By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
If you sang gospel music in Zimbabwe in the past, you only were likely to appeal to locals.
The likes of Mechanic Manyeruke, Jordan Chataika alongside Charles and Olivia Charamba have been the megastars of the genre in Zimbabwe over the past four decades or so.
At some point South African gospel music was the favourite of many here, before Nigerian gospel took over.
However, as Zimbabwe’s gospel music develops in recent years, the tables are finally turning with the local gospel making inroads outside the borders.
Dorcas Moyo
No doubt, this has been a result of consistency and quality of sound that the new crop of musicians is producing.
Obviously names like Everton Mlalazi, Janet Manyowa, Minister Mahendere, Dorcas Moyo, The Vine and others are pushing the ministry further.
Just recently, Everton Mlalazi and Dorcas Moyo bagged gongs at the CLIMA Africa Awards held in Abuja, Nigeria over the weekend.
Everton Mlalazi, who fronts “The Worship Therapy,” is making an impact on the international gospel scene after scooping three awards at the prestigious CLIMA Africa Awards.
The multi-lingual musician, scooped the coveted Africa Best Male Gospel Artiste Award, also won the Africa Gospel Music Viewers’ Choice Award, while his manager and wife, Pretty Mlalazi won The Best Manager Award.
Mlalazi was nominated alongside the likes of Ebuka Songs, Dunsin Oyekan and Frank Edwards, all from Nigeria and Israel Mbonyi from Rwanda for Africa Best Male Artiste of the Year.
Mutare based gospel musician Dorcas Moyo won the Africa Best Female Artiste of the Year Award.
She battled it out with some of Africa’s powerhouses, including Nigeria’s Mercy Chinwo, Winnie Mashaba from South Africa and Kenya’s Janet Otieno.
Mlalazi and Moyo announced on social media pages to show their gratitude to Zimbabweans for their support.
The 8th edition was held under the theme “The Re-birth,” an expression of a new season to showcase the vision of CLIMA Africa which celebrates, recognises and appreciates Christian talents and impact makers in Africa.
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