The Great Angels Choir stands as one of Malawi's most revered and internationally recognized gospel ensembles, with a ministry spanning over four decades. Born from divine inspiration and nurtured thr... Read Full Bio
The Great Angels Choir stands as one of Malawi's most revered and internationally recognized gospel ensembles, with a ministry spanning over four decades. Born from divine inspiration and nurtured through unwavering faith, their journey from the vibrant township of Kawale to international acclaim represents one of African gospel music's most inspiring success stories.
What began as a local church initiative within the Church of Africa Presbyterian (C.A.P) has evolved into a powerful musical ministry that transcends geographical boundaries, touching hearts across continents while maintaining its authentic African roots and spiritual foundation.
The Foundation Story (1980s)
In the transformative decade of the 1980s, in the vibrant township of Kawale, Lilongwe, a vision was born that would reshape Malawi's gospel music landscape. The late Ben Mzumala, driven by divine inspiration and an unwavering passion for Gospel music, established what would become one of the nation's most celebrated choir groups - the Great Angels Choir.
Mzumala's vision extended beyond creating just another church choir. He envisioned a ministry that would serve as a bridge between traditional Malawian worship and contemporary gospel expression, creating a unique sound that would speak to hearts across cultural and generational divides.
The choir began as a local church initiative within the Church of Africa Presbyterian (C.A.P), where it quickly became apparent that this was no ordinary musical group. From their earliest days, the Great Angels Choir demonstrated a commitment to excellence that would become their defining characteristic throughout their four-decade journey.
Evolution Through the Decades
1990s-2000s: Building the Ministry
Through consistent dedication, regular rehearsals, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, the choir began to establish their unique sound - a masterful blend of traditional Malawian gospel with contemporary elements that spoke to diverse audiences across generational lines.
During this period, the choir developed their signature approach to ministry, viewing their musical gifts not merely as entertainment but as powerful tools for evangelism and spiritual transformation. Their commitment to meeting twice weekly for rehearsals set them apart as true professionals in the gospel music landscape.
2000s-2010s: National Recognition
The Great Angels Choir's reputation spread throughout Malawi as they became known for their powerful vocals, meaningful Chichewa lyrics, and authentic spiritual ministry. Their performances began attracting attention beyond their local church community, as word spread about this exceptional ensemble from Kawale.
This period marked their emergence as cultural ambassadors of Malawian gospel music, with their unique ability to blend traditional elements with contemporary arrangements earning them recognition as innovators in the African gospel scene.
2010s-Present: International Impact
Under current leadership, the choir achieved international recognition, becoming known not only to Malawians but to gospel music enthusiasts worldwide. As they humbly acknowledge, "The choir has grown so big because we're known not only to Malawians even outside Malawi."
Their latest releases, including the powerful song "Wake Wake," continue to demonstrate their relevance and impact in contemporary gospel music, proving that authentic ministry transcends temporal and geographical boundaries.
Current Leadership
William Zonda - Current Director
William Zonda brings years of musical experience and pastoral insight to guide the 16-member ensemble. His leadership ensures that the choir maintains its spiritual foundation while continuously evolving its musical expression to reach new generations of gospel music lovers.
Under Zonda's direction, the choir has successfully navigated the challenges of maintaining relevance in a rapidly changing musical landscape while staying true to their core mission and authentic sound.
Mr. Benson Manda - Chairman
As Chairman, Mr. Benson Manda works alongside the director in a collaborative leadership approach that ensures the choir's commitment to both artistic excellence and spiritual growth remains at the forefront of their ministry.
Manda's administrative leadership provides the stability and organizational structure that allows the artistic vision to flourish, ensuring that the choir operates as both a musical ensemble and a effective ministry.
Ben Mzumala - Founder (Late)
The visionary leader whose divine inspiration in the 1980s laid the foundation for what would become one of Malawi's most celebrated gospel ministries. Though no longer with them physically, Mzumala's legacy continues to inspire the choir's mission and approach to ministry.
His vision of creating a choir that could "reach where God wants us to be and preach Jesus to the whole world" remains the driving force behind everything the Great Angels Choir accomplishes.
