Abel Ndooka
Youth Interactive Writer
The recently held ANOT 2025 (A Night of Thanksgiving) Concert at the Harare International Conference Centre left a lasting impression, particularly on the young attendees.
Gospel diva Janet Manyowa spread love by showering children with gifts, making the event a memorable celebration of generosity and happiness.
It was heart-warming to see kids as young as eight singing along to some of Janet’s popular songs.
A caring mother and philanthropist, Janet gave the children an opportunity to sing for the big crowd, backed by an orchestra from Zimbabwe.
Later, the kids were given a chance to showcase their talent by singing some popular verses they knew from the diva’s rich catalogue of songs.
The track “Wakakosha” proved to be a favourite among the children.
Being the first show of the year, many of the kids left feeling blessed and in high spirits after the performance.
“I thoroughly enjoyed the show, and it was a dream come true meeting Janet Manyowa,” said one child, identified only as Tadiwa.
Another child, named Chido, said: “I love Janet Manyowa’s music, which is spiritually uplifting. I will forever follow her music because it’s deep in meaning.
“I can sing along to most of her songs because the lyrics are simple and easy to interpret. I will tell my classmates when school opens that I attended ANOT 25.”
Most of the kids who appeared on stage were composed and showed confidence.
Another child, who was accompanied by her mother, interjected: “I love Janet Manyowa’s music, and I am glad that we were given this opportunity to rub shoulders with her on stage. This was a memorable day for us because we started the year 2025 in prayer. I can see the hand of the Lord in everything that we did here today.”
True to the spirit of Christmas and family shows, the children who attended the ANOT 25 Concert were the biggest winners at the event.
It was a marvel to watch kids meeting their role models, such as Minister Michael Mahendere, Ellard Cherayi, Baba Mechanic Manyeruke, and Zimpraise Choir, among other top celebrities in gospel circles.
The kids were seen excitedly taking selfies and capturing Kodak moments with their favourite celebrities.
Kids and celebrities are good friends, as they learn from and look up to them for guidance. In the case of Manyowa, she has inspired future generations by simply blessing them with gifts.
Some of the kids at ANOT 25 showcased their singing talent, which is likely to change their lives in the future.
As one of the high-profile events in gospel circles, it was encouraging to note that we still have kids who religiously follow gospel music.
Christianity is one of the popular religions that prioritise the welfare and upbringing of children.
In Matthew 19:15, the biblical scripture reads: “Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’”
This was the same spirit shown at ANOT 2025, where kids were given their time to shine and create lasting memories set to inspire future generations.
Children thoroughly enjoyed themselves during the gospel fete, which lived up to expectations.
Now that ANOT 25 is done and dusted, a lot is expected in the 2026 edition, where children should be given exposure, as was shown at HICC on New Year’s Day.
daniel chigunwe
