Prophet Makandiwa to honour 40 local gospel musicians

The United Family International Church founder Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa will honour 40 local gospel musicians for their positive contribution in the music industry on September 20 at the City Sports Centre.

Christ TV director Pastor Courage Lazaro said the honorary awards will be handed over to the musicians as a way of appreciating local artistes.

"While the objective is to celebrate Christ TV's achievement, we are also taking the opportunity to honour gospel musicians who have been successful in their careers by awarding them with prizes.

"The awards coined by our father Prophet Makandiwa is a way of appreciating local talent and we realised there are no awards that specifically cater for gospel artistes," he said.

Pastor Lazaro also said the selection process was clear as they sent out invitations to the gospel musicians.

"We approached a music association who gave us all the names of all gospel artistes in their database and we sent them all invitations and those who responded are the ones who have been short-listed for the awards on the night.

"Unfortunately, others failed to respond while others said they had other commitments," he said.

He added that this event will be become an annual thing and will have categories in the next edition.

On the same day will be a concert dubbed "Christ TV 1st Anniversary Celebrations" at the same venue where more than 40 artistes will perform.

Some of the artistes that will participate include Blessing Shumba, Mathias Mhere, Sebastian and Tinashe Magacha, Fungisai Mashavave,Willis Wataffi, Prince Mafukidze, Flem B, Hubert C, Joyce Simeti, Mahendere Brothers, Baba Manyeruke, Suluman and Saiwe Chimbetu among others.

The event will be screened on television and they have encouraging people to come in their numbers.

"We will be recording the event for broadcasting on television and we are urging people from all walks of life to come in their numbers and help us celebrate this special day," said Pastor Lazaro.

Christ TV is a free to air television station which was established last year on September 20 2013.