The Sunday Mail
Wilson Kakurira
Flying City Assembly Choir emerged the inaugural victors of the Zvimba district choral competitions held at St Kizito’s Parish at Murombedzi Growth Point last week. The Roman Catholic took second place, followed by Methodist Church Mucheri, Salvation Army and Methodist Church Murombedzi choirs respectively.
Ten choirs from different denominations in Zvimba district converged for the competition which was organised by the Ministry of Rural Development, Promotion and Preservation of National Arts, Culture and Heritage.
The choirs sang various songs from their respective churches. Pastors from the churches came up with the theme “Arise Zimbabwe and praise the Lord” for the event.
Principal Arts, Culture and Heritage officer in the ministry, Mr Tarisai Gusho, who was also part of the organising committee, told The Sunday Mail Religion that the event was a platform for church choirs to mix and mingle.
“This was not just a competition but a way of bringing the choirs together so that they can form synergies,” Mr Gusho said.
“Despite worshipping the same God, we have different beliefs at our various denominations. Our modus operandi vary as one moves from one church to another.
“This event has brought unity among churches in this district, it is one giant step in the positive direction as we try to spread the word of unity to the nation,” he said.
He said the turn out for the event was impressive. “I was shocked by the turnout at this competition given that its the first edition, we did not expect to have such a crowd,”
However, the organisers faced financial challenges in preparing for the choral competitions. Member of Parliament for Zvimba West, Honourable Ziyambi Ziyambi, assisted with the prize money.
“There is need for unity among Zimbabweans, if this starts at church level, it will be easier to spread to those who are yet to receive Christ.
Mr Gusho said next year’s competition will be bigger and better with many other choirs expected to come on board.
