By Tafadzwa Zimoyo
HARARE – Award-winning choral interdenominational outfit ZimPraise put up a scintillating performance during their Hymn Concert Live DVD recording held over the weekend at Rainbow Towers.
The show, which attracted thousands of fans, saw the gospel group clad in black and white attire entertaining the crowd with hymns such as “Huyai Tibate Basa”, “Apo Mambo Opinda”, “Mwari Huyai”, “Regai Vaduku Vauye” and “Calvary”.
The hymns were drawn from different churches which include Roman Catholic, United Methodist Church, Anglican, Apostolic sect and AFM among other denominations.
ZimPraise chief executive officer Joseph Madziyire later joined the group on stage on the keyboard which caused a stir in the auditorium as he proved his prowess.
In his speech, Madziyire said at first he doubted the show would be a success.
“Well, I wasn’t sure this would come out this way, with such a huge turnout. I thought many people will just say it’s hymns so they would brush it off, but I am so excited and thank you all for coming.
“It is all about Jesus. Remember we need to get back to the route,” he said.
Madziyire later promised his fans that this year they will stage another show with top local gospel musicians.
One fan Lawrence Mapungu from AFM, said the choral group is growing but should increase their shows.
“I am an avid fan of the group and since their formation I have been coming to their shows. There is nothing new about hymns but this is a very interesting and entertaining gospel group. I say keep it up for staging live DVD concert. I however suggest that they can host more shows so that they are always visible on the scene,” he said.
The colourful, well choreographed act saw musicians such as Mudiwa, Matthias Mhere, Evelyn Mhaga, Pastor G and Varumbidzi among others performing while pastors, bishops and company directors were in attendance.
The show which started promptly at 4pm ended 9pm with fans crying for more.
ZimPraise Kids also stole the limelight with their polished act as they dished out their rendition of hymns from ‘Awesome God’ to ‘Garai Neni’.
The choreographer and director for the ZimPraise Kids, Brent Kudakwashe said he was happy with how the children performed.
“I almost cried after seeing how the children delivered their performance. They have been practicing for two months. At first it didn’t go well with me when their lead singer got stage fright but they managed to pick themselves up and wow the crowd despite that, they have been growing from one level of spiritual and music maturity to another,” he said.
He said they are developing their own songs and working on an album which will be released soon.
VIP hosting did the décor, with candles at edge of the stage, while two big chandeliers hanging above. The Herald
