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THE FAVOURED ONE . . . Mathias Mhere shows off his dancing skills at the New Life Covenant Church last Friday

Tafadzwa Zimoyo  Arts Correspondent
GOSPEL musician Mathias Mhere stole the show when he put up a well-polished act at ZimPraise live DVD launch held at New Life Covenant Church last Friday.
Mhere, who left the crowd in awe when he performed “Favour”, “Chipositora” and “Vimba naJehova” had the packed auditorium singing along with him.

The 25-year-old singer who was clad in a suit proved also that he is not only a good singer, but an excellent dancer as well.
The pint-sized vocalist had the crowd eating out of his hands as they asked for more.
“Favour, Favour, Favour,” chanted the crazy fans.

“I feel blessed and happy today. The show was awesome, just that it started late but we got the value of our money,” said Terrence Muriro of Highfield.

Guests were treated to stand-up comedy by popular Uncle Sam who was the master of ceremony as they waited for the show to start.
The show, which started 45 minutes late, was opened by a group of young women from ZimPraise team called Women of Praise.
The ladies performed songs such as “Ndakamutakura Jesu”, “Ndasunungurwa Tenda Ishe” with some Caribbean beat, leading to many dancing the tango style.

Women of Praise thrilled their fans with their rendition of “Mukadzi Akanaka” by Brother Sam.

Colourfully Dressed
The  crowd went wild when the colourfully dressed ladies were joined by the other members including the energetic dancers.
When the choir sang the popular “Sungano”, everyone jumped off their seats to dance.

ZimPraise chief executive Joseph Madziyire said the choir is growing and developing by day.
“Many people have asked me how we are doing it, but I say it is by the grace of God.

“I encourage everyone to continue supporting us as we are growing by the day because of your creative ideas and love,” he said.
Madziyire, the keyboard maestro, said the group had to restructure because it is now a brand.

“We are happy to announce that ZimPraise is now a holding company with many departments.
“We are launching the ZimPraise Kids soon and already now we have a ZimPraise Academy so that other churches can adopt some of our standards to improve their churches,” he said.

Madziyire later introduced his newly appointed executive team to the audience.
The sixth edition launch ran under the theme, “It’s All About Jesus” and was sponsored by Telecel, GTel, Lobels and Old Mutual.
The DVD part A and part B were sold for US$50 during an auction while the CD fetched US$25.

The DVD, which was recorded two months ago at Rainbow Towers, has more than 20 songs featuring top local gospel artistes.
The event was graced  by top local gospel musician Pastor G and pastors from various churches.