FROM an impromptu group of well wishers who joined forces to raise funds for families of victims of a bus disaster, Vabati vaJehovah are now enjoying celebrity status.
"We are overwhelmed by the support we have got," said the group's leader Wiseman Magaya in an interview with Standard Plus.
"Zvinototishamisa. When we recorded the first album we never expected to sell even 50 copies. The demand just grew and we kept producing more copies."
The group now has six albums under its belt, has won various awards including the Tinotenda Siyabonga Annual Music Awards (Tsama), Creative Christian Award and two Zimbabwe Music Awards, and has now registered as a company.
Despite the fame and fortune, Magaya says, the group has not diverted from its mission.
"We are still paying fees for children who lost parents in the bus disaster," Magaya said. "Sixteen of them have completed 'O' levels."
"We also help other charity initiatives. Our services are free of charge. We believe it is a calling from God and we should not make anyone pay for what we do in God's name."
Vabati VaJehovah are trailblazers, introducing the apostolic style acapella music to the commercial market.
Local recording companies snubbed the five members of the Ruwadzano Pamuchinjikwa apostolic sect when they approached them to record their first album, Mweya Mutsvene WaMwari.
But following the popularity of Vabati VaJehovah's debut release, other apostolic groups including Apostolic Melodies, Apostolic Holy Vibes, Ruwadzano Apostolic Church, Vabati VeVhangeri and Vachemeri vaJehovah followed their footsteps.
Vabati VaJehovah's songs Tumirai Ngirozi, Vagoni Zvavo, Mabasa and Anouya Chete went on to become sing-along hits among gospel and secular music fans alike, changing the condescending attitude towards apostolic choral music.
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