Janet Manyowa in historic Jacaranda performance Photo credit Lincoln Mandengu
Managing Editor
Gospel musician Janet Manyowa made history when she became the only gospel act to perform at the Stanbic Jacaranda Music Festival in Harare over the weekend.
It was an unusual praise and worship session, with beer bottles raised in ‘adoration’ as Manyowa took revellers on a spiritual journey.
Lovers held each other in warm embrace while imbibers for a second forgot to sip the ‘wise’ waters they clutched in hand.
The smoke from ordinary cigars bellowed while others puffed shisha as the Zadzisa singer gave it all on the stage.
Taking to the stage with Muchengeti, Manyowa brought her ‘A’ game on stage work, vocals and choreography.
As her performance got hotter, she dared get close to her adoring fans, some of whom were itching to get a selfie or two with their favourite artist.
But security could not let her mingle with fans as she performed hit after hit.
By the time Zadzisa played, revellers looked as if they had been teleported into a spiritual trance. Some gazed into the stars, while others sat in amazement.
Such is the power of gospel music to touch lives, and Manyowa was a willing vessel on the night where South Africa’s Zonke was billed to perform.
The energy and precision on stage kept fans glued to the stage.
Performing songs like Ndiye, Many Blessings and Vaudze, Manyowa’s set was an absolute thrill.
For a gospel musician used to packing venues with only gospel lovers, it was indeed a worthy gamble which proved her crossover appeal.
What is to be applauded is Manyowa’s bravery to perform at Jacaranda where mostly ‘circular’ artists had taken to the stage.
Artists like Victor Kunonga, Mary Anibal, Bongo Maffin, The Travellers Band, Zakes Bantwini, DJ Fresh, Jah Prayzah among other class acts performed at this year’s Jacaranda.
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