended to bring families together through music and shared memories.
“I was raised by my grandmother, who taught us nothing but prayer, singing and believing in God. Those songs were our food and God laid it on my heart that we have lost that sound. The world is too busy now.
“I felt a strong urge to create a space where families, especially young people, can experience the presence of God that we felt in Gogo’s hut. This concert is my thanksgiving to her,” he said.
He said preparations were underway to deliver an unforgettable experience, adding that audiences should expect more than an ordinary musical performance.
“People can expect a spirit-filled, powerful and joyful night. This is not a normal concert where you just watch. It is a sing-along revival.
“It is an opportunity to experience authentic old hymns and choruses accompanied by grand piano and live saxophone, hear the stories behind the songs and worship together in a spirit-filled
atmosphere. It will be a family-friendly, decent and well-organised event,” he said.
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