Michael Mahendere

Michael Mahendere was born on May 28, 1983, and began his music career in 1990 at the age of seven. He first sang as a member of the family gospel group Mahendere Brothers, alongside his brothers Akim, Misheck, and Amos. In addition to his music ministry, Mahendere serves as a pastor at the United Family International Church (UFIC) and is often referred to with the title “Minister.” He is married to Vimbai Mahendere, who also serves as co-manager of his band.

Mahendere rose to prominence after leading the song “Makanaka Jesu” with the UFI Choir. He founded the music group Direct Worship, and his recorded catalog includes the early release “Mwari Mukuru” (1994), the album Getting Personal with God (2012), and its sequels Getting Personal with God II and Getting Personal with God III (2017). Popular songs in his repertoire include “Mumoyo,” “Salt of the Earth,” and “Chiiko.”

Over the years, Mahendere has received several honors for his work. At the Permican Awards, he won Best Album of the Year and Best Male Artist in 2015, as well as Video of the Year for “Kune Mponesi” in 2016. He was named Best African Gospel Artist of the Year at the Independent National Gospel Music Awards (INGOMA) in 2018 and received the International Gospel Award at the Zimbabwe Achievers Awards that same year. Subsequent awards include International Best Male Gospel Artiste at the Africa Unite Gospel Awards (2020), the Gospel Contemporary Award at the Zimbabwe Music Awards (ZIMA) in 2021, and the Best of Africa Award at the SABC Crown Gospel Music Awards in 2022.