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Shepherd Bushiri Biography

Basic Information

Stage Name: Prophet Shepherd Bushiri, Major 1
Real Name: Shepherd Bushiri
Occupation: Christian Preacher, Author, Businessman
Date Of Birth/Age: 20 February 1983
Place of Birth: Mzuzu, Malawi
Gender: Male
Nationality: Malawian
Marital Status: Married (to Prophetess Mary Bushiri)
Education: Moyale Secondary School, Therapon University

Shepherd Bushiri Biography

Shepherd Bushiri, known as Major 1 or Prophet Shepherd Bushiri, is a prominent figure in the religious and business sectors. Born on February 20, 1983, Bushiri is a Malawian gospel minister, author, and businessman. He serves as the general overseer of the Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG), a position that has placed him at the forefront of global evangelical ministry.

Real Name

Despite reports by The Citizen suggesting his given name is Chipiliro Gama, Bushiri’s spokesperson has refuted this claim, maintaining that Shepherd Bushiri is his authentic name. This discrepancy highlights the enigmatic aspects of his persona that both intrigue and puzzle the public and media alike.

Bushiri’s entrepreneurial ventures are as notable as his religious leadership. He is the founder of Shepherd Bushiri Investments, a conglomerate with diversified interests in various sectors, including mining and real estate. His business acumen, combined with his ministerial work, has contributed significantly to his wealth accumulation. As of 2024, Bushiri’s financial success has led him to be recognized as one of the wealthiest preachers in the world, a testament to his influence and reach in both the religious and business communities.

His wealth is not just in monetary terms but also in his widespread influence and following. Bushiri’s ministry has attracted a large number of followers globally, and he is known for his charismatic preaching style and purported miracles, which have further bolstered his reputation as a major religious figure.

Despite the controversies and challenges that have surrounded him, including legal issues and scrutiny over his wealth, Bushiri continues to be a significant figure in both the religious and business worlds. His journey from a preacher in Malawi to a globally recognized religious leader and successful businessman is a story of ambition, faith, and controversy that continues to unfold.

Age

Born in February 1983, Prophet Shepherd Bushiri is currently 38 years.

Children

Prophet Shepherd Bushiri is a father to two daughters, one of whom is now late. Israella and Raphaella are the products of Bushiri’s marriage to Mary. Israella died this year at the age of 8, after a long battle with lung disease.

Prophet Shepherd Bushiri and his wife Mary Bushiri faced a tragic loss this year with the passing of their eight-year-old daughter, Israella Bushiri. Israella’s death, which occurred after a prolonged battle with lung disease, has been a source of deep sorrow for the family and their community.

Israella’s health issues had been a concern for some time, as she had been in and out of the hospital, receiving treatment primarily in Kenya. Despite the efforts to treat her condition, she succumbed to the illness, leaving a void in the lives of her family and those who knew her.

Prophet Bushiri took to Facebook to announce the heartbreaking news of his daughter’s passing. In his emotional post, he described Israella as a saint, reflecting the deep affection and reverence he held for her. The loss was not only personal but also affected the wider community of the Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG) church, where Bushiri is a leader.

The funeral of Israella Bushiri was a solemn event, marked by the presence of family, friends, and church members who came together to pay their respects. The ceremony highlighted the impact of Israella’s short life on those around her and the profound grief felt by her parents.

Mary Bushiri, Israella’s mother, has also expressed her pain and remembrance of her daughter. Despite having been a mother to Israella for only a short period, Mary cherishes the life-giving moments they shared and misses her daughter deeply every day.

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Wife

Mary Zgambo Bushiri, born on August 23, 1990, in Lilongwe, Malawi, is a significant figure in the religious community, particularly known for her role in the Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG) church. As of 2024, she is 33 years old and celebrated her recent birthday with various branches of the ECG church, highlighting her prominence within the ministry.

Mary Bushiri, often referred to as Prophetess Mary Bushiri, is married to Prophet Shepherd Bushiri, a renowned religious leader and founder of the ECG church. Their marriage, which took place in 2011 at the Mzuzu Stadium in Malawi, was a grand event that attracted a large crowd, reflecting the couple’s influence and status within the religious community.

