…..Church leaders use event to spotlight social issues and international reach
By Desire Tshuma
HARARE — What began in a small rural mission in Zimbabwe 65 years ago was on full display last Saturday, 2 May 2026, at Braeside ZAOGA Forward in Faith Church, where thousands gathered for the Ezekiel Guti Day Musical Concert to celebrate the global impact of Archbishop Prof. Ezekiel H. Guti.
The concert brought together over 100 artists from Zimbabwe and abroad. The lineup included Sebastian Magacha, Fungisai Zvakavapano-Mashavave, Pastor Haisa, Pastor David Mabvuramiti, Sir Benjamin Rupapa, Pastor Lavy Mlilo,and Mellisa Makwasha from Zimbabwe. They were joined by international acts Free to Worship from the UK and The Worshippers ,a South African group led by Misheck Mahendere.
Speaking after his performance, Sebastian Magacha acknowledged the significance of ministering under the Guti banner.
“It is an honor to celebrate Baba Guti’s legacy through music. His life taught us to serve God without compromise,” Magacha said, thanking Amai Guti for the invitation.
Archbishop Guti’s influence extends far beyond Zimbabwe. From a single church in Bindura in 1960, ZAOGA Forward in Faith now operates in over 100 countries, with millions of members and institutions ranging from universities to hospitals. The movement is recognized as one of Africa’s most expansive Pentecostal networks.
But the event was not only about music and legacy. In her remarks, Amai Eunor Guti shifted focus to a crisis affecting Zimbabwean communities: drug and substance abuse.
“Baba Guti always said, ‘We must raise a generation that fears God.’ Today, that generation is under attack from drugs. The church must rise to protect our youth,” she told the crowd.
Church leaders said the annual concert serves a dual purpose: to preserve the memory of Archbishop Guti and to mobilize the church around present-day social challenges. For many in attendance, the message was clear — the work Guti started continues through both worship and action.