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Tsitsi Ndabambi
Massive believers seeking spiritual help flock this country every year and what better way to show off the beauty of the soil than through religious tourism.

Just like pilgrimage seekers gospel music can be a soul soother or a healer to the broken soul and local gospel music has equally played that part in people. Before the preacher or prophet takes over the podium music always paves the way.

As a selling point the local gospel musicians supported by Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) and the Ministry of Tourism are bringing together gospel music lovers to the first edition of the non-denominational Peace Gospel Festival on July 28 at the Glamis Arena.

At the festival launch ZTA chief executive Dr Karikoga Kaseke announced that the annual Harare International Carnival has been moved to October making way for the gospel festival.

Guest of honour at the launch which was held at the Harare Town House, Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Prisca Mupfumira said; “Churches have a role to play in maintaining peace and tranquillity through prayer and music. It is important to note that peace is a unique selling point for destination Zimbabwe and tourism thrives in a peaceful environment.”

She added that through this they took interest in exhibiting to the world that this part of the world is peace loving and a joyful place to be just like other tourist destinations like the Vatican City or Israel.

In addition to this the ministry is expecting this divine festival to make an impact during and after elections bringing people with different political beliefs together.

The theme for the event is ‘Shout to the Lord’, the gospel artists who are going to include Mathias Mhere, Michael Mahendere, Flame B, Nyasha Mutonhori and more who are still to be announced will be performing free of charge at the concert.

The above mentioned together with the group Masimba Edenga Vabvuwi performed for the public at the launch and gospel music godfather Baba Emmanuel Manyeruke sealing the event with a uniting prayer.