Janet Manyowa
Entertainment Writer
Inside a rehearsal room in Harare, the soothing sounds of heartfelt worship reverberate in the air as Janet Manyowa and her band prepare for her upcoming show.
One can feel the intensity and passion that goes into preparing for a concert like Wanqoba, loosely translated we have conquered in Ndebele.
Her fans in the City of Kings and Queens have waited for a long time to see their favourite artist on stage.
“It has been on the cards, and we have always wanted to do a Zimbabwe tour but as we were planning, Covid-19 hit. The invites and the cries for Bulawayo have been numerous. There are obviously more who would listen to Janet Manyowa Music, that is why we are going to Bulawayo,” Manyowa tells The NewsReport in an interview.
To get the taste of what the 2 July concert has to offer, Manyowa , last month visited Bulawayo to promote her show.
The meet and greet attracted enthusiastic fans, some of whom were meeting her for the first time.
“I was overwhelmed,” she says.
“I thought there would be barriers, but they were in my head. I thought language would be a barrier, but I was surprised with the turnout of the people. It was on short notice, but it encouraged us to work harder to make sure Bulawayo happens.”
Multi-award winning and arguably the best female gospel artist in Zimbabwe-at the moment- promised a great show, adding that fans should look forward to great moments of worship.
“My expectations are less on the people but on God to touch his people, we are in a season where we need revival, spiritually, emotionally we are beaten down, so I am praying that God shows up to commune with his people. Obviously, I love worshiping with people, but I do not think it should be about me, it should be about people getting time to fellowship,” the Zadzisa singer says.
“I am hoping people will come, we are preparing flat out. We are really hoping to have a great time.”
Before Manyowa hits the stage at ZITF, fans will have the opportunity to enjoy music by South African musician Ntokozo Mbambo, Takesure Zamar Ncube, Harvest Music, Sipho Snowy, Vocal Ex, Margaret Mwamuka, Joyous Celebration vocalist, Nomthi Sibisi and Wenyasha.
“We thank God that the anticipation is there for musicians that we have partnered with. Really, these are friends and people we believe share the same heart with us,” Manyowa says.
Well-known for her excellent stage aesthetics, Manyowa believes Wanqoba will surpass her previous successful concerts like Grateful and A Night Of Thanksgiving (ANOT) held on 1 January.
“We believe in a God who takes us from one level of glory to the next and I believe once you apply yourself, you exceed what you have done before.”
With several hit singles under her belt which include Zadzisa, Many Blessings, Ndomira Pamuri, Mutsvene featuring Takesure Zamar Ncube and having won local and regional awards, Manyowa believes her music is yet to reach other parts of Zimbabwe.
“I don’t think I have reached my ceiling in Zimbabwe; I think there are still many regions we need to spread the gospel. However, I think it is time the brand also moves to other regions. We have already started by being played on Trace Gospel. We have had invites in West Africa, so it is a good thing. We thank God for the impact and influence,” she says.
