×
NewsDay

AMH is an independent media house free from political ties or outside influence. We have four newspapers: The Zimbabwe Independent, a business weekly published every Friday, The Standard, a weekly published every Sunday, and Southern and NewsDay, our daily newspapers. Each has an online edition.

McClurkin stages awesome performance

Life & Style
An emotional testimony on how he was sexually abused as a young boy and a soul-touching performance of popular hymns and own classic hits made Donnie McClurkin’s show in Zimbabwe a memorable event. The American gospel musician performed at the Glamis Stadium in Harare last Saturday and left many in tears of worship. It was […]

An emotional testimony on how he was sexually abused as a young boy and a soul-touching performance of popular hymns and own classic hits made Donnie McClurkin’s show in Zimbabwe a memorable event.

The American gospel musician performed at the Glamis Stadium in Harare last Saturday and left many in tears of worship.

It was as though the Stand hit-maker had performed in the country before, yet he was here for the first time and just got it right with the spectacular performance.

Coming onto the stage amid wild cheers from the largely Christian audience, McClurkin proved why he is not only an accomplished gospel musician, but also an anointed minister of the word of God.

After the stage had been aptly warmed by local acts who included Sebastian Magacha, Covenant Praise and Celebration Choir, among others, McClurkin made sure that the fans and worshippers in the auditorium waved their hands towards the Almighty while others went down on their knees in prayer.

It was such a touching show and the crowd, which spilled into the Glamis Stadium, still wanted more when the American gospel star got off the stage after almost two hours of strong praise and worship songs and hymns that included Days of Elijah, Great and Mighty, Walking in Authority and Great is Your Name.

In a style that showed his passion to save souls, the musician made an “alter call” during his performance, asking people to give their lives to Jesus.

But it was his testimony of how unfortunate events in his early life had inspired him to be a singer and preacher of the gospel that touched many.

“I was a victim of abuse when I was very young. My uncle raped me when I was nine years old and his son also abused me homosexually when I was 13. Those experiences were really bad and were among my inspirations to turn to God,” he said.

McClurkin always uses these life experiences in his concerts and speaking engagements. He also speaks openly about sexual issues.

One of the organisers of the Harare show, Bernie Bismark, said they were excited about the level of performance and professionalism that McClurkin had shown.

“It was such an awesome show and we learnt a lot from this high-profile musician. He has promised to come back for another show in December this year and we are prepared to work with him again,” said Bismark.

She said the attendance could have been better had some technical problems been addressed and promised to make the December edition a “far better show”. Fans who attended the show also applauded McClurkin for a touching show.

“He was not performing; he was actually letting out something from deep down his soul. It was not an act but a real testimony of his anointing. This concert was indeed full of Holy Spirit,” said Hilda Munyanyiwa a fan.

Another fan, Obert Mavhima said: “I did not want the show to end. The way he performs just makes you want to continue listening. I hope he will return for another show soon.

He is such a great musician.” The concert went on very well technically except for a few sound hiccups that occurred when Magacha was performing. The sound team rectified the problem and the show was smooth thereafter.