Gwanda Gospel Extravaganza roars to life
ALL is set for the Gwanda gospel extravaganza which roars to life today with construction of the stage complete.
ThThe concert, which is undeniably one of the country’s biggest gospel gatherings, will be held at Pelandaba Stadium and ends on Sunday.
A marquee to house VIP guests has been erected with Police Commissioner General Augustine Chihuri expected to grace the function as one of the preachers.
Generators and the Public Address system have been put in place with new toilets for VIPs.
Gwanda Brethren in Christ Church (BICC) pastor, Reverend Sipho Mhizha, said gospel fever had gripped the mining town.
“We’ve set up the stage where the musicians will be performing. All is set and we’re now looking forward to hosting our visitors and gospel music lovers,” said Mhizha. “Everyone in Gwanda is excited.” ThThe festival, now in its second edition, was inspired by the need for a spiritual gathering for the nation.
Matabeleland South police spokesperson Sergeant ThThabani Mkwananzi said they had upped security for the event and confifirmed that their boss was making his way here.
ThThe gospel jamboree will feature performances from renowned SA gospel musicians, Rebecca Malope, Andile kaMajola, Lusanda Spiritual Group, Tshepiso Motaung, Dumi Mkokstad and the soulful Bethusile Mcinga.
Zimbabwe’s own gospel stars, ZimPraise, will also be in line to perform leading Zimbabwe’s select artistes who include Knowledge Nkiwane, ThTholakele from Plumtree and Gwanda gospel musician Judith Moyo.
ThThe show will be held in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry and the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA).
“It’s anticipated that the festival will stimulate religious tourism within the region,” said ZTA in a statement. Shetani Shetani Ezasemzini
Victory of Victim Ndhlovu.
She said she would be in Zimbabwe for some time before returning to South Africa, adding that the few DVDs for Ezasemzini which she had brought were bought in a short space of time.
Shetani became a hit locally in predominantly Nambya speaking communities of Hwange, Dete and Victoria Falls and even in Bulawayo. Ndhlovu revealed plans to produce a movie which will tell the story of people living in Victoria Falls.
However, Ndhlovu said the art industry could do better with a bit of financial support. —Twitter @ ncubeleon