Famous contemporary gospel music group Zimpraise’s inter-denominational message of worship, solidarity and hope, along with their captivating melodies and vocal phenomena, mesmerising showmanship and awe-inspiring performances, has made thousands and thousands of fans around the world.
Since the group emerged on the scene in 2006 under the tutelage of Macdonald Macdee Chidavaenzi, Garikai Ndanga and Joseph Madziyire it has received the kind of accolades most artists and alike groups only dream of.
Now celebrating 12 years in the industry of praising, the acclaimed gospel sensation has been on a steady expansion drive, creating anthems, earning awards and producing many live DVDs along the avenue.
The group houses accolades which include Zimbabwe Music and Arts Awards’ Touring Act of the year 2014, Permican’s Best Live DVD 2014, Best Group or Duo of the year 2015, Zimbabwe Youth Achievers Awards’ Best Gospel Artiste 2015, Courageous Gospel Awards’ Best Group (2015), Victors Awards’ Best Group (2015), Megafest Top 20 Most Outstanding Brands (2013) and Zimbabwe Achievers Awards International Gospel music artist of the year (2015), among others.
The group’s appealing knack, divine talent and staying power has allowed it to either record or perform with such illustrious artists, resident and offshore-based, as established as Sabastian Magacha, Blessing Shumba, Mathias Mhere, Dr Comfort Manyame, Charles Charamba, Mechanic Manyeruke and Oliver Mutukudzi, among others.
As non-sectarian as they are, the depth of their musical scope speaks to their remarkable range and ability to take anything, even classical gospel songs which has been around since time immemorial, and make it uniquely their own while presenting it in the exhilarating and wonderful fashion they have become proclaimed for.
Earlier in February, the group held its annual open auditions at Kingdom Life Church in Harare to reported wild success. Two-hundred pros and non-pros from around the region entered and took part in the auditions to a panel of various judges.
Off the two hundred contestants, the mass choir roped in thirty new members.
Now, with the 2018 general election upon us -July 30-, and with the air full of political-themed conversations and contentions, and Zimbabweans engaging actively in their own unique way, the group is back with a new prayerful song entitled Inzwa Jesu featuring Minister Michael Mahendere.
A concoction of well put together pieces of pietistical instruments and venerational vocals, the song, developed from our African anthem Ishe Komborera, was produced by Joseph Madziyire and has the palatial Sharon Manyonganise and Minister Mahendere leading the vocals.
The amazeballs video, with its finely cut scenes, stage smokes, flaming candles, and baroque aesthetics set by Tendai Kevin Zhou was produced by Naledi Productions, with Mr Madziyire directing.
Inzwa Jesu is such a lofty worship song and could not have arrived at a more fitting time than now. Strong political opinions and conflicts have been inescapable since the election season began; surely we don’t need a reminder. But regardless of which side of the aisle we identify with, we all need to pray for our nation. That is what the group is advocating for – prayer to prevail above anything.
As part of the peace and religious tourism project, the sensational gospel group will this Friday, July 27, join fellow gospel artists at the Zim Peace Gospel Festival at Glamis Arena.
Among those scheduled to perform are Charles and Olivia Charamba, Tatenda Mahachi, Mechanic Manyeruke, Fungisai, Mathias Mhere, Minister Mahendere, ZCC Mbungo Stars, Patience Masiyambiri, Mathias Mhere, Nyasha Mutonhori and Vabvuwi.
Watch Inzwa Jesu video below.
Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments box below.
