Baba Harare was removed from the lineup for the Hallowed Conference, a gospel event scheduled to take place in Johannesburg, South Africa, in November 2025. The conference was organized by Chosen World Ministries.
- Event: Hallowed 2025: With Zim’s Finest
- Organizer:
Chosen World Ministries
- Date: Saturday, November 1, 2025
- Location:
Chosen World Ministries
, 23 Summit Drive, Rispark, Johannesburg South
- Time: 14:00
The decision followed Baba Harare’s announcement that he would return to performing his signature Jiti music, reversing his earlier transition to gospel music made in July 2024. The organizers described his return to secular (“zvepanyika”) music as incompatible with the event’s gospel focus.
In a Facebook post announcing his departure, Baba Harare expressed disappointment but said he respected the organizers’ decision. He highlighted perceived double standards in the gospel music industry, suggesting some artists are judged more harshly than others. Despite the setback, he affirmed that it would not deter him from continuing his journey with Jiti music.
It is with deep regret that I must inform you that I will no longer be attending the Hallowed Conference in South Africa this November. This decision was made by the event organisers, who have removed me from the line-up.
I am disappointed, as I was looking forward to meeting with many of you and worshipping together face to face. As much as I respect the decision, it is difficult to ignore the double standards at play within the gospel music industry. Too often, judgements are made that suggest some Christians must walk a narrow line in order to remain acceptable, while others are given far more leniency. This kind of inconsistency not only undermines the spirit of worship but also excludes voices that still have a place in the body of Christ.
Baba Harare had initially embraced gospel music in 2024, but his switch back to Jiti in September 2025 sparked controversy within the gospel community. In an Instagram statement, he clarified that he remains a Christian and believes his faith can coexist with his musical craft.
This development underscores ongoing tensions in Zimbabwe’s gospel music scene regarding artists navigating between secular and gospel genres.
PUBLIC STATEMENT
The past few days have been awash with responses to my original post about how the gospel industry—not the ministry, is exploiting and manipulating gospel artists. Unfortunately, my statement was deliberately misinterpreted to suggest that I am no longer a Christian and that I had gone back to being a non-believer.
Let me make this clear: I am a Christian, and I will continue to be. That will never change.
However, when it comes to my career, I will be singing Jiti music. This is because I believe the two can co-exist. I can remain true to my faith while also being true to my craft and livelihood.
Some may not understand that you can be a Christian and still be a talented performer and musician. I choose not to debate that, but instead to focus on what works for me, what works for me in my lane, as an individual, and as an artist.
I want to reassure you, my fans, that I am definitely back to work, back in the industry I love, an industry that has given me many opportunities, and in a genre that I have helped curate and shape. Being a Jiti artist does not make me less of a Christian than someone who solely sings gospel music.
This message is especially for my Jiti family, who have been patient with me as I navigated a difficult personal journey—exploring how my belief system fits with my career as a musician. Thank you for your loyalty, support, and love.
As we embark on this new chapter together—here’s to more success, more wins, and more music. I love you all.
- Baba Harare
A version of the poster shared online in early September included Baba Harare in the lineup. The text on the poster mentions the event will feature “Zim’s Finest” and specifically lists performers like Janet Manyowa, Gemma Griffiths, Fungisai Zvakavapano-Mashavave, Dorcas Moyo, Sharon Manyonganise-Cherayi, and Yvonne Tivatye, alongside Baba Harare.
After Baba Harare was removed from the event for reverting to Jiti music, an updated poster was circulated by some artists, though it is not yet confirmed if the organizers created a new official version. Postings from artists like Minister Michael Mahendere and Janet Manyowa show the updated lineup for the event.
