ZimPraise concert draws over 6 000 fans

ZIMBABWE’S most revered gospel choir ZimPraise took Bulawayo by storm on Sunday with more than 6 000 gospel enthusiasts thronging the ZITF Hall 3 for the “It’s all about Jesus” concert.

ZIMBABWE’S most revered gospel choir ZimPraise took Bulawayo by storm on Sunday with more than 6 000 gospel enthusiasts thronging the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Hall 3 for the “It’s all about Jesus” concert.

ZIM-PRAISE

NONHLANHLA SIBANDA OWN CORRESPONDENT

Although not all the 80 members of the group were in attendance, the show did not disappoint as the huge crowd and the esctatic atmosphere told it all.

A wide spectrum of songs was delivered in Sotho, Zulu, Ndebele as well as English. These included the hit-track Sungano, Musandikanganwe and Covenant.

Speaking to Southern Eye Lifestyle, ZimPraise public relations officer Tendai Zhou said that their expectations were exceeded.

“We were surprised at how much Bulawayo appreciates our music and the huge turnout. We are humbled and grateful. We did not expect this. The tickets were sold out in no time,” he said.

The choir, which is made up of soloists from various denominations, shared the stage with Stanley Gwanzura, aka Pastor G.

Pastor G, who has released 11 albums, did not disappoint as he proved to fans he still has his groove. He danced to the hit track Makomborero.

He said he would be releasing a praise and worship album on June 7 dubbed Wengoni.

“When I produce an album I have this in mind that music is a vehicle to spread a message and transcends barriers.

“I do not sing about sorrow, crime or songs that depress people. I am a minister of the word in all my albums. I record music that gives people who encounter hardships, hope,” he said. Other artistes who performed at the concert included Mathias Mere popularly known for his hit song Favour, Takesure Ncube of Worship Addicts, Word of Life Choir, Vocal Extraordinaire — an upcoming choir based in Bulawayo who wowed the crowd with sungura dances and a wide range of African songs.

Zim Praise’s next concert will be at Masvingo although dates are still being worked out.

The choir was recently nominated for the Zimbabwe Achievers’ Awards together with other Zimbabwe-based artistes such as Jah Prayzah, Tehn Diamond and Hope Masike.

The awards are slated for May 10 at the luxurious Royal Garden Hotel in Kensington District, London, in the United Kingdom. The outfit held a successful United Kingdom tour in November last year.