By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
If there’s one gospel event that has Harare buzzing like a crowded prayer meeting, it’s the July Worship Music Festival—and according to UK-based songbird Eleana Makombe, this weekend’s edition isn’t just another concert. It’s a holy assignment.
“The consultant is God,” Eleana declared through her representative at a press conference this week, her voice carrying the weight of someone who takes her calling seriously.
“We believe God assigned Minister Michael Mahendere with this vision, and as part of that assignment, he extended the invite to Eleana. We take this as basa raMwari—God’s work.”
She added: “It’s now a task for us to go back on our knees in the prayer closet and ask: God, you assigned him with our assignment—what is our role in this year’s festival?”
For those who’ve been following her journey, Eleana is no stranger to Zimbabwean soil. Earlier this year, she launched her album She Is Grateful at Zimbali Gardens to a star-studded crowd, proving she’s more than just a diaspora artist with a dream.
Her collaboration with gospel heavyweight Mathias Mhere on the stirring track Ndiye Mwari has become an anthem of sorts—a tender reminder that life is fragile, faith is fierce, and gratitude is a weapon.
Now, she’s bringing that same spirit to one of the country’s biggest worship gatherings.
A Lineup That Spans Generations
This Saturday, the festival delivers a musical feast that cuts across age, style, and tradition.
Leading the charge are none other than Baba naMai Charamba—the undisputed royalty of Zimbabwean gospel whose songs have soundtracked Sunday mornings for decades.
They’ll share the stage with the energetic Cherayis and the soul-stirring Eleana Makombe, creating a holy trinity of worship that promises to move both pew-sitters and dance-floor worshippers alike.
But the festival isn’t resting on old glory. A fresh crop of talent is ready to blaze their own trail, including Benjamin Rupapa, The Unveiled, Tapiwa Masara, Tinashe Muponda, Bridget Ndanga, and the ever-distinctive Saiwe Chimbetu, whose traditional-infused worship sound always hits differently.
And for the first time, the festival is throwing in a hip-hop segment—because worship doesn’t have to be slow to be deep. It’s a bold move aimed squarely at the youth, ensuring that praise knows no generational boundaries.
From Humble Beginnings to a National Phenomenon
Since its debut, the July Worship Music Festival has grown at an astonishing pace, morphing from a niche gathering into arguably the biggest worship draw in the country. What makes it stand out? It’s not just the names on the poster—it’s the atmosphere: electric, expectant, and unapologetically joyful.
This year’s edition is shaping up to be nothing short of explosive—a space where voices rise, hands lift, and heaven feels just a little bit closer.
Get Your Tickets Before the Praise Starts
For those ready to be part of the experience, physical tickets are available at 4 May International and Medorange Pharmacies. Prefer to tap and go? Visit www.yoticketafrica.com for online purchases.
Because if Eleana Makombe is right—and the faithful believe she is—this weekend isn’t just a festival. It’s a divine appointment. And you don’t want to miss your seat.
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