Zimbabwean gospel accappella group Firm Faith Zimbabwe has postponed its much anticipated 20th anniversary celebrations following the death of the group’s founding director’s brother, Micah Matsilele.
Matsilele passed away yesterday in Harare, plunging the gospel music fraternity, former students, and Seventh-day Adventist Church members into mourning.
In an official statement, Firm Faith confirmed that the celebrations, which were initially scheduled for Saturday, 30 May 2026, will now be held on Saturday, 13 June 2026.
“Dear Firm Faith family, we regret to announce that the Firm Faith 20th anniversary celebration has been postponed from Saturday, 30 May 2026 to Saturday, 13 June 2026.
This difficult decision follows the passing of our founding director’ Marshal Matsilele’s brother Micah.
“As a family rooted in faith, we stand with our director Marshal Matsilele during this time of loss and mourning,” read part of the statement.
The group assured supporters, sponsors and international guests that all tickets and prior arrangements remain valid for the new date.
“Your tickets remain fully valid for 13 June 2026. No action is needed. If you are travelling from abroad and require documentation for flight changes, please contact us and we will assist immediately. We kindly request all agents to shift bookings, deliverables and arrangements from 30 May to 13 June under the same terms,” the statement further read.
Firm Faith also reassured sponsors that all agreements and branding commitments will be honoured despite the postponement.
“All sponsorship agreements, benefits and branding deliverables will be honoured on 13 June 2026. Our team will contact you directly to reconfirm logistics as we remain committed to delivering full value for your partnership. We deeply value your contribution to this milestone celebration and all prior arrangements will be transferred to the new date.”
The group apologised for the inconvenience caused while appealing for prayers and support during the difficult period.
“We sincerely hope you will honour us on the new date. We understand the inconvenience this causes and we deeply apologise and ask for your understanding and prayers during this season. Thank you for being part of the Firm Faith journey. We look forward to celebrating 20 years with you on 13 June 2026. Our condolences to the director and family.”
Micah Matsilele was widely respected as a gifted musician, song writer, educator and creative director.
He was best known for co- founding Firm Faith, one of Zimbabwe’s most celebrated Seventh-day Adventist musical ministries and accappella groups.
Under his leadership, Firm Faith gained recognition for its soulful African-inspired gospel arrangements, powerful harmonies and spiritually uplifting original compositions that touched audiences across Zimbabwe and beyond.
Beyond music, Matsilele made a lasting impact in education. He taught English at Anderson Adventist High School in Gweru, where many former students remember him for his passionate teaching style, mentorship and dedication to shaping young lives.
He also extended his creative influence into Zimbabwe’s arts and film sector, working as an editor on the 2024 film project Neria.
His death marks a huge loss to Zimbabwe’s gospel music industry, the education sector and the Seventh-day Adventist community.
