A 10-member gospel choir will on Sunday collaborate with a 70-member youth choir from Zimbabwe at the Harare International Festival of the Arts (HIFA) which is expected to start tomorrow.

The group is being brought by the U.S. Embassy.

 “Songs of Inspiration, Singing in The Homeland: American Soul Meet African Rhythm” will debut on the Telecel Main Stage. 

The Main Stage is the festival’s most prestigious stage with an audience capacity of 4 000. 

“This collaboration is particularly exciting because gospel music appeals to people of all ages and religions,” said Jillian Bonnardeaux, Deputy Public Affairs Officer at the U.S. Embassy. 

“It’s a true cultural exchange in that the Americans are sharing their favorite songs to Zimbabwean singers, and Zimbabweans are sharing their local music and language, linking our two countries’ young people through song.”

The award-winning, New York-based Songs of Solomon will visit Harare for one week to collaborate with a local choir assembled especially for HIFA. 

Songs of Solomon is directed by American conductor Pastor Chantel Wright.  Pastor Wright founded the gospel choir in 2001 seeking to encourage young people to feel ownership and pride in their communities and to stimulate them spiritually and intellectually. 

She has won national and international acclaim for her choir’s powerful and moving performances.  In addition to HIFA, the American choir members will participate in outreach to persons with disabilities, HIV positive individuals, low-income students, and out of school high-density youth.

The 70 strong local singing group is led by Choral Director Kundisai Mtero of African Voices, an all female a cappella quintet she founded in 1999. 

The Zimbabwean singers come from different church denominations.

“I think this is a wonderful collaboration for us here in Zimbabwe and a long overdue collaboration with the African Americans.  It strikes a particular chord because our music is similar in many ways: their cultural mix and gentle genre combined with our African rhythm will produce a beautiful, soulful sound,” Ms. Mtero said.

In addition to the youth outreach, the group will visit the Pakare Paye Center in Norton on Thursday, May 2, to bring their HIFA performance to audiences outside of Harare. 

Pastor Chantel Wright has extensive experience working in disadvantaged communities in New York and within correctional facilities. 

HIFA will oversee a community-outreach program that will take the musicians into Harare prisons on Saturday, following the tradition that began in 2011 with Slavic Soul Party.  

“The aim of this show is that American soul meets African rhythm.  It’s a collaboration we hope will leave both parties feeling that they have experienced another culture and grown in their depth and level of singing,” said Ruth Norton, producer of the collaboration.

Since its inception in 1999, HIFA has become the largest cultural event in Zimbabwe and among the top eight arts festivals in Africa. 

HIFA has been recognized for bringing together disparate social and cultural groups, even during times of political and social uncertainty.  This year’s theme, “What’s next?” reflects the festival’s positive growth and future ambitions.

Various church denominations in Bulawayo have resorted to seeking divine intervention.

Christians believe there is an evil hand which is causing such tragedies to strike on the country’s major highways, whilst other sectors of the societies blame the police for clearing cars which are not road-worthy. 

During the Easter holiday Relzim.org visited various churches around Bulawayo CBD whose major prayer points were centred on praying against road accidents. Churches recently engaged in awareness campaigns against irresponsible driving and popular gospel duo of Charles and Olivia Charamba lead the campaign.

The Charambas were appointed as road traffic ambassadors in recognition of their good work of fighting against road accidents through song. 

Relzim.org spoke to Pastor Mark Rukweza of Divine Hope Church who expressed concern over the escalating number of road accidents, saying, “The church should be spiritually alert and destroy all the plans of the enemy on our roads.” Rukweza encouraged people to pray before embarking on any journey.

Varumbidzi Voices perfoming along Nelson Mandela Way in the Central Business District of Kwekwe (Photo K. Mavundutse)

This challenge has not only affected Kwekwe gospel groups but it has spread across the country with notable big players in the music industry crying foul over poor rewards of their hard work.

Speaking to Relzim.org, Chairperson of Varumbidzi Voices of Methodist Church in Zimbabwe said that they are in financial quagmire, as their albums are not selling well in the streets.

“In 2012 we released an 8-track album entitled ‘Munavana venyu Mwari’ but we only sold it in the church. And still the profit was little. We have now resorted to street performance and then soon after the performance we will sell our discs,” said the group”s Chairperson Kurauone Mavhangira.

He further indicated that they got advised by their producer (of Metro Studios) to sell discs in streets as it is more profitable than to sell them in music stores.

Varumbidzi Voices perfoming in Kwekwe CBD (Photo K. Mavundutse)

“Each disc is produced for 70 cents and we resell it for USD1 each. However, the profit that we are making out of this business is little and piracy is also affecting our market,” he said.

