Arts reporter
Zimbabwean gospel music group Firm Faith Zimbabwe kicked off their regional tour with resounding success, filling a 6,000-seat auditorium in Lusaka, Zambia, for the launch of their ninth album, 'Munesimba'.
The sold-out concert not only showcased their popular acappella sound but also strengthened ties between the two nations, with Zambian fans enthusiastically singing along to their Shona and Ndebele lyrics.
After successfully launching their 9th album 'Munesimba' in Harare and Bulawayo, respectively, the group decided to embark on an experimental regional tour launching their album within the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) countries.
The Seventh - Day Adventist Church outfit deliberately chose to start with neighboring Zambia.
The group opted for the massive 6,000 Blessing Center auditorium, and true to their faith and belief, they filled the auditorium to the brim.
"The concert lived up to its billing, people from all walks of life, the young and old all expressed disappointment when it was finally announced that the concert was over, said Firm Faith music director, Marshal Matsilele.
"It was epic! It was great personally. i want to appreciate the audience they were singing along to all our songs. It was indeed a very humbling experience. The venue was big, but our fellow brothers and sisters from the blessed country of Zambian came in their numbers and filled it. Of Course others came from Namibia and Zimbabwe, but the majority were Zambians," he said.
Matsilele said he was happy that finally they have managed to represent both God and Zimbabwe beyond the country's borders.
He added, "I was taken aback that during our performances, we kept the audience on their feet, and one would have been pardoned for thinking that it was an end of the year celebration gig. The audience was overjoyed, singing and wholeheartedly worshipping.
"What amused us mostly in Zambia was the fact that the crowd responded enthusiastically to almost all our songs. We really felt at home away from home. Zambia showed us love, real love.
"I just want to thank everyone who contributed to the success of our inaugural regional tour. Organisers, our sponsors, the security, our staff and our fans who braved the chilly night, we won't take that for granted.
"We really appreciate, we are what we are because of the support that we got from all stakeholders," added Matsilele.
Matsilele said the Zambian experience has taught them that recoding videos, online music platforms, church invitations, radio, newspaper and television interviews, and social media has been of paramount importance in publicizing their brand and work far and wide.
"We have taken a decision that annually we will be hosting a concert like this here in Zambia.
"Our next stop is South Africa in September this year, we hope it will be much bigger and better," said Matsilele.
"Songs that include 'Shoko reNgirozi Nhatu, Munesimba , Ngena Noah, I’m on my way , Nginomhlobo , Tenzi nditungamire among others resonated well with the Zambians, they were singing Shona and Isindebele like their native languages, it was amazing," he added.
Guest of honor, Force Commander of the Zambian national service, Lieutenant General Maliti Solochi, hailed the success of the event and commended Firm Faith for sacrificing their time and resources in preaching, healing and delivering people from various earthly yorks through music.
He congratulated Firm Faith for launching their album in Zambia he also applauded the group for working with various Zambian gospel groups.
"What you have done today is that you have strengthened the already existing ties between our two sister countries.
"You have demonstrated that indeed music is a universal language. I laud you for that. Today's event has placed both Zimbabwe and Zambia on the international map. Thank you for that," said Lieutenant Slochi.
"May God bless you and your ministry," he added.
Firm Faith shared the stage with Zambian groups that include The Divine Trumpets, Loud Cry , The Promise, and Rudo acapella.
Firm Faith member who travelled to Zambia are Marshall Matsilele - group founder and music director, Kudzai Paula Matsilele, Michaela Matsilele, Peamer Tanhara Maponga , Wadzanai Moyo , Primrose Ndlovu Moyo , Sharon Muparadzi , Peniel Tambama , Lisa Chinyama , Theophelous Nyamidzi , Tinashe Muhoni , Tendekai Mukawu , Mathew Mhembere , Chiratidzo Tobaiwa and Anotida Chikandiwa.
Firm Faith rose to prominence in 2010 when they won the talent search show, Harare Got Talent.
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