Michael Mahendere

Michael Mahendere is a Zimbabwean gospel musician, pastor, and worship leader. Born on May 28, 1983, in Zimbabwe, he began his music career at age seven as a member of the family gospel group, Mahendere Brothers. He is a multi-instrumentalist who plays drums, keyboards, and provides vocals. Mahendere is a pastor at the United Family International Church (UFIC) and the founder of the gospel music group Direct Worship. Often referred to as "Minister" Michael Mahendere, he rose to prominence following his arrangement of the song "Makanaka Jesu" with the UFI Choir. He is married to Vimbai Mahendere. His catalog includes the albums *Getting Personal With God II* and *Getting Personal With God 3*, as well as songs such as "Salt of the Earth," "Overcomer," "Ndinobuda Pakaoma," "Christ in Me," and "Taura Shoko (Speak A Word)." Mahendere won the Gospel Contemporary award at the Zimbabwe Music Awards (ZIMA) in 2021 and the International Best Male Gospel Artiste Award at the Africa Unite Gospel Awards in 2020.