United States-based gospel diva Shingisai Suluma is expected to stage a home-coming show at the Harare International Conference Centre on December 29.
She last performed in the country in 2010 and the show is likely to be a thirst-quencher for her local fans.
Mai Suluma will share the stage with Blessing Shumba and Pastor Charles and Mai Charamba.
Despite being far away from local stages, Mai Suluma’s music has continued to touch souls and inspire many upcoming gospel musicians. Her praise and worship tracks that include Maitiro Enyu, Tatenda Taona and Fara Zvakadaro, are among the few timeless local gospel classics.
StandardLife&Style (SLS) linked up with Mai Suluma’s husband and manager Steven (SS), who shed more light on the tour and their mission in the US.
Below are some excerpts of the interview.
SLS: What do you promise your fans at this upcoming tour? SS: A great reunion of thanksgiving and revival of memories. We miss home and we hope to sing our songs to people who have supported us over the years. It is always inspiring to meet familiar faces and familiar responses, and sing and talk in our mother tongue. We are looking forward to enjoying the blessing of God with our own people.
SLS: Do you have any new albums to bring for your fans? SS: Yes, we are not coming empty-handed. We are bringing more new songs that God has given us. SLS: How big is your following in the United States? SS: In the US, we are not in the mainstream music industry. Our mission is very different because we are more inclined towards praise and worship. We have so far been singing and leading worship in different American churches. It has been a great and enriching experience.
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SLS: How often do you get such assignments? SS: We have something going on almost every weekend, because of the numerous invitations we have to lead worship in churches. We rarely have concerts.
SLS: Have you assembled a new backing group in the US? SS: We have worked with different people in the US and UK. We have enjoyed the great skill and experience of many musicians and singers, both Zimbabweans, and Americans. Some Americans have enjoyed singing Shona songs.
SLS: When do you intend to return home permanently? SS: Once we complete our studies, we will come back home. We have a few more years to finish and that is the only thing holding us back.
SLS: What do you miss most about Zim? SS: Family, friends, church and Zimbabwean food.
SLS: Any special message to your Zim fans? SS: Our country is blessed, and we are proud to be ambassadors of Zimbabwe. Let us hold up our heads high and declare the blessing of God that has raised us up as a people.
