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Tafadzwa Zimoyo Arts Reporter

Zimpraise International Gospel and Music Summer Festival that was held over the weekend lived up to its billing after local and international acts put up a sterling performance.The group had a live DVD recording of Season 9 under the theme “It’s all about Jesus” before South African gospel icon Sipho Makhabane rekindled his romance with his fans at Harare Gardens.

Sipho Makhabane

The “Hamba Nami” hitmaker proved that he is still a force to reckon with when it comes to performing after he dished out songs like “Calvary”, “Zawa”, “Yekintokozo” and “Vhuso Wako” among others which left the crowd in awe.

Not to be left out was another South African gem Jabu Hlongwane who shared the stage with local acts Sharon Manyonganise, Minister Amos Mahendere, Pastor Gee, Mabel Madondo, Mpostori Wency, Wellington Kwenda, Shyleen Manhingi, Pastor Richard Dube, Petronella Sengwayo and Patience Mandizha who ignited the festival with their songs.

The festival, which started on Thursday and ended on Saturday evening, opened with the Zimpraise kids who touched many hearts with their song “How do you feel” — dedicated to children that are going through abuse in society.

The kids had their time on stage when they belted such songs as “Jesu Huyai”, “Ndiyoyi Sungano”, “You are Holy” and a medley of old school songs by award winning Zimpraise Choir.

The fully packed venue saw people from all walks of life – from diplomats to socialites – praising and worshipping God at the festival.

Zimpraise Choir

In an interview Zimpraise chief executive Joseph Madziyire said he was happy with the turnout, adding that the outfit will hold similar events in the near future.

“We promised the people and we delivered. I am happy the festival went according to plan from the workshops to the concert. The church should move with times hence we managed to put everything in order despite the change of venue. We used to do our live DVD recording at Rainbow Towers but unfortunately on the same venue there was another function and this did not stop us,” he said.

He said the DVDs will be ready before the end of the month.

Madziyire said the brand has grown over the years and it was now focusing on a number of empowerment initiatives.

“Through successful workshops conducted by different captains of industry, people learnt a lot. The group is continuing to grow and developing career wise,” he said.