Is John Makombe quietly stepping into the league of Zimbabwe’s big spenders the so-called mbingas? In a country where figures like Sir Wicknell Chivayo have long dominated headlines for car gifting sprees, Makombe’s unexpected generosity has sparked fresh debate: Is a new mbinga rising?But Makombe himself is brushing off the comparisons. Turning 40, he insists the car giveaway has nothing to do with clout, status or outshining anyone.
Instead, he says it is simply a heartfelt birthday gesture meant to bless someone’s life not a stunt to push ticket sales. “This is just a gift,” Makombe maintains. I’m not trying to become anyone or compete with anyone.
Despite the chatter, one thing is clear: his act has electrified the entertainment scene and instantly become the biggest surprise of the festive season. Organisers say the concert didn’t need the car to gain traction. Sales were already strong and the announcement has merely added extra fire to the already blazing hype surrounding The Grateful Experience 2025 at the HICC on December 6.
Read Full Article on The Herald
[paywall]
This year’s concert boasts one of the strongest gospel line-ups of the season, featuring powerhouses and crowd favourites who never disappoint. Fans can expect uplifting performances from Ellard & Sharon Cherayi, the evergreen Takesure Zamar, spirit-soothing Nyasha Mutonhori, Spiwe Ndebele, Blessing Jedthun, Minister Micheal Mahendere, and Larry Gunda among others. The show will also host South African heavyweights Rebecca Malope and Sipho Makhabane, returning to the HICC to deliver deep worship moments fans have been craving all year.With that kind of line-up, insiders say The Grateful Experience was already set to sell out long before Makombe threw in a shocking birthday twist.
[/paywall]
