GOSPEL musician Michael Mahendere walked away with US$185 000, two blocks of mines, and 10 cows which were given to him as birthday gifts on Saturday as he celebrated his 40th birthday.
The gospel minister held a grand celebration event at
Golden Conife in Strathaven, Harare, where he received US$400 for his two
portraits that were auctioned at the event, US$15 000 from Grey Homes who were
also the platinum sponsors for the birthday dinner, US$20 000 and 10 cows from
Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation deputy minister Tinoda Machakaire.
He also received US$150 000 which was presented by Tarisai
“Madam Boss” Chikocho, which was a contribution from eight of the various
musicians who were at the birthday dinner.
He got two blocks of mines from an anonymous guest and two
return tickets to Victoria Falls from businesswoman Zodwa Mnkandla.
Mahendere said the proceeds from the birthday dinner would
go towards the establishment of a state-of-the-art recording studio aimed at
nurturing young gospel talent under his mentorship.
“The proceeds that we had at this event will be going
towards our three major projects. The first one is we want to built a
state-of-the-art studio. Forty years for me means I need to start impacting
other people’s lives,” he said.
“We are going to do talent search and raise more young
ministers. You are going to see more young ministers coming up, whom we will
record and push. There could be someone who can sing and they are very far away
and lack an opportunity and just as I received an opportunity years back, I
also want to create that platform for others.
“We will help them write songs, push them and contribute to
the society as well as the music industry.”
Mahendere said they were still deliberating on where they
would build the studio.
“There is a serious growth in Zimdancehall, where artistes
are raising each other. There is a serious growth that is happening in any
other genre and we are lacking that in the gospel genre,” Mahendere said.
“So we are going to be focusing more on gospel music from
different churches. It does not matter which church one is from.”
The event was also graced by Information, Publicity and
Broadcasting Services deputy minister Kindness Paradza, who said the ministry
was processing Mahendere’s application so that they can issue him with a radio
and television broadcasting licence.
“Minister Mahendere will undoubtedly live to see his dream
of setting up a dedicated radio station for gospel music come to fruition. This
can hasten the distribution, promotion and accessibility of gospel music,”
Paradza said.
“As a young man, Mahendere has achieved a lot. His music is
not only national and regional, but has gone international. We are proud that
he is also lifting the Zimbabwean flag wherever he is.”
Some of the musicians and celebrities who attended include
Mukudzei “Jah Prayzah” Mukombe, Janet Manyowa, Peace “Baba Shupi” Ndlovu, Madam
Boss and United Family International Church pastor Hubert Chigumira, among
others.
Gospel artiste Tembalami, real name Temba Tagwireyi,
applauded Mahendere for setting standards even for the young gospel musicians.
“One thing about Minister Mahendere is he is a legend that
keeps on giving, from the 1990s up to today, he has been there through and
through and has set a standard for even us who are following behind,” Tembalami
said. Newsday
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