Multiple award-winning gospel music sensation Dr Tumi is set to headline this weekend’s much-awaited Gwanda International Gospel Music Festival.
The three-day festival, heading into its fourth edition, is known for bringing together some of the continent’s gospel music heavyweights. This festival takes place from
the 5th to the 7th of October, 2018 at the Pelandaba Stadium in Gwanda.
11 (eleven) bands have been confirmed from either side of the Limpopo River. Dr Tumi, buoyed by his recent Voortrekker Monument milestone, will kick off the festival
with a headline performance at the festival’s Opening Night on Friday October 5.
“We’re quite excited to have Dr Tumi coming through for the festival. He recently added another feather in his cap after he managed to fill up the 30 000 seater Voortrekker Monument Amphitheatre in Pretoria, South Africa. That speaks volumes of his abilities. His ability to write canonical songs that transform lives is something we admire. It’s such a joy to have him come to Gwanda for the first time and we have no doubt he will put up a fine performance,” said Alson Darikayi, Big Time’s Group Corporate Affairs Director.
The Spirit of Praise duo of Neyi Zimu and Omega will also take turns to minister to gospel music lovers at the festival. Budding local bands – Indosakusa, Hybrid Psalmz and Vocal Ex – have been slotted in for all three days of the festival.
“We believe Gwanda is a platform for budding local artists to rub shoulders with accomplished gospel stars and also grow their musical brands hence our inclusion of
the three groups,” Darikayi said.
Another, multi-award winning gospel musician, Deborah Fraser headlines the second day of the festival, Saturday 6th of October. Fraser of the Abanye Bayombona fame comes along with Thina Zungu all the way from Durban, South Africa.
All the way from Pretoria, Takesure ‘Zamar’ Ncube comes to Gwanda for the third time.
“Zamar has proven beyond a shadow of doubt that in an industry where songs are recycled everyday, he is that rare breed who writes songs birthed from a place of
prayer. He’s been part of the festival for the last two years and he has never disappointed,” added Darikayi.
Also returning to Gwanda is Mathias Mhere and ZCC Mbungo Stars.
“It’s obviously a star-studded line-up and we are hopeful that the people of God will praise and worship the living God. Gwanda has always been about giving praise to the living God and it is our desire to see people from all corners of the nation exalt our Maker,” said Darikayi.
“Our theme: “THE WALLS OF JERICHO DID FALL” this year is quite foretelling especially as we work towards rebuilding the economy of our beautiful nation, 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,” said Darikayi.
Preparations for the festival are going on well, a 40-member team has been inGwanda since the 27 th of September setting up the stage.
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