Gospel minister Ellard Cherayi is set to return to his childhood city next Saturday for a special homecoming worship concert alongside his wife, Sharon Manyonganise-Cherayi.
The couple will headline the Odyssey Gospel Concert at The Odyssey Shed from 3pm.
They will share the stage with gospel veterans Baba and Mai Charamba and rising worship group The Unveiled.
Organised by Odyssey Entertainment, the concert is expected to bring together families, churches and gospel music lovers for an evening of worship, prayer and reflection.
For Cherayi, the event carries deep personal significance.
Born in 1988 and raised in Kadoma as the youngest of three brothers, his musical journey began in the city’s churches and gatherings before he joined the Sunday School at Assemblies of God Back to God Rimuka Assembly.
He credits his late mother, who led the Rimuka AoG choir, for laying the foundation for his music ministry.
“My music started at home. My late mother used to lead the choir at Rimuka AoG and I watched her pour her heart into worship. That is where my passion was born,” Cherayi said.
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“She taught me that worship is not about a voice, it’s about a heart that gives everything to God. I’m here today because of that foundation.”
Cherayi later rose to prominence as a tenor and member of the ZimPraise choir after relocating to Harare.
He has since established himself as a prominent gospel singer and worship leader, earning the nickname “the smiling minister” for his joyful stage presence.
His popular songs include Hakuna Zita Rakaita saJesu, Hakuna Hama Kupinda Jesu, Hosanna and Anosimudza.
He now ministers alongside his wife, Sharon, combining music with marriage and ministry.
Beyond music, Cherayi holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accountancy from Chinhoyi University of Technology and serves as a pastor with the Apostolic Faith Mission of Zimbabwe.
Reflecting on his return to Kadoma, he said the concert represented more than a performance.
“Kadoma raised me. This is where I first learned to sing in church before ZimPraise and before the world. To come back and minister here with my wife Sharon, it’s not just a concert. It’s worship in the place that formed me,” he said.
The event will also give Kadoma audiences an opportunity to experience the Cherayis ministering together on home soil, alongside Baba and Mai Charamba, whose music has influenced generations of gospel followers.
The Unveiled will add a younger voice to the lineup, creating what organisers describe as a blend of established gospel ministry and emerging worship talent.
Cherayi said the focus would remain on worship rather than entertainment.
“We are not just coming to perform, but we are coming to worship with you. Expect an atmosphere of praise, testimonies and God’s presence. Kadoma, get ready to lift your voice like never before,” he said.
He also urged residents to attend with expectation.
“My promise to the people of Kadoma is simple: we’re going to give God everything we have that night. Come with expectation, because I believe God is going to do something special in our city.”
Organisers said the family-friendly event will feature worship, prayer and testimonies, with possible collaborations between the Cherayis and Charambas.
For Kadoma, the concert represents a rare opportunity to host two of Zimbabwe’s leading gospel families in one event, while also marking a full-circle moment for Cherayi as he returns to the city where his musical journey began.
With tickets already on sale, organisers are expecting a strong turnout from Kadoma and surrounding areas.
