“Let everything that has breath Praise the Lord”: Africa University Gospel Concert and Praise the Lord Choir Awards Dinner

Story by Tinotenda Chigama (2.2, Computer Science)

                  Freddy Samalenge (4;2, Accounting)

On the 14th of April 2023 the SRC in conjunction with the Africa University Choir and Praise the Lord Choir held  a  gospel concert at the graduation arena under the theme,  “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord” (Psalms 150:6) . What an event to remember, to say the very least. Both choirs worked together to entertain the crowd with a mixture of praise and worship songs from different nationalities, as a way of fostering that spirit of Ubuntu even when we are praising God. 

The concert shone a spotlight on the beautiful choirs performing, the huge crowd dancing and a community deep in worship. We had two incredible hosts Kelvin Chirara and Lenah Shumba, who kept  the event flowing engaging the crowd in many activities that included singing and dancing challenges. We also had a special performance from the East Hood dance group from Mutare, I am sure all the people present can testify how great that performance was. The Interim Dean of Students Mrs Benga, graced our event as well supporting us students, she even showed us some of her dance moves.

I would like to give special mention to a few individuals who went out of their way to make this event a success. Brother Freddy Samalenge Kibasa and his team who organized for the whole concert to be a success, the SRC Sports and Entertainment Office, the band and choirs, for all the practices they had to do to make this day worthwhile ,the admin for providing all the resources we needed, the Africa University community for showing up in their numbers to support their friends and just to come and worship God together and most importantly, God Almighty who  allowed us an opportunity to get closer to him through praise and worship.

Praise the Lord Choir Dinner- Celebrating final year students who raised their voices in praise!

On the evening of Sunday April 16, 2023 the second edition of the Praise the Lord Choir Dinner Awards were held in the Highland Park Student Union Building.

The dinner was organized to recognise those who have distinguished themselves within the choir in the following categories: Best Male and Female Voice, Best Rookie, the Longest Serving  Member, Best Instrumentalist, Most Committed Member, the Best Dancer, the Best Dressed Male and Female, the Friendliest Member and the Best Committee Member. These individual awards were granted following votes organized within the choir, prior to the dinner. 

The dinner was also an opportunity to share some last moments with the members of the choir who are in their final year. It was a moment filled with emotion, while the finalists shared their testimonies. A feast was shared, in a family and friendly atmosphere  to the rhythm of Gospel music. Then came a few messages of encouragement, comfort, as well as a photo-shoot session. The dinner was crowned by the sharing of a cake offered on this occasion by the University Chaplain, Reverend Maudy Muchanyereyi, validly represented by Pastor Esther Somp. A closing prayer was given and creative dance steps and exchanges put a lively end to the activities. 

Praise the Lord Choir Awards 2023 went to:

 Most committed member – Sarah Kyakutala

Best Male Voice- Prosper Lenge

Best Female Voice- Nancy Ebondo

The Best Instrumentalist- Jean Mitonga 

Best Committee Member- Eliseu Nunes Manuel 

Best Rookie-Rejoice Mukorovi 

Best Dressed Male- Merlin Lundula a

Best dressed female-Martine Ngonzo

Most friendly member- David Micah 

Best Dancer- Macfield Moyo

Special Awards were given as follows:

 Longest serving member- Martine Ngonzo

Outstanding Commitment-Freddy Samalenge

Most punctual member- Joyce Ngaha

Special Recognition Awards to Tinotenda Chigama and Ulemu Vareta.