GOSPEL musician Tatenda Mahachi is mooting the introduction of Zimbabwean Gospel Awards.

The artiste said he is currently in the initial stages of engaging partners for the awards.

Mahachi told NewsDay that he was inspired by his experience at the seventh edition of the SABC Crown Gospel Awards held in Durban in November last year.

Mahachi was invited for the awards that he says gave him a different picture of the way artistes should handle their issues.

“I am still talking to some people to see if we can launch the awards this year. There are partners that I have engaged, but cannot name as of now in as much as the awards are concerned, but they definitely must happen this year,” Mahachi said.

“If you look at Zimbabwe we have never had gospel music awards and it is something we desperately need to introduce and take gospel music to another level. Of late a lot of gospel artistes havecome on board which is good to the music fraternity and we are saying it is time to appreciate their efforts and encourage them to be even better.

“l am currently talking to other stakeholders and calling upon the cooperate world to support this noble cause.”

Mahachi said he is largely inspired by what he saw in South Africa in November.

“After attending the SABC Crown Gospel Awards I feel so challenged and believe the experience l got should be felt by everyone and take our music to another level,” he said.

“l am calling for support from every artiste and everyone at large. We need the awards to be of top class and to be an unforgettable experience. God is taking us further and there is no better time for us to do this other than now.”

He said they will be announcing the dates and procedures of the awards in due course.

He said Zimbabweans should expect an awards ceremony that takes into cognisance the trends in the region and the world beyond.

According to Mahachi, 2015 is set to be a big year as he is due to release his new album as well as introduce a mega gospel show of Nguva Yakwana magnitude.

“Also in the pipeline is a mega gospel show which will see all Zimbabwean gospel gurus coming up together for a huge concert,” he said.

“Other plans include the release of my fourth album titled Rega Kumhanya which consists of eight tracks including two collaborations that I have done with South African gospel guru Sfiso Ncwane.”

Mahachi recorded two tracks with Ncwane namely Agare and Ndisiye Satani that will feature on the album to be released on March 27.

“We are working on plans to have Ncwane attending the launch that will also serve as the launch of my DVD Agare.