Lifestyle Reporters
Harare – It was a celebration of two decades in the making, and Firm Faith did not disappoint on Saturday. The award-winning acapella sensation transformed the Hippodrome Amphitheatre into a dazzling sanctuary of sound, proving that experience truly is the best teacher as they marked 20 years of ministry with a breathtaking performance.
The event shattered records as arguably one of the largest Seventh Day Adventist-affiliated musical gathering outside the annual Celestial Celebrations. Every seat was filled, every soul lifted and the atmosphere buzzed with electric anticipation.
From the moment guests stepped onto the red carpet, it was clear this was no ordinary gospel show. The who’s who of Harare’s business elite mingled with devoted fans, all dressed to impress. Glitz and glamour reigned supreme with women in shimmering gowns, men in sharp tailoring but the real treasure was the music!
The night kicked into high gear with a surprise appearance from acapella legends Shower Power, whose warm-up set raised the energy to fever pitch. Then director of ceremonies Ms Becky continued priming the crowd for the main event.
If there was a moment that brought the house down before Firm Faith even appeared, it was Sharon Manyonganise Cherai. The songstress unleashed her inimitable, spine-tingling voice and the entire amphitheatre rose to its feet with a standing ovation before the headliners had sung a single note.
Then came the moment 20 years had built toward. Dressed in stunning coordination of female members radiant in flowing green, the men crisp in black suits and white gloves Firm Faith stepped into the spotlight. The crowd erupted into an ecstatic frenzy.
Their deportment was five-star, their harmonies even more so. Midway through the set, they introduced Probeats, a crowd-favourite beatboxer who wove his rare, rhythmic magic as the group dipped into a semi-gospel hip-hop track, sending fans on a joyful nostalgia trip.
From Ngena Noah to Gare Gare and Whispering Hope, the group ran through their decorated discography with flawless stage communication, each note dripping with soul and worship.
Reality 7 from South Africa, closed the night with sing-along anthems, ensuring the celebration ended on a euphoric high. But the night truly belonged to Firm Faith, a ministry that has grown from humble Harare roots into a global streaming phenomenon.
The numbers speak volumes. With over 16,000 monthly listeners on Spotify and Whispering Hope alone surpassing 427,000 streams, Firm Faith’s reach extends far beyond the amphitheatre.
Recent albums Munesimba and Muumbi Wehari (both 2024), Shoko Rengirozi Nhatu (2022), and 2025/2026 singles Tsitsi Dzenyu Ngadziuye and What Heaven Means to Me prove the group is still creating, still climbing.
Founding member Marshall Matsilele addressed the glittering crowd with humility and fire: “From our early days to now streaming platforms, YouTube, live stages across borders, this is all grace. We thank the church, our families, and every fan who has walked with us for 20 years.”
He called the Hippodrome celebration not just a milestone, but a launchpad for Firm Faith’s next chapter of ministry.
Twenty years in, Firm Faith’s voice has never sounded sweeter. Here’s to the next two decades of worship, wonder and world-class acapella.!
Ready to join the celebration? Firm Faith’s entire catalogue is available on Spotify, Apple Music, and SoundCloud. Catch official videos and live performances on their YouTube channel (Firm Faith Music) and stay updated via Facebook @firm.faithzim.
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