By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
As the final seconds of the year slipped away, the Harare International Conference Centre shimmered with anticipation, elegance and praise as invited guests gathered for the third edition of the Celestial Chorus Soiree—an event that has fast become a signature New Year’s Eve pilgrimage for Zimbabwe’s elite and faithful alike.
From the moment guests arrived, it was clear this was no ordinary crossover night.
Black-tie elegance met reverent celebration, as the air buzzed with excitement, laughter and the soft hum of orchestral sound checks.
Hosted by Dr Kuda Tagwirei and his wife Sandra through their Bridging Gaps Foundation, Celestial Chorus Soiree 3 delivered on its promise of grandeur, warmth and spiritual renewal.
If last year’s edition impressed, this year’s offering surpassed expectations.
The crowd—an eclectic mix of local celebrities, international guests, young professionals, business leaders and colourful personalities—arrived dressed to the nines, turning the venue into a moving gallery of style and confidence.
But the indulgence went far beyond fashion.
At the heart of the evening was the much-talked-about Food Village, a culinary journey that matched the diversity of the guests themselves.
Each table was greeted with a thoughtfully worded message celebrating gratitude, renewal and delight—an invitation not just to eat, but to savour.
Guests sampled an array of world-class dishes curated by celebrity chef Dananai alongside her colleagues from Dubai and Italy.
The menu was unapologetically global: Mexican, Italian and Norwegian flavours sat comfortably alongside expertly prepared fusion dishes.
From Hake Bouillabaisse and Wagyu with black truffle fried rice to Charcoal Grilled Chicken Yakitori and Sichuan Smoked Tofu, every plate told a story of craft, care and indulgence.
As befitting a Seventh Day Adventist Church event, there was no alcohol—but no shortage of luxury.
Guests were treated to premium fruit juices and flutes of non-alcoholic champagne, reinforcing the evening’s message that celebration and elegance need no compromise.
Visually, the night was nothing short of breathtaking. Renowned event stylist Kevin Zhou—popularly known as Kevin The Wedding Planner—transformed the HICC into a dreamscape of light, texture and sophistication.
The suspended stage design by Rumbidzai Matinanga, spanning the entire ground floor, drew gasps of admiration.
Housing both orchestra and choir, it elevated the auditorium into a rare blend of concert hall and sacred space.
The programme carried moments of reflection and inspiration.
In his keynote address, Dr Tagwirei challenged guests to rethink faith and progress, declaring that “stagnation is not holiness,” and that “development and empowerment are moral.”
These sentiments were echoed in a recorded address by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, reinforcing the evening’s theme of growth anchored in values.
A particularly touching moment came from Kudaira Tagwirei, who addressed the audience with clarity and conviction, echoing the same ideals of purpose, responsibility and forward thinking.
Musically, Celestial Chorus Soiree 3 soared.
Under the steady guidance of Everton Mlalazi and Nigel Nyangombe, the evening unfolded seamlessly, each performance carefully curated to suit the spirit of celebration and gratitude.
Standout performances came from Keisha Mlalazi—whom her father fondly described as “a dynamite”—alongside powerful sets by Janet Manyowa and Sbu Noah, among others.
Song, dance and worship blended effortlessly, leaving the audience uplifted and fully immersed.
Just when guests thought the night had given all it could, the sky itself joined the celebration.
In the early hours of the New Year, a spectacular drone show lit up the heavens, drawing collective awe and sealing the evening with a moment of wonder.
As guests stepped into the New Year, hearts full and spirits lifted, Celestial Chorus Soiree 3 stood as more than an event—it was an experience.
One marked by generosity, beauty, faith and an unmistakable sense that this was a night designed not just to be attended, but remembered.
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