IT was a double dose of praise for Harare and Bulawayo gospel music enthusiasts as top South Africa’s gospel group, Spirit of Praise, staged two memorable shows in the country over the weekend as part of its much-awaited Spirit of Praise (SOP) Volume 10 Concert.
Part of the attendance, according to concert manager Rumbidzai Matinanga, included some guests from Malawi, South Africa, the United Kingdom and Zambia.
Spirit of Praise, which is under the leadership of renowned and multi-award-winning South African singer Bishop Benjamin Dube also has two Zimbabwean singers Canaan Nyathi and Everton Mlalazi as part of its members.
The two-day musical extravaganza roared to life on Saturday with Harare International Conference Centre (HICC) reverberating to the echoes of sing along melodies accompanied by energetic performances from Dube and his SOP members, Dumi Mkokstad, Omega, Mmatema, Mpumi Mtsweni, Takie Ndou, Sindi Ntombela, Mlalazi and Canaan Nyathi.
Guest performances at the concert were from United Kingdom-based Zimbabwean songstress Eleana Makombe, The Unveiled, Harvest Music and Vocal X.
A few hours after an unforgettable performance in Harare, Spirit of Praise staged another concert at Harvest House International Conference Centre in Bulawayo last night.
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Well-known for their harmonic precision and heartfelt worship, Spirit of Praise took to the HICC stage after some enhancincing solo performances by guest artistes.
As the fans waited for artistes to come on stage, DJ ELISKYE entertained them, rocking it on the turntables with a mix of gospel beats.
The Unveiled who were the first to perform were a marvel to watch with their Tik Tok hit Mweya Mutsvene taking the audience to another level of worship.
After their sterling performances, they left the stage for Makombe who proved why she has become a force to reckon with on the competitive gospel scene. Her playlist included the hit song Mwari Munenyasha. Makombe is enjoying a purple perch in her musical career.
Performing the song Ndofamba naJesu, Mlalazi also had the crowd on their feet with a flawless performance taking them on a journey of emotional highs and deep reflection of the power of gospel music. The atmosphere was nothing short of electric.
During their separate performances the guest artistes connected well with the crowd, setting the tone for a night of spiritual revitalisation as Spirit of Praise prepared to come to the stage.
As the limelight shifted to the main act, signalling the pinnacle of the concert, hands were raised, booming voices heard as the audience welcomed the Spirit of Praise to the stage in style.
The group captivated the audience with their powerful stage presence. Their dynamic performance kept the audience dancing and praising as they sang along to every song.
The audience was captivated from start to finish, a testament that the Spirit of Praise’s uplifting songs resonated deeply with the fair creating an almost ethereal atmosphere that could only be described as heavenly.
Matinanga described the concert as more than just a musical event, but a celebration of faith, unity and worship.
“We are happy to have hosted such a spiritually enriching concert. The overwhelming response from the audience and the vibrant atmosphere witnessed made this a memorable night for all who were part of it. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended and supported this event,” she said.
“The performance delivered by all the artistes who performed at the concert was just outstanding. Their energy, passion and musical excellence they brought to the stage were nothing short of remarkable. We look forward to continuing to bring such impactful and inspiring performances to our audiences.”