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Rutendo Gomwe and Faith Mandizha

Arts Reporters

Yes, Nigerian gospel songstress Ada Ehi came, saw and conquered but local is lekker.

This is how to describe the just ended show of singer Ada Ehi held at the Harare International Conference Centre on Saturday which saw local acts like Minister Michael Mahendere, Janet Manyowa, Ellard and Sharon Cherayi and Nyasha Mutonhori performing on stage.

First things first!

It would be an injustice not to praise and mention the scintillating act by The Cherayis.

Impulsive, spirited and of course sanctified.

Although they too, performed when people were still trickling in, that did not deter their energetic performance.

They did what they were paid for, full house or empty, they just did their job.

The Cherayis proved that local is lekker as they dished out their hit songs, taking fans into a frenzy mood as they transitioned from worship mode to praise songs.

And again, their colourful ensemble coordinated well with the crowd.

Kudos to the power couple Ellard and Sharon.

Then, Minister Michael Mahendere, as always brought his A-Game to the show as he kept fans on their feet.

Tune after tune, Minister Mahendere showed that he is the “Salt of the Earth” as he left no stone unturned.

Nyasha Mutonhori was an opening act and she had a good day in the office although she performed to a handful of show-goers.

Janet Manyowa had a different approach to the concert this time around.

Known for great stage-work and a good playlist, this time she took the fans by surprise.

She performed yesteryear songs.

Not hers, but of local gospel musicians, the songs that bucked the trend in the late 90s.

It was not bad but somehow fans expected more from her as the norm.

Currently the man of the moment in the gospel scene locally, Everton Mlalazi brought the classic exquisite feel to the show.

After successfully launching his album months ago, the gospel singer did not disappoint as he belted tune after tune.

The event was hosted by radio personality Yvonne Tivatye and television presenter Jefferson Muserera who sailed flawlessly during their segment.

They had hiccups on stage when their microphones were off as the sound and lighting glitches occurred.

The stage was blurred.

They started to entertain fans as they danced to gospel tunes which were being played by Gospel Dj Fungai.

In fact, they did not want to bore fans who were anxiously waiting for Nigerian singer Ada Ehi.

Ada Ehi came on stage late as not expected, according to the script.

Well, it wasn’t her fault but organisers of the show started off late which affected the line-up.

One of the major reasons was that they were waiting for the auditorium to fill to capacity, which was not the case.

VIP was not full to the extent that one could spot a needle at the ground.

Some fans said the prices were exorbitant as they were pegged at US$50.

Again, it seemed as wrong timing for the event as most people  were now busy with “back to school” preparations.

Organisers should have done their homework in planning on that.

Ada Ehi, who some local musicians should take a leaf from, was way too professional.

She belted tune after tune, delivering a well-polished act.

Good vocal ability.

The auditorium trembled as fans chanted with joy for the Nigerian star.

She ministered through music, filled with the Holy Spirit and resonated well with fans.

Commenting on the show some fans said it was worth it while others said organisers should stick to the plan.

“Minister Michael Mahendere and The Cherayis are a gem. They touched my heart with their songs. I felt the Holy Spirit moving in me so I had to seed into that word so that it can manifest into my life,” Tinashe Marozviwa from Highfields.

“The Bulawayo guy (Mlalazi) was good too, he sang in an American way but he wasn’t bad though the Minister represented Zimbabwe very well. I was worried when I came and saw a few people but as time went on, it got packed,” said another fan identified as Lorraine Makuvire.

“They started late and this affected the performances of some artistes. The pricing was way too much for VIP and it was a sorrowful and sorry state watching from the general access. I was afraid that Ada Ehi would not like to perform in front of a handful of VIPs considering that in Nigeria she is used to a vibrant crowd.

Luckily at the last minute people started trickling in and it was now in a better state,” echoed Mirriam Nkomo (38) a staunch fan of Janet Manyowa.