It doesn’t seem like Covid-19 will put life and events to a standstill as technology is still connecting people from all over the world through conferences, meetings, and events.
Every year, Heavenly Melodies Africa organises a conference (register here) dubbed "Overflow” that connects worshippers from different parts of the world.
This year, the event is scheduled to happen online on October 23, hosted by Rwanda, where 20 countries will take part including Uganda, Burundi, Tanzania, DRC, Ethiopia, South Africa, Namibia, Zambia, Nigeria, USA, Canada, Australia, and many more.
Speaking to The New Times, Fabrice Nzeyimana, founder of Heavenly Melodies Africa, said that considering the pandemic they had to find ways to host the event even though people could not gather.
"When Covid-19 hit this year, we were challenged wondering how to organise the conference since it’s about networking on the African level and yet travelling and gatherings are not allowed in many countries, we started exploring the online possibilities.”
He explained that the conference will be fully held online by live streaming, although the ministry is still in talks with some TV stations to air it in different countries.
Nzeyimana stressed that normally, the conference takes three days, but it will be different this year where there will be a long live stream in one day.
"We are using technology that allows everyone to perform from their country and location and we shall all be on the same live streaming platform,” he added.
Nzeyimana also noted that the conference is under a theme, "God of all seasons”, as many people ask where God is in times like these, but the answer is, even in the Covid-19 is a season, God is eternal.
"This is not the first pandemic nor will it be the last, however, God will remain God,” he said.
In each of the countries, there is at least one artiste who will perform. We also expect Don Moen to join us live from the USA. His music has influenced the calling and vision of many Christian ministers who look up to him.
In Rwanda, worshippers like Aimé Uwimana, Gentil Misigaro, René Patrick, Heavenly Melodies Rwanda and Alive and Freed will grace the event.
"We have a dream of doing an African union of Worship being able to connect the entire continent through worship that is why Overflow has been a network of Christian artists. Every year, we get new artists joining and they all form an extensive network and continue to collaborate even after the event.”
"Overflow is about unity and worship. Our objective is to support the music ministries across Africa,” Nzeyimana stated.
He also emphasised that there are worse situations happening because of the Covid-19 pandemic but if the nation opens its eyes, there is a new season unfolding, so much will change.
"The world won’t be the same again and some good things will develop out of this. For example, this is a dream come true, as we thought the 20 countries might gather in the next 20 years, but now it’s happening,” he said.