Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. THE inaugural Shekinah Gospel Awards scheduled for later this year will redefine the purpose and trajectory of gospel music in the country, organizers have said.
Running under the theme “Honouring Kingdom Excellence”, the awards ceremony is set to take place at the Harare International Conference Center (HICC) on December 12.
Speaking to guests during the official launch recently, the awards founder and chief executive officer MacDonald Chidavaenzi said the idea to honour the country’s best in gospel music came after realization that their efforts are often sidelined with their history left to fade.
“I conducted a simple survey, asking current artists to name at least one song by Brian Sibalo (yesteryear gospel artiste) or the well-known yesteryear group Appointed. The results were alarming, over 80% could not.
“This is a serious cause for concern. It reflects a lack of intentional culture in appreciating, celebrating, and honouring those who came before us,” the renowned music producer said.
“If we continue on this trajectory, 30 years from now, our children and their children may not know who Sekuru Minister Michael Mahendere or Ugogo Janet Manyowa is.”
Chidavaenzi also said the findings prompted him and his team to establish “a vehicle that carries, propels, and fosters a culture of intentional celebration of where we come from, where we are, and where we are going as gospel creatives.”
Delivering a keynote address on behalf of the minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, deputy minister Emily Jesaya said the awards would promote a healthy competition, fueling excellence as well as growth in the local creative sector.
“Through platforms such as this, we are witnessing the formalization and elevation of gospel music into a structured, competitive, and economically viable sector.
“By promoting standards, rewarding excellence, and fostering consistency, the Shekinah Gospel Awards are contributing to the broader vision of building a vibrant and globally competitive creative industry in Zimbabwe,” said Jesaya.
Meanwhile, the Shekinah Gospel Awards organisers have pledged to build transparent, credible, and evidence-based adjudication systems to mainly eliminate cheating controversies that often characterise local awards.
“With the support of industry leaders, we are committed to upholding a standard of integrity that leaves no room for doubt,” said Chidavaenzi.
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