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Arts Reporter
The interdenominational choral group Zimpraise Legacy’s album launch dubbed ‘The Love Project Season 16,’ held at the Harare Gardens on Saturday, was a show of talent as local gospel acts who supported the event, put up a sterling performance.
Most artistes who performed at the launch gave polished performances, making it difficult to distinguish minnows in the game and well-established names in gospel music.
Held under the theme, ‘Under the Stars’, the star-studded line-up of artistes who shared the stage with Zimpraise Ensemble, which is a segment of Zimpraise Legacy, included female gospel sensation Dorcas Moyo, Pastor G, Kuda Mutsvene, Jonah Chivasa, Everton Mlalazi, Benjamin Rupapa and The Unveiled.
Gospel songstress Moyo did justice to her segment as she performed both old and new songs although some fans who watched her for the first time said her music and personality do not match.
She is quiet, calm and collected, yet her music is sonorous, bold and rich in lyrics.
Pastor G showcased his talent and proved that he has been in the game for a long time.
Newbies, ‘The Unveiled’ clad in their signature bold browns and cream outfit also performed, but were not at their best.
They might have missed a golden opportunity to market themselves well ahead of their show next week at 7Arts Theatre in Avondale, Harare.
Some of the songs they performed, ‘Tungamira’, ‘Ndikhokhele,’ and ‘I know who I am’, by Nigerian singer Sinach, were all renditions.
While it is understandable that they are young and vibrant, it would have been good to perform at least one of their own songs rather than just renditions of other artistes’ works.
On the other hand, Mlalazi, needed no introduction as he put up a well-coordinated performance.
Cool and composed, the musician proved and defended his title as Best Gospel Male in Africa 2023. He had a good day in office.
He performed two songs, ‘Apo Mambo’ and ‘Wait on the Lord’ together with the Zimpraise Ensemble.
He led fans to a sing along moment as if it was a karaoke session.
Mlalazi warmed up the stage for some of the great performances that followed.
Jonah Chivasa and Sir Benjamin also performed well and gave a different dimension to the show, as they led a transition from cool calm music to high vibe music— rhumba feel.
Both young and old joined on the dance floor as they enjoyed the music.
It will not be proper not to talk about the Zion Christian Church Mbungo group (ZCC), who surprised fans with a well polished performance when they got onto the stage.
It was a roller-coaster as they displayed energetic and powerful dances.
‘Ndodhle Rifa’ featuring ZCC, led by one of Zimpraise’s singers, Nicholas Chirunga, seems to be the best on the album after ‘Murudo Murudo.’
Prior to the Zimpraise album launch, the choir dropped visuals of ‘Ndodhle Rifa’, on social media as a build-up to the event and to market the song which was also the crowd’s favourite. It received overwhelming responses.
When Chirunga got onto the stage, fans could not help but chant, ‘Nico’, ‘Nico’, Nico,’ calling for him to remain on stage.
The choir came, saw and conquered.
According to Zimpraise Legacy founder member, Joseph Madziyire, Chirunga is the one who penned that dance tune.
Over the years, Zimpraise Legacy has diversified and has made a name for itself by having amazing collaborations with local stars that include Jah Prayzah, Angeline Dudu, Tino Dambaneuga, Shammah Phiri, Spirit Fingers and Emmanuel Chiwangwa.
The best part of the night was when Zimpraise Ensemble wowed the crowd with songs from their new album, ‘The Love Project Season 16.’
They excelled on the stage, putting an ‘A game’ as they belted out tune after tune from their long discography during their segment.
Talk of their fashion sense, it matched the ‘Under the Stars’ theme as the stage, sound and lightning were well coordinated to create a welcoming and glamorous ambiance.
Kudos should go to singer Chirunga, who is part of Zimpraise Ensemble for leading the choir in performing the song ‘Mukuru Wevakuru’. Gospel fans went into a frenzy as they sang along, clapped and swayed in unison to the pulsating beat, while cheering on the singers.
Chief executive of Nyaradzo Group of Companies, Phillip Mataranyika, was also in attendance among VIP guests.
Radio personality Becky K was the hostess of the night while Rumbidzai Matinanga was the stage manager — proving and representing girl power.
Online Reporter