William Gumbochuma, fan of Varumbidzi Voices criticized the strategy for the current disc production and marketing. “They should have their discs sold in credible music stores and avoid their work being produced by backyard studios. Recording studios such as Gramma Records are renowned ones. If one has his or her music produced by such studios they will be guaranteed of air play on local radio stations,” he said.

A group member also indicated the lack of adequate sponsorship to produce quality products. “If we had adequate sponsorship, we would have our music produced in South Africa in a way that the discs cannot be pirated. We also don’t have money to stage live shows so that people can learn about our music,” said Polite Mangova.

The Methodist outfit, which is raising money to produce a music video, has four albums to their name. The group is comprised of seven members: Farai Zambe, Edmore Bafana, James Mavhangira, Clifford Ndlovu, Polite Mangova, Mattherw Nhamburo and Kurauone Mavhangira.

Senior Prison Officer Kennerd Mabika stressed the significance of mentoring the talents found in the prison as it might be leading aspect to relieve prisoners setting them free from crime free environment.

“Mentoring talent is meant to guide the prisoners aiming to prove to them that what we teach them should be implemented making a living out of it. We have prisoners with different talents and there is need to incorporate these talents in the same race of economic world so that these prisoners would have backup as a way to earn a living out of it,” said Mabika.

“Besides providing psychological and mental rehabilitation, we recorded the gospel album so that we create space for the providence of spiritual rehabilitation to the prison family giving them hope of being non-failures,” explained Mabika.

Mabika further indicated that the album was released with a delay due to financial strains but Seventh Day Adventist church came to their rescue by assisting in the provision money to cover recording expenses.

However, this is unlike at Kwekwe prison. A prison officer who requested anonymity blamed the churches for not supporting the inmates in producing gospel albums.

“The churches are to blame here, because since I started to work here in 2009, I have not heard of any who released an album. If the churches help these inmates to release gospel albums, it would help these prisoners psychologically and there is a lot of talent in here,” she said.

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Reformed Church in Zimbabwe Reverend Magwati described the album as a masterpiece from the 70-member group.

“Having been in existence for nine years, the choral group is a well-established church choir dedicated to praising, worshipping, enhancement of strong Christian doctrines with the overall aim of supporting the spiritual activities of the church as influencing good choral practices in Zimbabwe and beyond,” he said.

The choir was adjudged the best set-piece choir in Zimbabwe at last year’s National Choral Festival.

This is not happening for the first time, as last year’s edition went without a nominee before the arts board removed the category completely. And this has left apostolic choral groups fuming for recognition.

Apostolic choral music gained popularity in 1999 with Vabati VaJehovah being the pioneers. And since then the genre became popular with many groups emerging.

In an interview with RelZim.org, many such groups blasted National Arts Council for not considering the efforts of Apostolic choral groups.

Richard Magaya, a member of Vabati VaJehovah said he felt betrayed over the issue, as choral music is still popular in the country.

He said they submitted their albums long before but were surprised to find out that their efforts went in vain. “Last year the category went without any nominee and we never got the reasons. This year the category is not even there, which means we are being let down by our own body.

They did not give us the reason why there are no winners in the category for the past two editions and the confusing thing is that the genre is still very popular and many groups are keeping on rising,” he said.

Vabati VaJehovah won the award two times.

Alouis Kurima , leader of Mabasa Avatumwa another choral group whose hit song ‘Mandigonera’ was voted Best Choral Song in 2010, echoed the same sentiments.

“I still remember last year that we submitted our forms at NACZ. We were four groups: Vabati VaJehovah, Hwayana DzaJehovah, [we] and Chiedza Chevatendi. Our category written no nominee.

Choral music is still going strong and we will continue with it despite NACZ ignoring our efforts.This is not fair at all. We are doing much for the industry and we need to be recognized like other artists,” fumed Kurima.

Tapiwa Chibaya, leader of Chiedza Chevatendi said, “NACZ should announce that choral music is no longer accepted because it is disappointing to note that we are not being considered despite our efforts.”

Attempts to get a comment from National Arts Council were fruitless.

But the dawn of Mudiwa Mutandwa a.k.a Mudiwa of the ‘Ndaita Mari’ fame and Flame B, onto the music scene has silenced critics who demonise and Americanise the genre.

With the young generation in mind, local hip-hop artists, believe their music is aimed at preaching the Gospel through the ‘popular culture’ of Hip Hop which many young people are fond of.

While American hip-hop gospel artists such as DaTruth and Lacre are making waves in the West, Mudiwa is riding high his song ‘Ndaita Mari’ which won him the Song of the Year Award at the Victor Awards last year. Whilst gospel prodigy Flame B’s video was number one on ZBC’s Top 50 ranking.

