Her first two albums could have failed to hit intended heights in the music industry, but Dorcas Lova will not relent and has reemerged with a gospel music academy to push upcoming talent forward.
By Staff Reporter
The project, named Harare Celebration Choir, was started by Lova last year and currently has 40 members from different denominations although she is from the Apostolic Faith Mission.
The Standard Style caught up with Lova who spoke about how the idea was triggered by a revelation to enhance young and potential musicians.
“I always had the vision since long back, but I was looking for the right members to partner because it was about searching for young singers who do not have opportunities of recording or resources to advance their art,” she said.
Lova’s passion has driven her into funding the group’s trips to wherever they perform.
“I usually pay for transport because we do not sing for money most of the times. We just celebrate and worship God for what He does in our lives and we tell all the members that we are going to minister only,” Lova said.
One of the leading choir members, Tatenda Chingwada concurred, saying the choir had afforded some youngsters with a chance at a lease of life in the cut-throat industry.
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“She formed the group so that we can get exposure because she has been in the industry for too long now. She does it for us and usually she is the one who is invited but goes with us to nurture the talent in us,” he said.
Chigwada said Lova was an inspiration because of her support, which extends even to composition of songs.
“We get most of our songs from our leader because she composes and sometimes a member introduces new material then we learn them and perform,” said Chigwada, who divulged that demand for their shows was rising.
Currently wrapping up their debut album, the choral ensemble which is aiming to nurture almost 100 members has started recording benefits as they are set to go to South Africa next month.
“There is a church which wants us to perform in South Africa so we are currently working on travelling logistics. We have been getting overwhelming support locally and it is so inspiring and we thank God for taking us this far,” Lova said.
Similar groups have had issues as members demand payment when they become famous but Lova said her goal was to enhance exposure, but when they feel they have gained enough they could leave.
“I want to thank God and I haven’t had that challenge because the vision I had was that these kids have a bright future in the art but they have no one to help them so I said let them come and sing with me,” she said.
“When they feel they have learned enough they are free to go but all I want is for them to gain enough knowledge before they can get into the industry professionally.”
Lova also urged other upcoming and established gospel musicians not to engage in scandalous activity that they sing against in their lyrics.
“The most important thing for gospel musicians is to fear God and knowing whom you sing for. A gospel artist should leave all these other things because it is the same as preaching. If you live a different life then you have lost purpose of why you sing,” said Lova
As Harare Celebration Choir gains momentum, one of its members who moved to Bulawayo has started another similar movement which Lova has pledged to nurse till it becomes reputable.
