Sharon Cherayi’s “The Great Awakening Ladies Boot Camp” Summit: Empowering Women in Music Across Africa

In an ambitious and groundbreaking effort to uplift and empower women in the African gospel music scene, renowned artist Sharon Cherayi is leading the charge with the inaugural “The Great Awakening Ladies Boot Camp.” Set to take place in September in Harare, Zimbabwe, this event aims to provide a platform for female gospel musicians to connect, learn, and grow in the music industry.

“This summit is a first in Zimbabwe, if not in Africa,” said Sharon Cherayi, emphasizing the significance of this initiative. “We are gathering as female gospel artists to discuss, share skills, and support each other in developing our genre.”

After three years of meticulous planning, Sharon believes the time is ripe to unite women in gospel music across the continent. The two-day summit will feature workshops, seminars, and motivational sessions with some of the most respected figures in the industry, creating a space for learning and collaboration.

The summit’s schedule includes a powerful gospel concert, followed by an awards ceremony to celebrate the remarkable contributions of women in gospel music. Sharon emphasized the importance of fostering a sense of community among female artists, stating, “We want to show that we are not in competition but rather complementary to one another. Women can be allies, and it’s time to break the stereotype that we are jealous or unsupportive.”

Sharon, best known for her hit song “Fara Iwe Moyo Wangu,” also highlighted the broader societal impact of empowering women. “When we empower women, we uplift entire communities. Strong women lead to stronger families and healthier societies,” she affirmed.

The summit, however, is not limited to gospel musicians alone. Sharon has opened the event to all women, including single ladies, as she believes in inspiring and empowering women from all walks of life. “Every woman is invited because we want to inspire and empower all women,” she explained. “These gospel singers are role models for our young girls.”

A key element of the summit is the cross-border collaboration it fosters. Participants from neighboring African countries such as Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, Zambia, and Tanzania are expected to attend, creating a pan-African network for knowledge sharing and growth. Among the proposed speakers are Auntie Joy, Mrs. Zimunya, Mai Gwatidzo, and Mrs. Sibotsha, with Sharon also in talks with speakers from Nigeria and South Africa for additional insights.

The summit’s agenda will delve into various social stigmas that women face, particularly those related to single motherhood. “We want to build an institution that helps empower women who have suffered long enough from the stigma of being treated poorly,” Sharon shared. “We aim to create projects that can help sustain families and provide them with dignity.”

In addition to empowering women in music, the summit will also have a charitable component. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Sharon and Ellard Foundation, which is dedicated to providing education for underprivileged children. Sharon stressed the importance of education, particularly for rural children, saying, “Education is crucial, and we want to make a difference in these young lives.”

Moreover, Sharon’s ongoing farming project, which includes poultry, goats, and pigs, will also create employment opportunities and teach women essential skills in agriculture. “We want to equip women with skills that can help them sustain their families,” she explained.

Ultimately, Sharon’s vision for “The Great Awakening Ladies Boot Camp” is not just about music; it’s about building a future where women support each other, leading to stronger communities and a brighter tomorrow. As she puts it, “This summit is about building a future where women support each other, leading to stronger communities and a brighter tomorrow.”

With its blend of empowerment, collaboration, and community development, Sharon Cherayi’s initiative promises to be a landmark event in the African gospel music scene and beyond.