Pastor Chris brings international gospel stars

TODAY, Zimbabweans are blessed with a great opportunity to witness live on stage some of Africa's finest gospel artists who are lined up to perform together with local artists alongside the Christ Embassy Zimbabwe church choir in Harare, as part of the praise and worship team of the Worship and Communion Service led by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome.

The visiting artists are expected to leave a lasting impact in Zimbabwe, just like in every country they have toured.

The global church Believers Loveworld, popularly known as Christ Embassy, who are hosting the church service, has a powerful gospel ministry — LoveWorld Music and Arts Ministry (LMAM) — headed by Evangelist Kathy Woghiren from Nigeria, which has produced world-class gospel music ministers in the mould of Sinach, Eben, Jahdel, Chris Shalom, Ada, Israel Strong and Buchi, PU and Martin PK, who are set to minister at the National Sports Stadium today.

Local artists who are set to grace the big stage, which will be streamed live across the globe, include 2012 ZBC Video of the Year winner Blessing Manyangadze, popular in music circles as Flem B. The dazzling young artist is also part of the world-acclaimed LMAM and is no stranger to the gig stage having perfomed at events of such a magnitude.

With a discography of three albums, Ndichamutambira, Handidzokere Kumba and Mandigora, Flem B has shared the stage with gospel icons such as Israel Houghton, Kirk Franklin and Sinach.

So outstanding are the LMAM artists that some of them have dominated Nigeria's gospel industry in recent times and are also popular in Africa and worldwide.

According to online publication Nigeria Today, Frank Edwards, Sinach, Eben and Buchi are among the top 10 gospel artists in Nigeria — a feat which shows how impactful LMAM is.

Below are some of the LMAM artists set to perform today:

Evangelist Kathy Woghiren

Kathy is the director of the LMAM of the Believers' LoveWorld (BLW) Inc.

She started singing at age six in the children's church choir and by age 10, was not only lead singer in the children's church choir, but she became the children's choir leader, and from then onward, in her primary, secondary and tertiary institutions, led both school and fellowship choirs.

Sinach

Sinach is one of the foremost Nigerian gospel songstress signed to LoveWorld Records. Her song Way Maker is so popular in Zimbabwe that it is being played at every street corner, particularly in the Harare's central business district. The award-winning song writer and music minister has blessed and inspired millions all over the world with her music. She has ministered all over the world with Pastor Chris, on whose platform several miracles were reported to have manifested by the power of God. With more than 150 songs to her credit, she testifies that her pastor's message from the Bible is the content of her music.

Frank Edwards

He is the reigning top gospel artist in Nigeria and has featured a singer widely regarded as the best gospel artist in the world, Don Moen, in his latest album. He is also a talented instrumentalist. The series of awards won by Edwards are numerous, such as winning the best gospel song of the year, male artist of the year and song of the year.

Eben

He is also among the list of talented gospel artists who are popular in Nigeria. He is known for his hit track Imarama. Eben is married to another talented gospel singer Jadiel who sang Heritage.

Buchi

Before Buchi went into music, he lived a rugged life. After he gave his life to Jesus Christ, he ventured into music, releasing his first album in 1999. He has won a series of awards, including the prestigious Amen for Best in Gospel Category, Faith, Pomp and Toma Awards for Best Artist, Reggae Artist and Gospel Album of the Year.

Chris Shalom

When you talk about passion, you will remember Chris Shalom. Chris is a passionate songwriter, music producer, and dynamic vocalist. He also plays the keyboard excellently and has coordinated the choir in the course of his journey on this path. He is ever grateful to God and to his mentor, teacher and father Pastor Chris Oyakhilome.

Ada

The double release by Ada has impacted the gospel music world. A timely message, reassurance and the declaration of the expected manifestation, Yahweh (You Are Able) and Cheta are gifts to the world.

Both songs are intense, heartfelt praise to the living God. Yahweh is a pop/rock single, while Cheta — which means "remember" — is soft. Ada uses dialect to create imagery, amplifying the theme of the song that God is an ever-present help.

You may contact the columnist, Albert Masaka on e-mail: albertmasaka7@gmail.com Cell or WhatsApp 0776963414.