Machanic Manyeruke: The Life of Zimbabwe’s Gospel Music Legend

To watch trailer click here
or the image.

Distribution by
Documentary Educational Resources (www.der.org):

For Educational/Institutional uses and Home Use DVDs click here.

For Home Use Streaming
click here.

To stream via Redeem TV
click here

A story of family, faith, culture & music!

Called by many the father of gospel music in Zimbabwe, where over 75% of the population are Christians, Machanic Manyeruke’s music has nurtured believers there across denominations for generations now. This intimate story of his life shows the powerful role of popular music in rooting faith in local African cultures, as leading teachers of that subject testify.

“Brilliantly captures the remarkable life and work of Machanic Manyeruke, Zimbabwe’s great gospel musician . . . A tour de force in Zimbabwe’s musical, religious, and cultural history.”

Olufemi Vaughan
Professor of African Studies, Amherst College

“A sprightly, joyful documentary, full of the nimble-fingered, dance-inducing gospel music that made Machanic a beloved star . . . He makes storytelling and admonitory music that puts an Afro-pop groove to old Bible stories and modern fables… I love this film!”

Joel Carpenter
Founder, Nagel Institute for the Study of World Christianity Calvin University

“Reveals the power of Gospel music–African Gospel music, highlighting the impact of local songs and a Christian singer on deeply committed believers as they follow Jesus. It transports you into the everyday lives of the unsung heroes of Zimbabwe making a difference in the midst of war, chaos and poverty. I recommend it with enthusiasm.”

Roberta King
Professor of Communications & Ethnomusicology, Fuller Theological Seminary

“Subtly weaves serious theological, missiological, and historical insights into the film’s moving personal story. Exquisitely done . . . One of the best teaching materials on how Christianity draws from its African context and is in turn transforming it. . . The enthusiastic discussions it generated in the classroom were very fulfilling to me as a teacher.”

Nimi Wariboko
Professor of Social Ethics
Boston University School of Theology

“A sensitive and moving film showing how music and faith intersect to shape Zimbabwean culture . . . A wonderful teaching resource.”

Dana Robert, Director, Center for Global Christianity & Mission, Boston University School of Theology

For fuller reflections from these scholars
click here. And for the film’s first review, by Philip Jenkins in The Christian Century, click here.

For film extras below click here.

Please donate to support Machanic & his team! Donate $50 or more & you will receive 4 CDs of his songs!






It is so difficult for musicians to make a living now & Zimbabwe’s economy has collapsed. All donations will go to Machanic Manyeruke & his music team to help support them & their ongoing work. Send a message to them with your donation, if you like!