The Zimbabwean gospel music fraternity is preparing for what is being billed as one of the most significant worship gatherings in recent years. Legendary American gospel artist CeCe Winans will bring her acclaimed More Than This world tour to Harare on August 26, 2025, at the Celebration Centre.
In a historic lineup, Winans will share the stage with two of Zimbabwe’s foremost gospel voices Bonnie Deuschle and Janet Manyowa.
Organisers say the concert will be a landmark moment for the country’s gospel scene, blending international excellence with strong local representation. Bonnie Deuschle, widely regarded as a pioneer of modern gospel music in Zimbabwe, will open the night alongside the iconic Celebration Choir, which she founded more than three decades ago. Over the years, Deuschle has not only shaped worship in Zimbabwe but has also influenced worship music globally through original compositions and live recordings that continue to inspire church congregations.
Also joining the lineup is award-winning contemporary gospel powerhouse Janet Manyowa, whose music has enjoyed remarkable reach across Africa and beyond. Known for songs such as Zadzisa and Nyasha Nengoni, Manyowa has built a reputation for bridging traditional gospel sensibilities with modern, polished soundscapes. Her presence on the night is expected to resonate with younger audiences and affirm Zimbabwe’s growing role in shaping the African gospel music landscape.
According to Lyncolin Kapswara, Event Director at Events by GEC, the inclusion of Deuschle and Manyowa was deliberate in order to showcase Zimbabwe’s own rich reservoir of worship talent.
“Bonnie Deuschle has been a cornerstone of Zimbabwean worship music for decades, and her leadership with the Celebration Choir has touched countless lives,” Kapswara said.
“Janet Manyowa represents a new generation of gospel excellence, with her music resonating far beyond our borders. Having them minister alongside CeCe Winans creates a powerful blend of heritage, innovation, and faith that audiences can expect to be both uplifting and unforgettable.”
Kapswara further emphasised that the concert will go beyond musical artistry. “This is not just about performances. It’s about creating an atmosphere of worship and inspiration that transcends cultures and generations,” he explained.
For Zimbabwean audiences, the event is being hailed as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience a three-fold expression of gospel music — the global brilliance of CeCe Winans, the pioneering spirit of Bonnie Deuschle, and the contemporary flair of Janet Manyowa.
Winans, who has collected 15 Grammy Awards and is considered the most-awarded female gospel artist in history, will headline the evening. Her *More Than This* tour has been met with sold-out venues across North America, Europe, and Africa, drawing widespread critical acclaim for its powerful message and intimate worship atmosphere.
With just days to go, anticipation in Harare is at fever pitch. Tickets are reportedly moving fast, and organisers are expecting a capacity crowd at the Celebration Centre. For many, the night will not only be about music but about witnessing a rare convergence of faith, artistry, and unity.