Ministry by Numbers
- Years of Ministry: 40+ years of continuous service
- Current Members: 16 dedicated choir members
- Practice Schedule: 2 rehearsals per week
- Geographic Reach: Local to international recognition
- Church Affiliation: Church of Africa Presbyterian (C.A.P)
- Base Location: Kawale, Lilongwe, Malawi
Musical Identity & Ministry Philosophy
Signature Sound
The Great Angels Choir has carved out a distinctive niche in Malawi's gospel music landscape through their unique blend of traditional and contemporary styles. Performing primarily in Chichewa, they create an authentic connection with their local audience while maintaining universal appeal through the power of their musical arrangements.
Their repertoire showcases what they describe as a masterful "mix of traditional and contemporary elements," allowing them to bridge generational gaps and speak to diverse audiences across age, cultural, and even linguistic barriers.
Cultural Bridge
This versatility has been instrumental in their growth from a local church choir to an internationally recognized ministry. They serve as cultural ambassadors, introducing international audiences to the rich tradition of Malawian gospel music while maintaining authentic connections to their roots in Kawale.
Spiritual Foundation
Rooted firmly in the Church of Africa Presbyterian (C.A.P), the choir's ministry extends far beyond musical performance. They view their role as evangelists, using their musical gifts to spread the Gospel message and touch lives across cultural and geographical boundaries.
As they clearly state their mission: "We want to reach where God wants us to be and also to preach Jesus to the whole world."
Major Achievements & Recognition
Musical Excellence
- Over 40 years of consistent gospel ministry and musical excellence
- Successful integration of traditional Malawian and contemporary gospel elements
- Maintenance of active ministry with regular rehearsals and performances
- Recent successful releases including the powerful song "Wake Wake"
Cultural Impact
- International recognition extending beyond Malawi's borders
- Establishment as cultural ambassadors of Malawian gospel music globally
- Continued relevance across multiple generations of gospel music enthusiasts
- Strong foundation within the Church of Africa Presbyterian community
Ministry Success
When asked about their most significant achievements, the choir's humble response reflects their character: "hahaha can't mention but God has blessed us alot." This humility, combined with their obvious gratitude, reveals the spiritual foundation that has sustained them through four decades of ministry.
Recent Developments
"Wake Wake" Release (2025)
The choir's latest release, "Wake Wake," represents more than just a new song - it's a continuation of a legacy that began in the 1980s. The track showcases their signature blend of traditional and contemporary gospel elements, performed in their native Chichewa language.
This authentic approach has been instrumental in their growth beyond Malawi's borders, with "Wake Wake" already touching hearts across the African continent and beyond, further cementing their position as ambassadors of Malawian gospel mymusic on the global stage.
Impact & Legacy
The Great Angels Choir's impact extends far beyond their musical contributions. They have:
- Served as cultural ambassadors for Malawian gospel music internationally
- Maintained authentic connections to their roots while achieving global recognition
- Inspired new generations of gospel musicians across Africa
- Demonstrated that authentic ministry transcends geographical boundaries
- Proven that consistency and dedication yield lasting impact
Their journey represents more than musical success - it embodies a testament to faith, perseverance, and the power of collective worship. Through economic challenges, social changes, and evolving musical landscapes, they have remained committed to their core mission of spreading the Gospel through music.
The Great Angels Choir operates on several core principles that have guided their four-decade journey:
Authenticity: Maintaining their Chichewa linguistic identity while embracing contemporary musical elements
Excellence: Commitment to regular rehearsals and professional standards in all performances
Humility: Recognizing their blessings while maintaining a humble approach to their achievements
Mission Focus: Never losing sight of their primary goal to "preach Jesus to the whole world"
Cultural Pride: Serving as ambassadors of Malawian gospel music while maintaining international appeal
Looking Forward
As they continue their ministry into the 2020s and beyond, the Great Angels Choir stands as a beacon of what can be achieved when talent, dedication, and unwavering faith combine to create something truly special. Their story continues to inspire new generations of gospel musicians across Africa and beyond.
With recent releases like "Wake Wake" demonstrating their continued relevance and creative vitality, the choir shows no signs of slowing down in their mission to spread the Gospel message through the universal language of music.
Contact Information
Location: Kawale, Lilongwe, Malawi
Phone: +265 999 277 329 / +265 995 468 679
Email: angelsthegreat@yahoo.co.uk
Church Affiliation: Church of Africa Presbyterian (C.A.P) Read Less
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