THE Celestial Chorus Soirée, a gospel concert that ushered Christians into the New Year with soaring hymns and uplifted hearts, continues to unite worshippers and gospel musicians from diverse denominations across the world.
Now in its third edition, the Celestial Chorus Soirée — the brainchild of multi-award-winning gospel musician Everton Mlalazi — was held on New Year’s Eve at the Harare International Conference Centre.
Curated around Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) hymns, Celestial Chorus Soirée Volume 3 brought together a blend of local and international artistes on one stage, drawing guests from as far afield as the United States, Italy, Australia, Nigeria, Zambia, Eswatini, Uganda, Botswana, Malawi and South Africa, among other countries, for a night of worship.
The audience included government officials, diplomats, celebrities, musicians, as well as members of the SDA Church and other Christian denominations.
In a televised address during Celestial Chorus Soirée 3, President Emmerson Mnangagwa commended the SDA Church for its committed devotion and contribution to nation building through community development initiatives.
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He said in the national pilgrimage, the SDA Church had walked with healing hands and courageous hearts through schools that educate, clinics that restore and outreaches that lift the vulnerable.
“You reminded us of the ancient wisdom: ‘Unless the Lord builds the house, the builder's labour in vain’. So, as we enter 2026, as before, let us rise in divine partnership. Let us reject the golden calves of division tribe against tribe, class against class, citizen against citizen. Let us choose unity that works, faith that serves and hope that builds,” Mnangagwa said.
Speaking at the same event, Celestial Chorus Soirée patron and chief sponsor, businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei, preached the gospel of faith and hope.
Tagwirei supports the event through his Bridging Gaps Foundation, a faith-based humanitarian non-profit organisation dedicated to transforming lives and communities.
“Tonight, we have not merely hosted a programme, we have hosted a pilgrimage. We have sung our faith, spoken our hope and rehearsed our future. And now we stand at a sacred threshold, the end of a chapter and the beginning of another,” he said.
“. . . so, as we step into 2026, join me in being a Caleb people in the new year. Let us all be Caleb, a different spirit in our homes, in our businesses, in our relationships, in leadership. And also, a different spirit in our worship. Let 2026 be the year we do not only start journeys, but we finish them.
He continued: “Let it be the year we do not only make promises, but we keep them. Let it be the year we do not only sing faith, but we walk it. And as we move from tonight into tomorrow, we hold this confidence.”
“God does not call us to journeys he will not supply. He gives direction, He gives strength. He gives a different spirit. He also gives endurance. And he also gives a rival.”
The guests were treated to standout performances from an international roster, including American bishop and urban contemporary gospel artiste Jason Nelson, a majestic 100 piece orchestra, and South African gospel luminaries Bishop Mthunzi Namba, Sibusiso “SbuNoah” Mthembu, Khaya Mthethwa and Fisani Masinga.
The local lineup shone just as brightly, featuring award-winning artistes Janet Manyowa, Petronellah Sengwayo, Canaan Nyathi, Natasha Mlalazi, and Sharon
Manyonganise Cherayi, among others.
The Vine Choir director and Worship Therapy frontman, Mlalazi saluted all the artistes for their inspired performances and thanked attendees for their unwavering support.
“We are truly grateful for your presence and tonight’s gathering is anchored on our theme, which is drawn from Psalms Chapter 19 verse 7, which reminds us that the law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. This scripture sets the tone for an evening of worship, reflection and heartfelt thanksgiving.”
A captivating drone display that lit up the night sky with various messages including a New Year’s message to the public enfolded
the curtains of the concert programme.