Following closely in the footsteps of Mudiwa is Kuwadzana-based Collin Musahwaro who is popularly known in the music circles as Collywhood.

Like his predecessors who started off singing circular music, Collywhood has morphed into a full-fledged gospel artist whose music chronicles his conversion.

Relzim.org recently caught up with the energetic singer who prides in his conversion to Christianity and making music for his Creator.“I used to be a circular hip-hop, and R&B artist. Though I haven’t changed the genre, my lyrics are now focused on preaching the gospel.” Collywhood said.

The K-Street Souls frontman, Collywhood said his change of focus came after he learnt of how American hip-hop performers are allegedly involved in cults which require them to sell their souls.
“It was not out of fear of death, but a total transformation. I really got born again and I would like to more committed to singing for God like when I used to sing circular music,” Collywhood said.

Collywhood said he would like other urban groove artists to emulate his life, by turning to God. “What profits you to be well-known in the world by the whole world — yet God does not know you? Make God happy and seek his Kingdom first,” he said.

Like in Mudiwa’s case — who was recently given a brand new Mercedes-Benz by Pentecostal Prophet Uebert Angel – their conversion has given Zimbabwean hip-hop singers fortunes.

Date: March 24
Venue: Hatfield Worship Centre, Corner Elgin and Kilwinning Roads, Hatfield, Harare
Time: 09:30 am to 1:30 pm
Artists: Elizabeth Chinouriri; Holy Choir; Bardwell and friends; Godknows Chegura; Cuthbert Kademauya and more
Speaker: Rev C Chidimuro
Phone: 0773 296818; 0773612172; 0772674850
E-mail: hatfieldworshipcentre@gmail.com

Jaravaza believes one does not decide to sing gospel simply because he or she is vocally talented.

“Christians should have a calling before singing gospel music as it is a way of ministering. It is a concept that sees the Lord using a person to influence the lives of his children.

“Listeners should not only be entertained but ministered through music. However, it defies the whole purpose if the person is simply singing because he or she has a beautiful voice,” he said.

Jaravaza has successfully invaded the musical charts on three of the country’s radio stations. His song, “Makomborero”, has topped Radio Zimbabwe’s Gumi Dzinopisa, Star FM’s Top 20 and Power FM’s Breakfast Inspiration together with “Mufaro Chete”.

It is no surprise that the second album has registered more success than his 2003 debut project “Dzokai Vanhu Vangu” as he took time to come up with a good product on his second album.

The album consists of joyous and low tempo prayerful songs.

“Nyasha Dza Mwari”, which is a follow-up to his debut album, has a mixture of songs that will drive people into a dancing mood and the rest set you into a prayer mood.

“Many may recognise songs like ‘We Bless Your Name,’ because they are everyday songs that are sung in churches. The others are songs that I have written based on my experiences and the trials I have gone through in my life,” said Jaravaza.

Jaravaza dished out success tips to aspiring gospel artistes.

“Gospel music has evolved over the years and unlike in the past, it now ministers to non- church goers too.

“Up-and-coming artists only need to be patient in order to sustain the upward trend. They ought to take time and engage professionals in making music. If they do not have the sufficient financial backing it is better to do demos only to avoid producing half-baked albums,” he said.

A cover of Hosiah Chipanga’s CD album

Popular Zimbabwean musician Hosiah Chipanga is set to introduce sermons at his shows. Chipanga could not, however, divulge the time he will spend on the pulpit before strumming the guitar.

The veteran musician said the church will soon have branches across Zimbabwe.

Chipanga does not know the total number of his followers.

“People should be prepared to hear the word when they come to my shows, it’s no longer time to dance to the music only, the end is so [near]. I will take time to preach to people,” said Chipanga.

The musician has seen his popularity wane in recent years and is now holding shows in Manicaland Province only.

“I am staging my shows in Mutare and surrounding areas only, these days. But I will soon embark on a countrywide tour because I want everyone to be saved,” said Chipanga.

If the lyrics on his latest album Dzorai Vana Venyu are anything to go by, then “Mutumwa Wamwari” as Chipanga calls himself nowadays, has already started spreading the gospel through music.

The “Kwachu Kwachu” hitmaker, Chipanga has also changed the name of his band from Broadway Sounds to Vaparidzi Veshoko.

He claimed he received the calling from God in 1977. “I was in Sheba, Penhalonga [a village 18 km north of Mutare], on September 13, 1977, when I received this calling. I had to pay attention to what God was saying to me. I received so many revelations and I could not ignore them. I encountered a series of challenges, as I tried to establish my church. I felt my body burning and I almost died. A cup of water came to my rescue and that is when I was told to go and preach.”

In one of his interviews last year, Chipanga suggested that his church is going to be bigger than Prophet Makandiwa‘s United Family International Church.