ZimPraise gears for US tour

By Tafadzwa Zimoyo

Rehearsals for the Mega-Fest Conference scheduled for August 19 to 23 are now in full throttle as ZimPrasie Choir gears up for their tour of America and Canada.

The inter-denominational group, which seeks to empower youths through gospel, will be the highlight of the conference and was invited to take part by renowned preacher TD Jakes.

“We are a ministry that empowers the youths through networks with influential people in society. At least 25 youths from about 100 members will represent not just Zimbabwe but Africa at the conference. In previous years we have managed to get mentorship from the likes of Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry,” Joseph Madziyire, ZimPraise chief executive, said.

Asked if they were being paid to participate at the conference, Madziyire said the ministry was a non-profit-making organisation.

“It has never been our goal or rather mission to go commercial. It is an empowerment vehicle for the youths who want to be rich in faith as well as ministry. In other words, we are a non-profit-making ministry that focuses on praise and worship.

“Our main vision is to bring youths to the body of Christ unlike other musicians who charge performance fees and the like. Already, people are familiar with our SOS project which supports youths around Zimbabwe to give their lives to Jesus Christ,” he said.

Madziyire said there was also the ZimPraise Kids which targets children between the ages four and 16.

“This institute is there to encourage the youths to grow in Christ just like in the Bible where it says train the child to be what you want them to be. So we are trying to catch them young,” he said.

However, he said, morale was at its highest within the camp as MegaFest, the brainchild of TD Jakes, was around the corner. “I know most members would want to know who is going and who is not. Like in the past we had a selection committee which selected participants according to loyalty, dedication, discipline and vocal ability as well as experience,” he said.

Judging by their previous performances overseas, it appears ZimPraise is destined for greater heights and a force to reckon with. This year’s “Hymns Night” held at the Harare International Conference Centre drew huge crowds from across the political divide, inter-denominations, young and the old.

Led by Madziyire, who was recently endorsed by TD Jakes in a video that has since gone viral, the 26-year-old CEO has worked hard for the ZimPraise ministry to be where it is now.

This is the first time that an African group has been featured at the MegaFest Conference, a feat yet to be achieved by any other Zimbabwean group. At MegaFest Conference ZimPraise is scheduled to join renowned Zimbabwe preacher, Bishop Tudor Bismark of New Life Ministries. The Herald