Murudzwa, Shumba up the stakes in Mutare

Standard People
BY OUR CORRESPONDENTMutare has this year shown that it is not only a city of scenic natural terrain but also harbours great talent in gospel music. There is no doubt that newcomer Blessing Shumba and talented diva Agatha Murudzwa, who both hail from the Eastern Highlands city are among the best musicians of the year.

Murudzwa’s story could be told as that of a tried and tested voice that has stood the laps of time and evolution in the industry as she can rightly brag to have been around for some time now.

Although Shumba is still relatively new to the local music scene, his unique sound has virtually taken the industry by storm. Mutare has nurtured many musicians, some of whom excelled to greater heights while others failed dismally.

But with Shumba and Murudzwa, it is a tale of conquering the nation in a year when competition in their genre is intense. Shumba’s music dominates playing lists in commuter omnibuses, record bars and many other public gatherings.

On the other hand, if one were to tune in to local radio stations they wouled realise that Murudzwa’s latest offering Press On is popular with music selectors and requesters.

The ever-rising diva is maturing musically with each release and the momentum denoted by her latest release, which has also seen the diva taking part in a series of live shows, is unstoppable.

With six albums in her catalogue, Murudzwa is excelling to greater heights. Shumba’s face might not be recognised on the streets but his music has stolen the hearts of many a music follower.

The 32-year-old recently released his seven-track second album titled NdiMwari despite the fact that his first project Ishe Wazvose is still topping the charts. Shumba is well-known for his hit songs like Handina Mhaka, Ishe Wazvose and Kurwa Kwakanaka.

His first album Ishe Wazvose, which was released early 2009, came to light in 2010 when it topped charts at Metro Studios.