The Sunday Mail
Veronica Gwaze
ORGANISERS of the Nyasha Dzedenga Gospel Show at Glamis Arena next Saturday say they are inspired by yesteryear gospel events like Nguva Yakwana and Ngaavongwe Music Explosion.
Sound Blaze Productions, who are still fairly new in the game, have promised a flawless event and called on every gospel music lover to attend the end-of-year gig.
“We are looking at ending the year in the right frame of mind, celebrating life because of the grace we have encountered throughout the year as individuals, families and as a country,” said Simba Mahenga, the company’s marketing and public relations manager. Numbers at gospel music concerts have been gradually dwindling over the years forcing promoters to shift their focus towards other genres. However, with religion at the core of mankind, gospel music always finds its way back. But the question remains; will this genre ever regain its glory?
One of the artistes performing at the gig, renowned gospel musician Mechanic Manyeruke, believes the Saturday concert is a turnaround moment for the gospel music industry. The veteran musician is optimistic that the Sound Blaze Productions-organised show marks a comeback of gospel music after seasons of neglect.
Also on the bill are top gospel artistes like the award-winning Janet Manyowa, Pastor Michael Mahendere, Fungisai Zvakavapano-Mashavave, Mathias Mhere, Sabastian Magacha and Forward Mazuruse. Mahendere cemented his status as a household name in gospel circles when he fronted United Family International Church’s praise and worship to release their debut hit “Makanaka Jesu”.
Sabastian Magacha has also fought to remain consistent on music charts. His latest album, “Wonererwai Jeso”, has been a runaway success. One of the tracks, “Mweya Mutsvene”, features Jah Prayzah and the video has almost two million views on YouTube.
After recently launching her 11-track album dubbed “Grateful”, Manyowa adds the much-needed star attraction to the event.
Said Baba Manyeruke: “This show marks the rebirth of the massive gospel music concerts. The theme, Nyasha Dzedenga, in itself speaks volumes. This is something we believe will reignite not only the lost spark that we once had in the gospel music arena but the nation at large.”
The famous “Madhimoni” singer said the show will also bring together audiences of different ages for a common cause. With several other gospel shows lined up for this month, Manyeruke believes it is the gospel musicians’ moments to also redefine their position in the society.
“With hard times looming over the gospel industry, we had lost our position when promoters abandoned the genre. It is this time that we have to reclaim our position as God’s mouthpiece in the communities – preaching the gospel and winning souls for the Kingdom is what we were called to do,” he said.
The gospel musicians seek to propagate the gospel through entertainment suitable for the whole family on the day. With the nation also going through an economic recovery phase, Manyeruke said the show will also revive the nation‘s rapport with God paving way for fiscal repossession.
“This show also comes as a song and message of hope for Zimbabwe during this era we are in. The nation is in a very flimsy phase in which we need heavenly mercies to see a better Zimbabwe, back to its original status,” said the gospel granddad.
