The Sunday Mail
Takudzwa Chihambakwe
DR Tumi (pictured right), the South African multi-award winning gospel musician, is set to stage his debut performance in Zimbabwe.
With Zimbabwean music promoters focusing largely on bringing in Jamaican dancehall-reggae artistes and musicians from Nigeria, the man from Seshego in Polokwane comes as a boost for gospel.
Dubbed “Thy Kingdom Come Worship Summit”, Dr Tumi’s show is expected to light up the Harare International Conference Centre on April 14 with the backing of his exceptional 10-member band.
“The Bible says God inhabits in the praises of his people. It never says he abides in the preaching of his preachers or in the prophecies of his prophets. Now if we do not give God quality time of praise and worship, our service as ministers is not wholesome,” said concert organiser Apostle Batsirai Java.
“We win and grow souls by preaching the message of the cross but ultimately we must raise worshippers.”
The Tabernacle of Grace Ministries founder said the summit would become an annual event.
“God is looking for true worshippers, just like he declares in John 4:23. Those that are ready to pour out their hearts to God. A people who are not focused on getting anything from God but just expressing their love for him.
“We want to create a platform where preaching is not dominant but the whole church is participating in praising and worshipping God. This will lead to an open heaven experience and detach people from depending on a preacher,” he said.
Besides Dr Tumi there will also be performances from two local gospel stars – Michael Mahendere and Takesure Zamar Ncube.
Continued Java: “We chose to bring Dr Tumi out of all other acts because the man is electric.
“People across the social strata can relate to his spirited music. But above all this man is endowed with a rare gift — the ability to open the heavens when he sings.
“I am praying and fasting that those coming to the summit must not only have an encounter in the HICC but must also carry to their homes an atmosphere of God’s presence. Anyone who comes to the concert cannot go back the same.”
Organisers said tickets were “selling very well”.
“So far tickets for the summit have been selling very well despite the fact that some people are still doubting if Dr Tumi is really coming,” said head of marketing and communications, Edward Taruvinga.
“Let me assure the nation that Dr Tumi is coming to Zimbabwe and people must not wait for the last minute rush. Get your tickets now.”
Real name Tumishang Makweya, Dr Tumi is a medical doctor who started his music career in 2007.
Last year he became the first gospel artiste in South Africa to fill up the iconic Ticket Pro Dome, and also signed an international distribution partnership deal with Universal Music South Africa.
The deal sees his albums being released internationally under Universal label partners Deff Jam Records and Motown Label.
He became a household name with hits such as “Nothing Without You”, “We Love You Lord”, and “All of Me”.
