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Revisiting the Zimpraise 15th Anniversary Concert


ZimPraise in action

On 15 October 2022, my daughter Twalumba and I were part of the guests at Glamis Arena in Harare that attended the Zimpraise Concert to celebrate their 15th anniversary. Zimpraise is a Zimbabwean interdenominational choir which was established in 2008. Some of the popular albums that the choir has produced are Hymns Night. The choir has groomed a number of gospel musicians who have established successful gospel singing careers.

We arrived in Harare the previous night after traveling for 11 hours by bus from Lusaka. The gates to the concert were opened at 12 00 hours. We arrived at the concert venue at 14 00 hours. We had bought general tickets before the concert and were upgraded to the VIP section that was close to the stage. During the concert some of the Zimbabwean gospel choirs that I heard perform for the first time were Chispite Worship Team and Vocal Ex from Bulawayo. The Vocal Ex choir sang very well with Makanaka (praising God for his goodness) as one of the songs they sang.

Crowd sings along to Minister Michael Mahendere

It was a delight for me to see Minister Michael Mahendere perform in person for the first time. Minister Mahendere is well known for his song “Makanaka Jesu”. During the concert he sang a number of songs among which were Ndiobuda Pakaoma a Shona song which means that as a believer he is able to emerge victorious from trials because of God’s help. The song also has some lines in English “I am too blessed to be stressed”. Minister Mahendere led his supporting band and the viewers in dancing to his songs. He sang his songs with confidence and passion.


Other artists who performed at the concert were Sebastian Magacha, Marbel Madondo, Mathias Mahere and Eleana Makombe, whose song Mune Nyasha was a hit. Generally the crowd at the concert danced to most of the songs that were sang. Zimbabweans like many other Africans are generally given to dancing during times of celebration.


Joyous Celebration on stage

One of the highlights of the concerts was the performance by Joyous Celebration from South Africa who were led by their leader Jabu Hlongwane. Joyous Celebration have been in existence for 26 years making them one of the longest existing gospel choirs in Africa. This was the third time watching Joyous Celebration live having watched them before in Cape Town and in Lusaka. Joyous Celebration appeared on the stage at around 18 30. Their appearance on the stage was eagerly anticipated by the concert goers. Some of the songs that they sang were: Bhekani uJehova, UJesu Aw Limnandi led by Nozipho Phiri (one of my favorites), I am the Winner led by Nomithi Siziba (another of my favorite songs) and Sebenza Ngami. 

Zimpriase appeared on the stage around 20 00 hours. They started with a hymn of praise and then sang many other songs such as Mbiri Yose, Mbiri Kunashe and Torumbidza that were part of a live recording of their 15th album.

As a souvenir from the concert, I was able to buy a CD by Joyous Celebration (Album No. 24) and also a Joyous Celebration t-shirt for my daughter and for myself. The concert was well attended had very good lighting and sound systems. The organizers ensured that there was enough food, snacks, drinks and water for concert attendants to buy.

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