Tanyaradzwa Marabada
ENTERTAINMENT WRITER
GOSPEL music star Michael Mahendere will be the main draw card at this year’s edition of the July Worship festival set for this weekend.
The two- day event, which was launched in 2018, is one of the most anticipated events by gospel music followers.
“The idea of the July Worship Festival was birthed by the desire to have a festival for believers of God.
“A gathering of people in unity, sharing divine energy, and enjoying an amazing worship experience in the presence of God,” said Mahendere, who is co-organising the event.
Mahendere is hopeful that the festival, set for Harare Gardens on Friday and Saturday, will grow into a continental event.
“Our prayer is to have this festival grow into an annual event which will be done around Africa sharing the worship experience,” he said.
At the forthcoming event, the Makanaka Jesu hit maker will share the stage with Minister Welcome Nhariswa, Tinashe Magacha, Minister Tonde from Kadoma and Fiona Chinembiri.
“It’s going to be power-packed. We believe in empowering others and giving new talents a platform.
“For me, to be where I am today, it is because I was also given a platform to prove myself.”
The inaugural event, held in 2018, ran under the name The Makanaka Jesu Winter Worship Festival, but the name has since been changed as part of a growth strategy.
Mahendere hinted that he will use the platform to promote his his latest offering — Getting Personal with God Volume 4.
“The project was launched in December and it has songs like Tangai Neni, Gutarehutiziro and Zvaringana among others.
“So we will indeed perform those songs and the other timeless offerings we have done in the past,” he said.
Mahendere has also promised new music beyond the weekend event.
“My fans should expect new singles coming soon, in preparation for our live recording.
“We are planning on two more festivals but those will be announced in due season.
“We will however, have our Getting Personal With God Volume 4 live recording on October 8,” he said.