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Tafadzwa Zimoyo-Entertainment Editor

This is the return!

Could it be the epic and Chef-d’oeuvre?

One can say many words to describe this feat.

Who still remembers the era of Jackie Madondo (late), Fungisai Zvakavapano- Mashavave and Prince Mafukidze at Rainbow Towers, formerly known as the Sheraton Hotel, where they would perform one of the biggest gospel nights?

Well, such times might be back, soon.

In what could be deemed the gospel concert of the year, let alone “The Christmas Box” for local gospel fans, organisers of the ‘Grateful Zimbabwe’ concert have confirmed the show and line up.

After revealing the gospel musicians line up, day-after-day, social media fans have shown  excitement.

The young and the old are all excited.

United Kingdom-based songstress Eleana Makombe who is the hostess, has roped in old  acts such as Baba naMai Charamba, Pastor G, Pastor Haisa, Prince Mafukidze, Carol Mujokoro, Fungisai Zvakavapano-Mashavave, Baba Mechanic Manyeruke, Matthias Mhere and Minister Michael Mahendere, to rekindle their romance with yesteryear fans.

To add icing on the cake, Makombe has brought in South African giant, Sipho Makhabane.

The show, slated for December 7, at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC), will run under the theme, “Grateful Zimbabwe”.

Makombe has hosted such “grateful” experience in the United Kingdom, where she hosted some of the gospel sensations who include Bishop Benjamin Dube, Lebo Sekgobela,

The Cherayis, Blessing Jedthun, Janet Manyowa and Takesure Zamar, among others.

The beauty of the event is that Makombe will also appreciate the gospel legends as she will close the show with an awards ceremony.

To bring diversity, Makombe and Minister Michael Mahendere will be the Master of Ceremonies for the night apart from performing some of their hit songs.

In an interview, Makombe, said preparations are at an advanced stage with more yesteryear artistes to join the list.

“We have unveiled some of the gospel greats and this came after a poll we did with the fans. We are left with two or three more acts to confirm and the line-up will be concluded,” she said.

“We will crown the show with an awards galore where we would want to appreciate these legends, some of them no longer frequent the stage. We are to partner National Arts Council of Zimbabwe and the Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation to achieve this goal.”

Makombe who is riding high on local radio stations with her song, “Chiuya Mweya”  said the initiative to host the “Christmas Box” came after seeing the void left by the gospel greats.

“There have been several gospel shows being hosted both locally and internationally but it seems we have shunned our mentors, and role models in the industry.”

“When we announced on social media that this is what we want to do, there was an influx in my inbox with fans requesting their desired artists to be on the list.

“However, for a start we will not have all of them but it is a good thing to have a few. We promise to deliver the best on the night,” she said.

She confirmed involving some of the best stage designers, sound and lightning teams in the country.

“We are continuing to promote local talent henceforth we are working with some of the reputable companies for this day. We have extended invites to some of the diplomats and ministries who want to attend the show as these are the artistes they grew up listening to and we are happy with the overwhelming responses.”

She highlighted that ticket selling points will be announced next week with endorsements from various stakeholders over the event.

Makombe will be coming to Zimbabwe this month ahead of Spirit of Praise concert where she is billed to perform with the choral outfit in Bulawayo and Harare.