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Tafadzwa Zimoyo-Entertainment Editor

In what promises to be an epic gathering of African gospel music talents, organisers of the Spirit of Praise (SOP) gospel concert have added two more artistes to ensure variety and widen the appeal.

The addition of Unveiled choral group and United Kingdom-based Zimbabwean songstress Eleana Makombe that was announced on Monday night is expected to spice up the event.

Already the SOP, which comprises South African singers Benjamin Dube, Dumi Mkokstad, Mmatema, Mpumi Mtsweni, Takie Ndou, Sindi Ntombela and two  renowned Zimbabwean gospel artistes, Everton Mlalazi and Canaan Nyathi, is promising fireworks at the gospel concert scheduled to take place at Rainbow Towers in Harare next month.

SOP concerts are popular in Africa and last year the group held its debut show in Zimbabwe at the Hippodrome Harare, an event that was hosted by Ginger Apple in partnership with Vast Construction.

In an interview, Mlalazi said Zimbabwe was part of their tour and they will stage two shows at different venues.

“We are touring Africa after the release of our new album this Friday.

“We have three singles so far which have been released, but the full album will be released on Friday. The singles are, ‘Asikho Isikhali’ (SOP feat Dumi Mkokstad), ‘Kgosi Yaruna’ (SOP feat Mmatema) and ‘Ukwenzile’(SOP feat Canaan Nyathi),” he said.

“The tour starts in Durban this weekend, and then Botswana next weekend. We will stage two shows in Zimbabwe on October 12 (Harare) and the following day in Bulawayo. We return to South Africa at the Carnival City in Johannesburg on December 7.”

Mlalazi has two songs on the album.

“I have recorded two songs on the album which are, ‘Pfugama Unamate’ and ‘Ndofamba naJesu,. The songs are in Shona to promote the Zimbabwean language on the album.”

Mlalazi was excited to have Makombe and The Unveiled as supporting acts.

Commenting on her inclusion in the line up, songstress Makombe said she was happy to be part of the project.

“I am still finding the right words to explain what I am feeling. I would say this is a great opportunity for me to build on my event in December.

“Sharing the stage with some of the gospel greats is awesome. I am already in rehearsal mode and I will be travelling back to Zimbabwe this month-end,” she said.

Makombe last year hosted Benjamin Dube at the Grateful concert in the UK and together they released a song called, “Zita RaJesu” which trended in Zimbabwe and South Africa.

“Bishop Benjamin Dube is like my father and I am happy to be working with him on various projects. Now he is on SOP, and this means a lot to me, I will give it my best,” she said.

However Makombe could not be drawn into disclosing her playlist for the SOP show and whether she will perform their hit song with Dube.

The Unveiled choir founder member Joshua Chitima concurred with Makombe, saying they too cannot wait to share the stage with SOP.

“We are so excited to be sharing the stage with the SOP team. It is an honour and we cannot wait. With every opportunity, we get to minister to God’s people we put it upon ourselves to make sure we pour out our hearts on stage through singing,” he said.

“This is a night we are looking forward to and we are preparing extra hard.

The Unveiled choir has  been in the game for past three years and said their secret to success was consistency.

“We have learnt that it takes consistency, dedication and hard work to remain on top of the game. We have also learnt that it is important to create and nurture relationships with other musicians.”

The Unveiled are popular for their songs “Tungamira” and “Ndikhokhele”.