By Taurai Emmanuel MaforoBY Ranganai Dzotizei
At the grandest stage of all, St James Dangamvura went back to Mutare with the biggest smiles after being crowned
the best RRW choir in the country at the Zimbabwe Episcopal Area RRW Music Festivals held at Revelations United Methodist Church on July 26.
In what was going to be the dress rehearsal to the forthcoming Ebenezer Convention as 16 choirs from across the nation braved chilly conditions for a special day which showcased the best RRW choral exhibitions Zimbabwe has and wow, the intensity of the festivals told.
The singing was immaculate and up to point even one with the least idea realised it’s now the battle of the best and many would not complain much with the outcome given the great performances on display.
District Superintendent Rev Phillip Musharu, extracting his reading from Psalms 95 had opened up the proceedings with a short sermon, saying people should sing for the Lord and that music can be a vehicle for transformation of life’s problems and situations.
“Come and let us sing for the King of Kings, the reason being others sing for self -glorification but as for us lets for the rock of our salvation. When we sing for Him, all our problems, be it in our families are solved. Where there is no peace there is peace and the sick get healed,” he said.
It is safe to say after this sermon, the choirs responded and such was the melodious singing it was only great to give each choir the same prize and people all go happy.
There was supposed to be a winner after all, and the event got them.
The national significance of the competition showed as both East and West Conferences of the church took turns to dominate in the Group A category with each having three circuits occupying the top three positions in either the own choice and set piece categories.
Good old St James Dangamvura sang their lungs where the money is, covering up for a ninth place finish in the own choice to clinch top spot in the set piece, edging out Eastern counterparts Cranborne and King David Mutare, who settled for second and third positions respectively.
It was a close contest which even had the adjudicators taken some time plucking out the winner and after increased adrenaline and anxiety; St James Dangamvura bagged the ultimate prize.
The same was not the case in the Group B section as Old Mutare reigned supreme in both the set Piece and own choice categories with Gweru West coming a close second in both categories as well, while third place got some variety as Kadoma East was third in the set piece while Nyanyadzi got that position in the own choice.
There were also prizes for the best dressed choirs with Harare Inner City judged the best dressed in Group A while Nyakatsapa outsmarted all in Group B.
Mrs. Rudo Mwakutuya had the loudest cheer as she was voted the best music director in Group A with the best director in Group B coming from the winner Old Mutare.
Guest of Honour at the festivals Mrs. Rumbidzai Dihwa gave an informative speech about the five diseases of the tongue and implored on women to live a Godly life punctuated by continuously reading the Scriptures as it is essential to fruitful Christian living.
The event was well attended with RRW President, Mrs. Greater Nhiwatiwa in tow alongside the Administrative Assistant to the Bishop Rev Dr Zebediah Marewangepo and ZEAC Connectional Ministries Director Rev Stephen Jeyacheya.
District Superintendents and respective Pastors in Charge at various circuits also graced the occasion as the RRW gave a chilly sound bite to what is ahead at the Ebenezer Convention will all draped in colorful Ebenezer regalia.