Spirit of Praise Draws 5 000 Fans for Sold Out Bulawayo Concert

About 5,000 gospel music fans filled the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre in Bulawayo for a sold out performance by South African gospel group Spirit of Praise. The concert took place on Sunday evening and marked the group’s second appearance in the city after a strong turnout last year. The crowd came out in greater numbers to witness the local launch of the Spirit of Praise Volume 11 project.

The event started at 6pm with Mbo Mahocs as the master of ceremonies. She kept the audience engaged and introduced each act with control and confidence. Local gospel groups Vocal Base, Vocal Ex and Dunamis Men opened the show. Vocal Ex stood out with polished covers that connected with the audience.

The main Spirit of Praise ensemble went on stage at around 7:30pm. The lineup included Ayanda Ntanzi, Dumi Mkokstad, Lufuno Dagada, Mpumi Mtsweni, Omega Khunou, Sindi Ntombela, Xola Toto and Zaza Mokhethi. Zimbabwean artists Everton Mlalazi and Canaan Nyathi also performed, showing the collaboration that continues to grow within the gospel music scene. Pastor Mthunzi Namba attended as the guest of honour.

Sindi Ntombela opened the Spirit of Praise set with strong vocals and ministry. She performed songs like Let Your Living Waters Flow that the crowd received with energy. Xola Toto followed with her new song Speak Lord. Her vocal control earned admiration from many fans.

Zaza Mokhethi performed Namhla Nkosi. The song brought a sense of nostalgia and reminded the audience of the group’s early years. Mpumi Mtsweni delivered Nangu Mthokozisi. The song remained one of the crowd favourites.

Pastor Mthunzi Namba later led the audience in Sweet Jesus. His performance lifted the atmosphere and strengthened the worship mood in the venue. Lufuno Dagada added variety with songs in Venda and Shona that highlighted cultural inclusivity.

Ayanda Ntanzi, Dumi Mkokstad and Canaan Nyathi also gave strong performances and were among the favourites of the night. Everton Mlalazi delivered Ndinomira Pa Jordani in Ndebele and Shona. He also performed Ekhaya.

Mlalazi described his experience with Spirit of Praise as transformative. He said the environment pushed him to grow musically and spiritually. He added that returning to his hometown to perform with the group made the experience even more meaningful.