The fourth edition of the Gwanda International Gospel Music Festival (GIGMF) is expected to take place this weekend at Phelandaba Stadium and the organisers, Bigtime Strategic Group, have said they would go a financial milestone in bringing the fest.
Cornered to state on record how much they have invested on the fair, company representatives told members of the media in Harare last week that the festival means so much to the Big Time Strategic Group CEO, Justice Maphosa, that even if it requires billions of dollars, they will still do it.
“Millions has been spent. It’s a very big show. We are expecting a guest of 22 000 people. So, there has been a lot that has been spent on it in terms of money. I can’t give you a figure but a lot has been spent…We are unlimited. When we go for Gwanda, we spent,”
said Milicent Chanetsa who works in the branding department.
The group corporate affairs director Alson Darikayi said GIGMF means a lot to Mr Maphosa, who grew up in Gwanda before moving to South Africa to build his empire.
“We are saying as a group policy as Big Time, and Gwanda for us or for our group CEO who’s the founder of Big Time Strategic Group, for him even if it is going to cost a billion dollars we will do it. But, we will not give you figures, we will not talk about figures, let me be very honest with you. It will not happen, but Gwanda every year, even if it’s gonna cost US10 billion.”
In a press statement, Mr Maphosa said the GIGMF is the place to be for gospel music lovers who prefer to “experience” live music while ‘reclining’ in the sweet presence of the living God.
He went on to say they consider the festival as a calling and that they hope to make Gwanda an altar for the nation of Zimbabwe where people from all parts of the country converge to call on God free of charge.
Themed “The Walls Of Jericho Did Fall”, the CEO said this year is quite foretelling especially as we work towards rebuilding the economy of our beautiful Zimbabwe.
“We believe walls of limitation that have kept the nation of Zimbabwe stagnant are tumbling as we lift our praise to the Mighty Man of War – Jehovah. Zimbabwe shall rise again,” he said.
The 2018 edition of the much-acclaimed Gwanda International Gospel Music Festival is headlined by Minister Takesure Zamar, Mathias Mhere, South Africa Spirit of Praise duo of Pastor Neyi Zimu and Omega, and Thinah Zungu.
“We are excited to have this year’s line-up of gospel artists with a genuine hunger for God and a deep inclination to worship Him. Our desire is to see the banner of God lifted high as we passionately praise and worship Him.
As a way of empowering young people in Zimbabwe, we have also roped in three youthful groups – Hybrid Psalmz from Gwanda and Vocal Ex, co-founded by Eric Moyo of Joyous Celebration.
For Iscathamiya fans, we have Indosakusa, who recently released their sizzling 13-track album. Such is the diversity of this year’s festival,” wrote Maphosa.
It was also revealed that two surprise acts will grace the festival.
In the interest of health for the festival attendees, Darikayi announced that they have put in various measures to curb the recent cholera and typhoid outbreaks.
“We have taken steps to combat cholera. At every entrance we will have sanitisers as well as on every corner and will also have ambulances on standby. We have done our checks with health officials in Gwanda,” he said.
Apart from just providing just three days and nights of entertainment and worship, the Gwanda International Gospel Music Festival is also meant to improve the economy of the small town in Matabeleland South.
The festival kicks off on Friday 5 October at 1800Hours.
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