By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
HARARE — The capital got a celebrity-powered sparkle last Friday as gospel superstar Janet Manyowa traded her microphone for a refuse grabber, leading a massive clean-up drive in the heart of the city.
But this was more than just community service — it was the vibrant kick-off to the year-long countdown for one of the nation’s most anticipated gospel music events: A Night Of Thanksgiving (ANOT) 2026.
Manyowa, the founder and beating heart of ANOT, was joined by a brigade of fans, fellow artists, and officials from the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe.
Together, they swept, picked, and spruced up Harare’s central business district, all while building buzz for the January 1, 2026, mega-concert set to light up the Harare International Conference Centre (HICCC).
The initiative is part of President Mnangagwa’s national monthly clean-up campaign, held on the first Friday of every month.
But today, it pulsed with a different energy — the rhythm of anticipation. As volunteers worked, conversations buzzed about the upcoming lineup, making the chore a celebration of what’s to come.
ANOT 2026, proudly powered by Ecobank, promises an unforgettable fusion of gospel powerhouses. Headliners include the legendary duo Baba naMai Charamba, alongside vibrant performances by Xolly, The Unveiled, Takesure Zamar, Everton Mlalazi, and the duo Ellard and Sharon.
Adding a thrilling international flavor will be Nigeria’s sensational Ada Ehi, whose energetic praise anthems have garnered a massive global following.
This blend of local heavyweights and continental talent is set to make the 2026 edition the most diverse and dynamic in ANOT’s history.
What started as a vision by Janet Manyowa has grown into a landmark event on Zimbabwe’s cultural and spiritual calendar.
ANOT is more than a concert; it’s a communal celebration of faith and music, drawing thousands annually.
Manyowa’s hands-on leadership in events like today’s clean-up underscores the ethos of the gathering: unity, service, and joyous thanksgiving.
As brooms swept and bins filled, the message was clear: Harare is not just cleaning up its streets, but preparing its heart for a night of worship, music, and spectacular talent.
With under a year to go, the city is already tuning in.
Gosple superstar Janet Manyowa poses for a picture with a fan during clean up
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