adminJonathan Mbiriyamveka Entertainment Reporter
Leading choral group ZimPraise successfully held its first show of the year last Thursday at a packed Harare International Conference Centre despite the heavy rains that pounded the capital hours before the start of the concert. Unlike the previous year when ZimPraise only staged their traditional annual concert, this year it was different in that Joseph Madziyire, the chief executive of the choir hosted the first ever CEO’s Awards to honour outstanding choir members.
Dubbed “The Revelation Reloaded”, the concert also coincided with the album launch by Sharon Manyonganise, another rookie from the choir.
The choir boasts up to 100 members and sadly, not everyone deserved an award but those that were recognised did so with pride and honour.
“The Show was so amazing, it was raining, we had a bit of an issue with our ticket sales, but still people came and God showed up. My highlight was when we started singing the hymns and the whole place just broke out in worship. Clearly that was not a show as we would call it, but it was all about Jesus,” Madziyire said.
Asked why he shed tears during the performance, Madziyire said he was overwhelmed the presence of the Lord.
“I shed tears every-time I think of the love of God towards the choir. I am one person who literary feel his love, I think of where he has brought me and `ZimPraise to where we are today. I don’t cry easily, but take me to the stage and ask me to worship. I see grace,” he said.
Winners were picked from the categories which include S Best Male and Best Female Vocalists, Most Loyal member, Most Disciplined and Most Improved, Most Consistent member, Longest Serving Member and Most Supportive Fan.
Vocalist Sharon put up a great show during the launch of her new album. She moved the crowd and looks set to make it big in the future.
That said, both ZimPraise junior and senior choirs lived up to billing with carefully selected playlist which serenaded worshippers on the first day of 2015.
Highlights also included solo performances from some of the members throughout the show.
It appears the crowd increases with each outing.
The annual event is meant to give thanks and glory to God for achievements made in the past year and the year ahead.
According to Madziyire, there will be more solo projects this year as they seek to discover the talents of choir members.
Besides this, the choir has planned a world tour in the United Kingdom in August, Canada in September, Australia in November and the United States in September. All the shows have been confirmed.
The choir comprises young talented vocalists and performing artists. Last year, ZimPraise went on their second international tour of the United Kingdom where they will held sold out concerts.
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