mbulelo smpofu
Showbiz Reporter
Six years after being formed, the Bulawayo-based Arise Choir held a night to remember during the Malibongwe concert, which saw scores of worshippers witness the launch of their debut single, Makadunyiswe.
The concert, held recently at the Selborne Park Christian Church auditorium, brought together a diverse crowd of music lovers, worshippers and seekers alike.
The choir invited the Botswana-based Harvest Choir to join them in celebrating this milestone, which added even more flavour to the concert.
The atmosphere was electric, charged with excitement and expectation, setting the perfect tone for an unforgettable night of faith, music and celebration.
The concert began with a heart warming performance by the Junior Arise Choir, whose youthful energy and passionate worship filled the venue. Their vibrant voices echoed through the space, inspiring the crowd and creating an uplifting environment that set the stage for what was to come.
Arise Choir director, Melisa Sibanda described the night as a “powerful reminder of the importance of young people embracing their faith and joyfully worshipping the Lord”.
“We had the privilege of being blessed with God’s presence yet again. With over 800 voices raised in worship, we witnessed God’s grace and faithfulness. Many hearts were touched, and we are looking forward to seeing the fruits of this night,” she said.
She added that their new single was well received by the crowd and, they were grateful for the response, hoping it would do well in Zimbabwe.
A key highlight of the evening was the launch of the Arise Choir’s new single, Makadunyiswe.
The song was written by Arise Choir member, Khanyile Mzizi.
The crowd erupted in applause as the song was introduced and its beautiful melody and meaningful lyrics were embraced by all. Available for streaming on platforms like Apple Music, Spotify, and YouTube, Makadunyiswe added a celebratory touch to the night, showcasing the incredible talent of the choir while marking an exciting milestone in their musical journey.
Sibanda said Makadunyiswe is a worship song that serves as a prayer, thanking God for His provision through His grace and mercy.
“It’s a prayer to the Lord that His will may be done, and as the song progresses, we are giving thanks to the Lord for His faithfulness in all that He has done, from salvation through Jesus Christ to His provision daily in our lives,” she said.
Sibanda explained that Khanyile wrote the song during a time when she was uncertain about her future, unsure of what was in store for her, but knew that the Lord had a plan for her.
“Khanyile was worshipping, and the words that followed came as a prayer to the Lord: Baba wethu osezulwini, Siza Kuwe namhlanje, silethi impilo zethu Kuwe, intando Yakho mayenziwe. A heart of gratitude to the Lord immediately followed, knowing that the Lord was and continues to be a faithful God,” she said.
Continues on www.chronicle.co.zw
The pairing of Harvest and Arise choirs, which took centre stage during the concert, brought their harmonious collaboration to life, creating an atmosphere of unity and reverence. As their voices intertwined, the sense of togetherness in the spirit was palpable, and the audience couldn’t help but be swept up in the wave of collective worship.
Many attendees were visibly moved, with hands raised in praise and hearts fully engaged in the moment.
In every sense, the Malibongwe concert transcended being just a musical event. It was a powerful night of worship that united people from all walks of life, fostering spiritual renewal and deepening connections with God.
Attendees said the presence of the Lord was felt in every note, every prayer, and every moment of reflection, leaving a lasting impact on all who attended.
The evening stood as a testament to the power of music in worship, the importance of community in faith, and the joy of coming together to celebrate the beauty of a relationship with God.
