Nimi Wariboko, Professor of Social Ethics
Boston University School of Theology

Dr. James Ault’s documentaries on African Christians (Pentecostals) demonstrate that African followers of Christ are simultaneously inside and outside African traditional religions. His documentaries are carefully produced to inform us of the logic and dynamics of forms of spiritual power and how they are related to the dimensions of everyday on the continent. Thus, it is always a pleasure to explore the fine points of the theoretical underpinnings of the ethnography in any of his documentaries. Ault does not just make documentaries, he subtly weaves serious theological, missiological, and historical insights into them for discerning viewers to uncover, contemplate, and strengthen their faith in Christ.

Dr. Ault’s documentary on Machanic Manyeruke, Zimbabwe Gospel Music legend, is not only exquisitely done and beautifully represents his philosophical signature of documentary production, but also constitutes one of the best teaching materials on how Christianity draws from its African context and is in turn transforming that context. Professor Dana Robert and I used this excellent documentary in our fall 2020 graduate course on history of African Christianity. The enthusiastic discussions it generated in the classroom were very fulfilling to me as a teacher.

Olufemi Vaughan, Professor of African Studies Amherst College

In this exceptional documentary, James Ault, a master storyteller and documentary filmmaker, brilliantly captures the remarkable life and work of Machanic Manyeruke, Zimbabwe’s great gospel musician in the context of his country’s rich and complicated history. A tour de force in Zimbabwe’s musical, religious, and cultural history.

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

Jim Ault’s sensitive and moving film about Machanic Manyeruke shows how music and faith intersect to shape Zimbabwean culture. It is a wonderful teaching resource for my course in African Christianity.

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

Africa is rapidly becoming a continent of cities.  In ten years’ time, half of all Africans will be city people. What does this mean for people who come from the farms and grazing plains and now must negotiate streets and stores, apartment blocks and bleak alleys, and search for friendship, family and work?  As a teenager coming to Harare from rural Zimbabwe Machanic Manyeruke felt lost, but he encountered a man who encouraged him to walk the right path. The musically gifted youngster joined a Salvation Army Church.  Machanic convinced the church to let him strap on a guitar, and that began a legendary life in urban gospel music. This is a sprightly, joyful documentary, full of the nimble-fingered, dance-inducing gospel music that made Machanic a beloved star of the movement. He makes storytelling and admonitory music that puts an Afro-pop groove to old Bible stories and modern fables, all about the way to a life that is right, good and full of joy. Producer James Ault goes behind the music stage to see Machanic with his family, and then focuses on the creative tension between Machanic, the aging legend, and his hip-hop artist son, Emmanuel, better known as Guspy Warrior.  This film will have you smiling and dancing, with a full heart and fresh eyes to see the way home.  

Roberta King, Professor of Communications and Ethnomusicology, Fuller Theological Seminary

JOY OUT OF AFRICA! While the media reports only the devastation and struggles of Africa, the film about Machanic Manyeruke reveals the power of Gospel music–African Gospel music. It highlights the impact of local songs and Christian singer on deeply committed believers as they follow Jesus. The East African solo guitar style playing is some of the best there is. Indeed, the film 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.