CeCe Winans’ More Than This Show at the Celebration Centre was more than a concert as it was a divine happenstance, a masterclass in ministry through music and a bold declaration of spiritual identity.
As she stood under the lights, delivering not just a sermon but a symphony of soul-stirring truths, CeCe transcended Harare with a grace that echoed beyond the sanctuary walls, her anointed voice carrying the heart of her More Than This anthem into every spirit present.
Seamlessly blending musical brilliance with heartfelt preaching was an opening ministry from Ezekiel Paul, which initiated the serial beginning of the More Than This Quest and Desire, which ended in a declaration.
Following was a celebration of women whose faith has carried them into platforms of leadership, worship and influence. CeCe, Rorisang Thandekiso, Bonnie Deuschle and Janet Manyowa, with each of these remarkable women embodying a story of strength, grace and unwavering devotion. Together, they illuminated what it means to lead with the heart, to sing with purpose, and to serve with an anointing.
When CeCe and her crew arrived, the air was thick with anticipation and praise on Monday evening as Harare’s Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport transformed to a sanctuary of song and celebration. Golden voices rose from the tarmac as CeCe Winans, the legendary gospel powerhouse, touched down in Zimbabwe and her presence met with heartfelt worship, radiant smiles, and a bouquet of flowers that symbolised not just welcome, but reverence. Members of Hear the Word Church broke into a joyful chorus, their melodies echoing through the terminal as CeCe was escorted to a posh vehicle, beaming with gratitude and humility.
CeCe’s Harare stop came hard on the heels of a triumphant tour across South Africa, where she performed to capacity crowds in Randburg (August 19 and 20) and Cape Town (August 22 and 23). These performances, infused with spirit and excellence, featured guest appearances from gospel sensations HLE and Ntokozo Mbambo and were hosted by the dynamic Rorisang Thandekiso.
Thandekiso, who arrived in Zimbabwe earlier, was also the host to the Harare concert and was at her best as she announced, led in prayer and sang.
“I come from next door and I just dashed in,” she said as the house thundered in laughter.
- News in depth: Chamisa attacks expose culture of impunity as Zimbabwe heads to 2023 polls
- News in depth: Chamisa attacks expose culture of impunity as Zimbabwe heads to 2023 polls
- CeCe Winans coming to Harare
- Deuschle, Manyowa to open ministry for CeCe Winans
Keep Reading
Thandekiso is a seasoned broadcaster and inspirational voice in African media. She was last seen at the Celebration Centre in the 2024 Maverick City Music Kingdom World Tour and won hearts across the nation. With a career spanning Metro FM and SABC1’s Mzansi Insider to her time with the band MuzArt, she brought unmistakable energy and authenticity to every stage she graced.
The three performers, CeCe Winans, Deuschle and Manyowa had several things in common as they had performed well on their composed medleys and public domain praise and worship songs. Manyowa preached through the songs Yahweh, Makafanirwa Kunamata and united the house in song Mwari Kana Mataura Shoko Renyu shona for when God speaks his word.
Pastor Deuschle and the Celebration Choir, in orchestrated theatrical fashion, opened their praise and worship office with a first-time-to-be-heard composition Siyakubabaza Nqgwele baba Uidwala Nkosi sing-along song. They had banners written Yahweh Shalom, Nissi, Elohim and Rapha, Hebrew for God whose mightiness includes peace, presence, protection and providence and all other goodness that his creations may desire.
Despite a technical hitch, the congregation stuck to its involvement in singing-along rather than watching celebrities.
And finally, with a distinctive blend of traditional gospel, soul, and contemporary Christian music, CeCe Winans began her performance with heartfelt lyrics, uplifting melodies and an unmistakable voice that spoke straight to the soul and guided the house into prayer and confession.
“We didn’t come for a performance and we are desperate for your presence!” CeCe declared.
From song Alone in His Presence (1995) to the recent More than This (2024), there was a revelation of a message of hope, healing and divine purpose as the congregation sang along.
