United Family International Church’s (Ufic) founder, Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa on Saturday recognised the creative effort invested by some gospel musicians and conferred them with awards dubbed the Permican Awards.

The awards ceremony was part of the Ufic official television channel Christ TV’s  first anniversary celebrations held at the  City Sports Centre.

Makandiwa said musicians are not appreciated in the country and he took it upon himself and Christ TV to appreciate musicians because the role of music is very critical in every sphere of life.

“Even the Second Chimurenga was not won by armoury alone, there were people who were singing to motivate,” he said.

“In every battle there is a song that gives hope.”

He also cited that even in the kingdom of God we hear of angels singing.

In recognising the gospel musicians, Makandiwa, through Christ TV, set up a panel that vetted artistes in three categories, namely Rising Star, Lead the Way and Excellence awards that honoured legendary artistes.

On the Rising Stars category, Craig Bone, Tinashe Magacha and Alex3.2 walked away with awards.

On the Lead The Way category, pioneering rapper Shingi ‘Mau Mau’ Sabeta, Munetsi Matambanadzo and Saiwe Chimbetu  got gongs.

Mau Mau and Munetsi are known secular rappers who turned to gospel and they are both wordsmiths with captivating lyrics.

Mau Mau performed his gospel song Ndamutswa.

This category recognised artistes who have come of age but have not yet reached the legendary status.

On the Excellence/Legendary category was Carol Mujokoro, Mudiwa Mtandwa, Mechanic Manyeruke, Mathias Mhere, Pastor Charles Charamba, Bethen Pasinawako,  Pastor G and  Kudzai Nyakudya, among others.

Pastor Charamba could, however, not perform at the event but on that category it was Mudiwa Mtandwa who stole the show with a massive performance.

His dee-jays were Ash Styles and Nivek of Game Recognise Game.

Dendera exponent, Sulumani Chimbetu made a surprise appearance on stage during Joyce Simeti and Edith Weutonga’s set.

His famous Heya Heya chant sent the capacity crowd into a frenzy.

According to Makandiwa, Christ TV is a unique tool for marketing the greatness of Jesus.

He said through this medium, millions of people have been reached with the message of salvation.

“It is a great evangelistic tool and many lives are being transformed,” he said.

Meanwhile, several local churches now operate television channels, for instance Zaoga runs Ezekiel TV, Passion Java Ministries runs K-TV, Spirit Embassy runs Miracle TV and PHD Ministries runs Yadah TV.

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