Eleana Makombe Joins Gospel Artistes in Storytelling Through Memoirs

In the evolving world of gospel music, artistes are increasingly turning to books to share their journeys, offering fans a deeper connection beyond their music. From global stars like Justin Bieber, who opened up about his struggles in Just Getting Started, to South Africa’s gospel legend Rebecca Malope, who detailed her life in The Way I See It, gospel musicians are embracing storytelling as a powerful tool for inspiration.

Now, joining this movement is UK-based Zimbabwean gospel singer Eleana Makombe, who has completed her debut book, A Journey with God’s Imprint. The memoir is set to launch in May, just ahead of her highly anticipated concert, Grateful 3.0.

In an interview with The Herald Arts, Eleana expressed her excitement about the book’s completion after a year and a half of writing. “My management and I decided that May would be the perfect time to release it, coinciding with the concert,” she shared.

The book offers an intimate look into her life, covering her journey as a musician, mother, and woman of faith. Unlike many memoirs that focus on overcoming societal struggles, Eleana’s narrative is rooted in her spiritual journey and gratitude for the milestones that have shaped her career. “I’ve always written notes in my diary about my life, family, music, and friends. This book brings all of those reflections together,” she said.

What makes A Journey with God’s Imprint particularly special is the inclusion of a chapter featuring contributions from her children, Jason and Alisha. “With the help of my management and my husband, John, we interviewed people who matter in my life, from fellow musicians to family members. Their voices are part of this book,” she revealed.

To ensure the highest quality, the book underwent a rigorous editing process, involving two experienced editors, including one from the United States. “One of them has worked with international artistes on their books, and their input has helped refine my story,” Eleana noted.

Anticipation for the book is already high, with fans eagerly awaiting its release. “We shared the cover on social media, and the response has been overwhelming,” she said. The memoir will be available on Amazon a week before her concert, and Eleana is working on a distribution plan that includes making the book accessible at airports and even on flights.

As she prepares for the book launch, Eleana is also focusing on Grateful 3.0, which will feature an impressive lineup, including Spirit of Praise, Lebo Sekgobela, Heavens Mutamba, Ellard and Sharon Cherayi, Takesure Zamar, Sipho Ncube, Yousef T Gurupira, and Minister Michael Mahendere. “Preparations are in full swing, and this year, we’ve secured a bigger venue to accommodate more people,” she said.

For Eleana, A Journey with God’s Imprint is more than just a personal reflection—it’s a source of encouragement for her readers. “I believe this book will not only share my story but also provide solutions and inspiration for society,” she said. By merging music and literature, she is redefining what it means to be a gospel artiste in today’s world.

With her book and concert on the horizon, Eleana Makombe stands as a beacon of faith, resilience, and gratitude, inviting fans to walk alongside her on this transformative journey.