Zimbabwe will be in for a busy weekend as a number of religious events are lined up for Saturday. To express it in simple terms, this will be a weekend of praise and worship.
The Heartfelt Ministries Choir has been performing at the Hearfelt International Ministries' Catch the Fire conference which started on Monday at the City Sports Centre and ends on Saturday.
The choir has been doing well of late with its song "Jakuchichi" competing well on Star FM's "Gospel Greats" where listeners vote for the best 20 songs for the week.
Despite being born four years ago, the Heartfelt Ministries worship team is piercing its way into the ever expanding music industry.
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| Many Religious Events Are Lined Up For The Weekend. |
The choir recently recorded its fifth live DVD album.
Those who want to catch the fire of the gospel can find their way to the City Sports Centre for the extravaganza.
The choir is mentored by Apostle Tavonga Vutabwashe, leader of the Heartfelt International Ministries.
Gospel Greats
On Saturday, gospel music lovers will converge at the Rainbow Towers Gardens for the Gospel Greats music concert.
Expected to perform at the concert will be the likes of Mechanic Manyeruke, Pastor Charles Charamba and his wife Olivia, Mathias Mhere, Kudzi Nyakudya, and Blessing Shumba.
Rising gospel singers Janet Manyowa and Tyra Chikozho are also on the list that is expected to include a number of surprise appearances by popular gospels stars.
This will be a show not to miss considering that gospel music shows have been intermittent, thereby starving people of live performances.
Children will get into the gospel concert for free, a sign that the organisers are encouraging families to come to the show.
Star FM presenter Leandar Kandiyero will be the host of the show, which shares the title with his "Gospel Greats" programme that he presents every Sunday on radio.
Gwanda Festival
There is will be a gospel music fiesta at Gwanda's Phelandaba Stadium from tomorrow up to Saturday where a number of South African gospel music artistes are expected to perform.
Among those expected to perform will be gospel music queen Rebecca Malope, who will undoubtedly be the main attraction and also included in the act are Hlengiwe Mhlaba, Lusanda Spiritual Group led by Lusanda Mgcinga and her son Bethusile Mgcinga.
Also billed in the act is Tsepiso Motaung, Dumi Mkokstad and Gwanda's gospel music sensation Judith Moyo.
At least 20 000 people are expected to throng the stadium over the two days.
The extravaganza is organised by Big Time Strategic and have revealed they intend to make it an annual Gwanda event. Similar shows are billed to be held in Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit South Africa and Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban before the end of the year.
The artists and crew will be flown into the country on a private jet from Johannesburg direct to Bulawayo.
Judgment Night 3
Finally, the big day is here and all roads will lead to the National Sports Stadium in Harare tomorrow for the all-night gathering dubbed "Judgment Night 3".
Although being hosted by Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa's United Family International Church, the event has become so big that it is difficult for those who are not members of the church to ignore.
More than a dozen of Zimbabwe's top gospel musicians are billed to perform at the event. The awarding winning and top choir UFIC Choir will lead the cast of gospel groups that will take to the stage.
The groups will reflect the all encompassing spirit of Judgment Night as these will come from different backgrounds.
What is good about this event is that within the space of three years, Judgment Night has transcended all denomination barriers and is being embraced by people from all Christian backgrounds.
This is the third Judgment Night and the previous two have recorded a huge turn out of people from both Zimbabwe and other countries.
Last year's event is estimated to have attracted nearly 200 000 people, according to the church officials.
This year, the attendance is expected to surpass that of last year considering that the event is now much known.
For this year, before one starts counting locals, at least 12 000 international visitors have confirmed they will be in Harare for Judgement Night.
The 12 000 is for those who have contacted the church making inquiries about accommodation and airport transfers.
But there are many other international visitors who will find their way into the country quietly.
In the previous editions, visitors have come from countries such as Zambia, Malawi, Botswana, Namibia, Swaziland, the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, Australia, Nigeria, Tanzania, Lesotho, Spain, Ukraine, Britain, the United States and Afghanistan.
UFIC members held a grand march on Sunday as part of the build-up to the event.
The successful march was attended by thousands of the congregants who marched from the City Sports Centre through Robert Mugabe, Julius Nyerere and Samora Machel roads and back to the venue.
The march was characterised by lots of entertainment, with the police band and drum majorettes leading the proceedings, while the people sang and danced on the streets.
A carnival atmosphere is expected to engulf the National Sports Stadium as people celebrate the big day on Friday night.
Many people are expected to turn to Christ at the preaching of the word which has in the past taken centre stage at the event.
And for those who want to hear something new and revelations from the word of God this is the place to be on Friday night.
In the past editions of Judgment Night, many people were delivered from various ailments and afflictions as Prophet Makandiwa ministered.
There is no doubt that Prophet Makandiwa is used by God in a might way to bring healing and deliverance to nations.
Prophecy is also another gift for Prophet Makandiwa and it has been proven through the years that this is part of his calling.
Accurate prophecies are expected to be delivered at Judgment Night 3 and those who will attend must come with much expectations. Apart from being a great religious event, Judgment Night has quickly transformed into a religious tourism attraction as it draws thousands of foreign visitors.
Just imagine the impact of more than 12 000 foreign visitors being in Harare at the same time. Obviously the hotels will be fully booked and the impact will be felt at tourist attraction sites like Victoria Falls and Nyanga as some of the people take advantage to visit the areas.
Judgment Night 3 will also be one of the busiest days for those in business.
There will be some money to make for everyone, from commuter omnibus operators to shop owners and vendors.
