Sipho Makhabane to headline BF concert

ALL roads will this afternoon lead to Barbourfields Stadium where South African gospel singer, Sipho Makhabane, is expected to headline a concert to be held after the Bulawayo Peace Prayers.
Although Makhabane reportedly missed his flight yesterday, organisers of the event assured fans at  a press conference at a city hotel that he was on his way by road and would be there at today's show.
Makhabane's compatriot, Mkhululi Bhebhe from Joyous Celebration, is already in the country. He attended the press conference together with forgotten Eric Moyo who is also billed to perform at the event. The Charambas and Blessing Shumba will also perform at the prayers.
The purpose of the prayers and concert is to pray for the country and its leaders, the Government, service delivery, the forthcoming elections, revival of Bulawayo industries, the drought situation, the upcoming referendum and the national economy.
The peace prayers are open to everyone including politicians with organisers saying it was not a political rally.
Officials from the Joint Operations and Implementa-tion Committee (Jomic), provincial liaison committee and political party leaders have been invited to the event.
Organising committee chairman Bishop Pride Ndlovu said at the Press conference Makhabane was on his way by road to grace the occasion.
He added that the Charambas and Blessing Shumba were expected to arrive today in the morning.
"This is not a political rally or gathering. We organised these prayers for the nation. Sipho Makhabane is on his way by road, as you can see Mkhululi Bhebhe is here, the Charambas and Shumba are expected tomorrow," said Bishop Ndlovu.
He said Moyo, Family Voices and several other local artistes are billed to perform. The peace prayers are premised on Jeremiah 14 verse 13, which reads according to the King James Version, "Then said I, Ah, Lord God! Behold the prophets say unto them, You shall not see the sword, neither shall you have famine, but I will give you assured peace in this place".
If he makes the trip, South African gospel legend Makhabane will share the stage with local gospel musicians who include the Charambas, Blessing Shumba and other up-an-coming gospel musicians.
In an earlier interview, Bishop Ndlovu, said they invited local and regional artistes to add variety      to the concert that would be attended by people from different corners of Zimbabwe.
"Music is a tool that can be used in promoting peace in the country and that is the reason we decided this year to invite well known musicians to come and celebrate with us," he said.
He added: "Shumba has never performed in Bulawayo since he started singing and this concert is going to give Bulawayo fans an opportunity to see him performing live," he said.
Bishop Ndlovu said before the concert kicks off different pastors are going to lead different peace prayer topics that are meant to benefit the nation.
"Pastors who have confirmed to be part of this event include Bishop Ambrose Richard Moyo, Goodwill Saungweme and Reverend Mabhena.
"These pastors are going to lead sessions that include Government prayer, leaders' prayer and elections prayer," he said.
The bishop said as churches they believed that their mandate is to spread the word of peace and this can only be achieved by organising events of this nature.
"As churches of Bulawayo we saw it necessary to take part in promoting peace in our country and that is the reason we have taken a step by inviting the nation to be part of this peace prayer day," he said.
Bishop Ndlovu urged Government officials to be part of the event as it is meant to benefit the nation at large.
"We are not only inviting ordinary people to this session but we are also urging the Government officials to be part of us.
"This is the only opportunity that God has given us to meet and pray for our nation," he said.
He said the function is expected to start at 9am up to around 1pm and the musical concert would kick off at 2pm till late.
"This is a must-not-miss event and we are kindly inviting everyone to be part of this event so that we can pray and rejoice together," he said.