Before dedicating herself to the ministry, Mary Bushiri was a trained chartered accountant. Her decision to leave the accounting profession to support her husband’s ministry work demonstrates her commitment to their shared religious mission. As a key figure in the ECG church, she plays a vital role in supporting and complementing her husband’s work as a prophet.

The couple’s union has been blessed with two children, Israella and Raphaella Bushiri. Their family life and Mary Bushiri’s role as a mother add another dimension to her public persona, showcasing her as a figure of both religious and familial significance.

Mary Bushiri’s journey from an accountant to a prominent religious figure alongside her husband is a testament to her adaptability and dedication. Her influence within the ECG church and her role as Prophet Shepherd Bushiri’s partner have made her a well-respected and recognized figure in religious circles.

As of 2024, Mary Bushiri continues to play a pivotal role in the ECG church, contributing to its growth and outreach. Her life story, marked by a transition from the world of numbers to the realm of spirituality, remains an inspiration to many within her community.

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Net Worth

Prophet Shepherd Bushiri, a prominent figure in the realm of gospel ministry, has garnered significant attention not only for his spiritual teachings but also for his substantial wealth. As of 2024, various sources, including Forbes and the BBC, estimate Bushiri’s net worth to be around $150 million. This figure places him among the wealthiest gospel ministers globally and notably ahead of many of his peers in Africa.

Bushiri’s wealth is not just a matter of public speculation; it is substantiated by his extensive assets and business ventures. He is known for his entrepreneurial skills, which extend beyond his ministry. His business empire, Shepherd Bushiri Investments (Pty) Limited, encompasses a diverse range of sectors including mining, oil, transportation, and hospitality. This multifaceted approach to business has significantly contributed to his substantial net worth.

Born on February 20, 1983, in Lilongwe, Malawi, Shepherd Bushiri has risen to prominence not only as a televangelist but also as a businessman, motivational speaker, humanitarian, and author. His influence is widespread, with a large following in his church, the Enlightened Christian Gathering.

Despite the controversies that often surround wealthy religious leaders, Bushiri’s financial success is undeniable. His net worth of $150 million is a testament to his business acumen and his ability to build a diverse portfolio of profitable ventures. This wealth places him in the upper echelons of prosperity, particularly among gospel ministers in Africa, where such a level of financial success is relatively rare.

Mansion/ House

The phrase “house” is a misnomer for the place the prophet calls home. Call it a palatial home or a mansion, and you would have hit the nail on the head – as the cliché goes. However, the prophet has high tastes not just in cars but in homes as well.

In South Africa, he has several properties. The same might be said of his property collection in Malawi.

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 Cars

In matters cars – exotic cars, so to speak – Prophet Shepherd Bushiri stands out for his collection. In his fleet are some of the most exotic cars money can buy. When his daughter turned 6 years back in 2017, he had bought her a Maserati Levante.

Other cars the prophet owns include a Bentley Bentayga Limited Edition,  a Rolls Royce Black Badge, a Bentley Flying Spur, a Porsche Panamera, and an Aston Martin One -77. What you have here is only a shortlist of the cars he owns. If you should count the ones owned by his wife and his ministry…

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Church

The Malawian minister has a flourishing ministry called the Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG). Founded in 2010, a year before Bushiri got married, the ECG has been described as one of the fastest-growing churches in Africa and the world.

Two years after establishing his ministry, in 2012, Bushiri established a branch of the church in South Africa. He would move there soon after, making the South African branch the most vibrant in the world.

The church also has branches in Malawi, Ghana, and other parts of the world.

Bushiri’s services attract tens of thousands of people. His biggest service is reportedly the New Year’s Eve service that holds each year at the FNB Stadium, South Africa.

Controversies have plagued Bushiri’s ministry. Although he’s aware some people describe him as a scam, he shrugs off the claims. And for those who claim he performs fake miracles and healings, the prophet himself says he doesn’t heal; God does.

Private Jet

Prophet Shepherd Bushiri is one of the jet-setting pastors out there, and he flies in style. The prophet is said to own not one but three private jets (as of 2016), making him one of the heavy hitters in ministry in Africa and worldwide.

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He was reported to have acquired his third private jet in January 2016 for $37 million. Details about the maker of the air giant are not out there, however.

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