Accapella gospel music group, Firm Faith Zimbabwe, recently raised the country’s flag high when they performed at a sold-out concert in Zambia.
The event was also part of the album launch.
After successfully launching their 9th album ‘Munesimba’ in Harare and Bulawayo, the group decided to embark on an experimental regional tour.
The Seventh-Day Adventist Church outfit opted for the massive 6,000-seat Blessing Center auditorium.
“The concert was a success, people from across all ages expressed disappointment when it was finally announced that the concert was over.
“It was epic!
“It was great personally. I want to appreciate the audience who 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 Zambia came in their numbers and filled it.
“Of course, others came from Namibia and Zimbabwe, but the majority were Zambians,” said Firm Faith music director, Marshal Matsilele.
Matsilele said he was happy that they represented both God and Zimbabwe beyond the country’s borders.
“I was taken aback that during our performances, we kept the audience on their feet.
“One would have been pardoned for thinking that it was an end-of-the-year celebration gig.
“What amused us mostly in Zambia was the fact that the crowd responded enthusiastically to almost all our songs.
“We 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 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 recording 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 made 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 like ‘Shoko reNgirozi Nhatu, Munesimba , Ngena Noah, I Am 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 applaud 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,” said Lieutenant Slochi.
Firm Faith shared the stage with Zambian groups that include The Devine Trumpets, Loud Cry, The Promise, and Rudo accapella .
Firm Faith members 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.
