The Sunday News
Nkosilesisa Ncube, Sunday Life Reporter
Gospel couple Blessing and Lorraine Stotombe have set aside the evening of 1 May (tomorrow) as the day of the first ever Women of Valour concert which will be held at the Academy of Music.
The three hour concert will be headlined by female singers, largely from Bulawayo, backed by The Outfit band and a select of nine backing vocalists.
Headlining the concert is Lorraine Maplanka Stotthe visionary, Mrs Mwamuka (patron of the vision), Mrs Maplanka (Zaoga), Pastor Ba (Jabula New Life Covenant Church), Amanda Grace, Nompumelelo Ma’Bhe, Faith, Mucha, Mimie, and Lady Tshawe.
“To make the experience as enriching for both our performers and audience, we have brought in professionals. The Outfit band will be backing the vocalists, Vocal Ex’s Themba Mdlaziba has been acting as the vocal coach while Saimon Mambazo Phiri has been assisting with production.”
Blessing Stotombe, affectionately known in gospel music circles as Stot highlighted that they had chosen these particular ladies because together they presented a multi-denominational front and the kind of diversity that audiences would love.
“These are ladies from different denominations with different styles in singing but with one cause which is to glorify God in singing to Him. We selected these particular ones seeing the passion that is there for music in each of them but they have certain challenges to fully explore their gifts which are mainly the ability to gather resources and music expertise to make a record, especially the younger ladies,” Stot said.
He added that the concert would go a long way in promoting local gospel artistes. According to Stot, the exposure that comes with being part of a professionally conducted concert will be a stepping stone in the career endeavours of the gospel starlets.
“Everyone is invited. It’s a typical event just like any other concert just that this one has female singers on stage only. We selected a holiday to have this event so that we can have many people available to attend. We look forward to great ministry and we desire a full house so that people can be able to witness the talent that is in these women and give us support,” he said.
@nkocykay
