By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
Come Saturday, 8 August 2026, the Chitungwiza UFIC Basilica will transform into what can only be described as a spiritual battlefield — but the only weapons on display will be voices, hands raised in praise, and hearts set ablaze for worship.
The Relentless Worship Encounter 2026 is set to take over the iconic Basilica from midday to 7pm, and if the lineup is anything to go by, this is going to be a worship experience that lives up to its name. No breaks. No holding back. All guns blazing.
A Lineup of Heavyweights
Psalmist Hubert Cee, head pastor of the music department at United Family International Church and CEO of Family Music, described the event in a way that leaves little to the imagination: “We are not going to be stopping, we are not going to be holding back, we’ll be going all out, all guns are blazing.”
And with a roster that reads like a who’s who of Zimbabwean gospel, it’s easy to see why.
The event features a predominantly local artist flavour, including gospel heavyweight Minister Michael Mahendere, whose anthems “Messiah” and “Munenge Muneni” have dominated the nation’s soundscape over the past year.
Minister Mahendere’s music has become so influential that he became the only gospel artist nominated in the Outstanding Male Musician category alongside secular heavyweights like Jah Prayzah — proof that his sound has transcended traditional gospel audiences.
Also on the bill are Minister Ellard Cherai, Minister Sharon Cherai, Worshipper Larry Gunda, Sharon Rose Bishi, the UFIC Choir, Kara Onyakuba, Ezekiel Paul, The Unveiled, and Siposenko Snowy from Harvest House Bulawayo.
With such a powerhouse lineup, the Basilica — a magnificent structure that took years to complete and stands as a landmark of faith in Chitungwiza — is expected to be filled to the rafters.
A Non-Denominational Gathering
While the event is hosted at UFIC, Minister Mahendere made it clear: this is a gathering for everyone. “This is a non-denominational gathering.
“Even if you are from Roman Catholic, you are allowed to come. But vapostori, you can come and we worship God together”, he said.
It’s a message of unity that resonates deeply with the gospel icon’s recent trajectory. Mahendere’s music has been described as turning worship into a shared cultural language, slipping effortlessly from church altars into kombis, hospital wards, and social media timelines.
His upcoming performance at Relentless Worship is expected to continue that tradition, with fans eagerly awaiting to sing along to the now-iconic chorus: “Messiah, Messiah, Messiah, Munoshamisa”.
“Music unifies us with the one language of worship, worshipping the name Jesus”, Mahendere added. “So, Relentless Worship is the place to be.”
Tickets and Details
For those planning to attend, the event runs from 12pm to 7pm on Saturday, 8 August 2026 at the Chitungwiza UFIC Basilica.
Tickets are available at all Med Orange Pharmacies branches across Harare and online via Hype Nation. QR codes on circulating posters also provide direct access to ticket purchases.
Children’s ticket: US$5
Early bird standard: US$7
General standard (after early bird closure and at the gate): US$10
VIP: US$20
VVIP: US$50
Psalmist Cee encouraged attendees to come ready to receive: “People should come expecting to have an encounter of worship and praise of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Come ready to receive a miracle, come ready to receive a blessing during those times of worship.”
A Legacy of Relentless Worship
This year’s edition follows the success of the 2025 Relentless Worship Encounter, which featured international acts like Nigeria’s Ebuka Songs and Sunmisola and was described as a prophetic fulfilment — a gathering where testimonies of healing, deliverance and renewed purpose flooded every corner of the sanctuary.
Now, with the focus firmly on local talent, the 2026 edition promises to showcase the depth of Zimbabwe’s gospel music scene, proving that the nation’s worshippers can carry the mantle just as powerfully as their international counterparts.
As Minister Mahendere put it: “We are ready to host you.”
And if the lineup is anything to go by, this is one encounter you do not want to miss.
About Author
