ZimPraise 2015 celebrations

Jonathan Mbiriyamveka Entertainment Reporter
Leading choral group ZimPraise returns to the stage today for the New Year traditional rite at the Harare International Conference Centre starting at 1pm. The concert, dubbed “The Revelation Reloaded”, is one not to be missed as it coincides with honorary CEO’s Awards ceremony as well as an album launch by Sharon Manyonganise.

“This is an annual event where we give thanks and glory to God for what we achieved in the past year and what’s to come in the New Year. If you read in the Bible it says the children of Israel were told to send Judas first of which Judah means praise.

“So in the same vein, we want to celebrate our victories to come and whatever it is it shall be revealed. There is going to be lots in store including the CEO’s Awards, the Ministry Awards and Long Service Awards for our members. As a people oriented group we are going to also honour both local and international fans. There are five ardent fans locally and abroad whose support was exceptional, those are going to be presented with special gifts,” Joseph Madziyire, the chief executive of ZimPraise said.

Madziyire said the awards would motivate the group to continue with the good work.

Some of the categories in which musicians will be honoured include Best Male and Best Female Vocalists, Most Loyal Member, Most Disciplined and Most Improved.

Asked about Sharon’s solo project, Madziyire said as ZimPraise they would want to see their members pursue solo projects.

“Sharon has been with us for a long time and we want not just her but other members as well to launch their solo projects so that they earn more from their talents. In the coming year you are going to see more members launching their albums,” Madziyire said.

He said the solo projects were in line with ZimPraise’s thrust to spread the word through music.

“Soon we are going to go to churches and teach the praise and worship choirs how to do things professionally. It could be music or presentation. God lifted us so we should help others,” he said.

Commenting about today’s concert, Madziyire urged fans to come in their numbers and celebrate with the choir in song and dance.

“Gospel music lovers should come in droves and praise the Lord. There is going to be a lot of energy and spirituality on stage,” he said.

The Zimbabwean choir, comprising young talented vocalists and performing artistes, will headline the concert. Last year, ZimPraise went on their second international tour of the United Kingdom where they held two sold out concerts, one in Birmingham and another in Lutton.

Dubbed “Sungano/Covenant Tour”, the choir, comprising up to 30 members, impressed their fans with a glut of their songs taken from their chart topping DVD called “Sungano”.

During the live recording of “Sungano”, an estimated 8 000 strong crowd comprising the young and the old attended the concert held at the Harare International Conference Centre.

As the choir grew so was its brand such that it is now one of the biggest choirs to emerge in Zimbabwe. What is interesting about the choir is that its members are mostly youths.

The choir also staged a successful concert dubbed “It’s all about Jesus DVD” in July 2013, a project which many thought would flop as it was held during the election time. However, everything went according to plan and thousands of gospel lovers attended including heads of churches.

The 25-year-old entrepreneur and music producer, Madziyire, was recently nominated for the prestigious Young Influential Citizen for the Megafest Awards.