The gospel music industry took a big stride forward last night with the formal introduction of the Shekinah Gospel Awards at The Venue ZW, ushering in a new era dedicated to celebrating excellence and maintaining gospel music’s rich legacy.
The event, titled “Honoring Kingdom Excellence,” brought together senior government officials, church leaders, artists, and members of the business community to celebrate a vision that has the potential to change the gospel landscape.
The evening began with a stunning red carpet event, where guests enjoyed a beverage, networking opportunities, and a lively atmosphere that set the tone for the evening. Miss Becky K, Master of Ceremonies, guided the programme with grace, guaranteeing a smooth flow of events.
In his keynote address, visionary and CEO MacDonald Chidavaenzi described the awards’ objective, highlighting the importance of recognizing pioneers, celebrating current brilliance, and inspiring future generations. He emphasized a troubling disparity in the esteem of gospel icons, saying that without conscious recognition, Zimbabwe risks losing its musical legacy.
Chidavaenzi traced the evolution of gospel music in Zimbabwe, paying tribute to icons such as Mechanic Manyeruke, Jordan Chataika, and Charles Charamba, while also acknowledging contemporary stars like Janet Manyowa and Michael Mahendere.
He presented a very thoughtful and forward-looking statement, declaring, “This is a movement to restore honor, preserve legacy, and redefine the future of gospel music in Zimbabwe beyond an awards ceremony.” We have come to rectify a hazardous culture of forgetting our pioneers and to create a system that honors our past, confirms our present, and actively shapes our future. The Shekinah Gospel Awards will serve as a forum for legitimacy, spiritual purity, and national pride, guaranteeing that greatness in gospel music is deliberate and nurtured. I am calling for unity, excellence, and spiritual accountability within the gospel fraternity.”
Government support for the initiative was evident, with the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Nicholas Moyo, present alongside key ministry officials. The Minister’s speech, delivered by , applauded the awards for aligning with national development goals and promoting moral values through music.
Permanent Secretary Nicholas Moyo emphasized the government’s strong support and the uncommon display of unity within the ministry, noting: “It is unusual for all principals of a Ministry to participate at one event in this manner, but this represents a purposeful commitment to promote the creative sector. The Shekinah Gospel Awards show that the arts are more than just entertainment; they are essential to national growth, identity, and social reform. We fully support platforms that foster structure, excellence, and responsibility.”
Deputy Minister Emily Jesaya delivered the Minister’s remarks on behalf of Lt Gen (Rtd) Ambassador Anselem Nhamo Sanyatwe, emphasizing the national significance of the initiative, stating, “Gospel music is a melody and harmony, a ministry, a message, and a movement that has shaped values, restored hope, and strengthened our nation’s moral fabric. The Shekinah Gospel Awards are a timely intervention that will raise standards, motivate professionalism, and establish gospel music as a significant driver of cultural expression, youth development, and economic progress in Zimbabwe.”
She emphasized gospel music’s role in addressing social challenges, particularly drug and substance abuse among youth, positioning artists as key partners in driving positive societal change.
Adding a spiritual dimension to the evening, Bishop Never Muparutsa led a dedication prayer, committing the awards to God and underscoring the importance of faith in the initiative’s foundation.
Entertainment was a major highlight, with performances from a combined choir featuring Joyful Praise, Grateful Choir, and The Unveiled, igniting the audience into song and dance. Spontaneous performances from gospel greats including Ellard Cherayi, Sharon Cherayi, and Kuda Mutsvene, as well as Baba and Mai Charamba and more superstars, gave a glimpse of the high level of talent expected at the awards.
This segment, where artists were given a chance to showcase their vocals, drew excitement and hinted at stiff competition ahead of the main awards ceremony scheduled for 12 December 2026.
Closing remarks were delivered by Napoleon Nyanhi from the National Arts Council, who commended the initiative for promoting structure, professionalism, and growth within the creative sector.
It is already clear that the Shekinah Gospel Awards are a platform that will represent a bold cultural and spiritual movement set to elevate Zimbabwe’s gospel music industry to new heights.
