ZCC Youth Gala to remember
GOSPEL music has proved why it has emerged as one of the most popular genres since the country gained its independence from Britain in 1980.
Although the genre evolved from early hymn influences and traditional styles, exploding in popularity from the 1990s as artists like Jordan Chataika and Mechanic Manyeruke blended indigenous sounds (like Sungura) with Christian themes, reflecting the nation’s changing socio-political landscape, becoming a major cultural force through stars like Charles Charamba, Fungisai Zvakavapano, Ivy Kombo, Lucky Chikuwa, among others, gospel now transcends across generations, races, and even religious groups.
This was evident at the just-ended Zion Christian Church (ZCC) Inaugural Gala held at Mbungo Estates in Masvingo last Friday night.
The gala was held under the theme, “Taking Zion to the World and Bringing the World to Zion,” aligning perfectly with the church’s development agenda, with an impressive line-up which included Obert Chari, Prince Chigwida, Lucky Chikuwa, Mudhara Bhosvo, Gwinyai Gwimbo, Psalms Choir, TK Masiko, Word Practitioners, Elder Mupinga, Daddy Rwati, Diiboii, Nicky Mutendi, Mr Forbes, Vince@40, Prince Matsika, and ZCC Brass Band, among others.
The gala only ended well after 6am on Saturday, with music fans asking for more.
Gospel sensation, Prince Chigwida of the “Mazambara” fame, rocked the huge crowd with tune after tune, literally leaving the ZCC music fans eating from his palm.
His energetic moves left fans, who had braved the drizzly weather asking for more.
But there was a huge line up and each artiste performed for not more than 45 minutes.
As expected, Orbet Chari, was also a crowd favourite. Fans could be heard chanting “Mebo Mebo”, one of Chari’s famous tracks.
Fans also resonated well with the hit song “Hamuna Moyo”, a tune that speaks of a father or mother who abandons family over a new lover.
By the time ZCC Mbungo brass band took to the stage at exactly 4:30am, the crowd had already been mesmerised by performances from Tobias Ama 2K Teacher, Mr Emoji, Mafai, Ruvah and Bako reSimbi Choir.
Gwimbo showcased his prowess with the mbira and had the fans clamouring for more of his social commentary latest Gumba kumba song. Dressed in African cultural top, Gwimbo was visible on the stage, with his dancers complementing the well-arranged instruments.
One music fan, Brighton Mazvazva, summed up the well-subscribed 2025 Youth Gala.
“This was a perfect way of capping the Youth Conference celebrations,” he said.
ZCC Mbungo held the Big Youth Gala for the first time since 1913, thanks to the bishop’s digital world programme.
ZCC has hosted their famous artist like Lucky Chikuwa, Mudhara Bhosvo, among others, as choirs during their service, which led them to perform for not more than 3 minutes.
“Some of us had never seen the likes of Prince Chigwida live on stage.
“The boy is so talented, we were used to listening to his music on radio and Youtube,” said one lady.
Befitting the event, Brighton Makadho belted some of his elder mantle Mudhara Bhosvo’s yesteryear social commentary tunes like “Hausati waiona nhamo”, prompting the crowd to go down memory lane.
Mudhara Bhosvo was one of the headline acts on a bill that also had some powerful names like Lucky Chikuwa.
“ZCC traditional music is always reminding us of where we came from as a country and church.
“This church was born out of a long spiritual and physical war, so we should always remember that” said Bertha Sizengwe, as she gyrated to the tunes.
DJ Ishmael Mupinga also chose to play all the old memory productions, with “Nyika Ino ichatongwa” by Lucky Chikuwa “Ndashaya Paumire” by Mudhara Bhosvo stamping his force, alongside Dj Coffee.
The conference Gala began late in the midnight after Bishop Nehemiah Mutendi addressed a strong crowd, as during the afternoon FC Mbungo Stars and ZCC Mutare clashed in the Youth 2025 cup.
Soon after, the crowd switched to Youth Gala. For the first time in history, Mbungo was the focal point, business people cashed in and artistes also got the opportunity to showcase talent to a new audience.
What a night it was, one that will forever remain etched in the minds of many Masvingo residents.
