GOSPEL musician Tatenda Mahachi says gospel music followers should expect more from him in 2016 as the young musician eyes the country’s gospel music throne.
By Moses Mugugunyeki
Mahachi, who is riding high in the music industry with his album Declarations, said 2016 would be a great year for him and his followers.
“The year 2016 is going to be busy for me. I am currently working on my new album which will be released early next year,” he said.
With four albums under his belt, Mahachi feels it is time he took his music outside Zimbabwe and South Africa. He said he had carved a niche for himself in the two countries and is eager to take his music throughout Africa and beyond.
“We shall be touring the continent, including a performance in Zimbabwe under the banner African Brothers with my brother S’fiso Ncwane. There are also plans to perform in Europe next year with hope of reaching out to those gospel music lovers in the Diaspora,” Mahachi said.
Ncwane, a South African award-winning artist features on Mahachi’s song Ndinoda Jesu off the album Declarations.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
“The song Ndinoda Jesu which I did with my brother S’fiso is very popular here in Zimbabwe and in South Africa. This track is receiving a lot of airplay on South African radio stations, especially Ukhozi FM and the video is featured prominently on South African television stations,” he said.
“I thank God for this because it is rare for a Zimbabwean artist to get such recognition in South Africa. My album Declarations has been nominated a record 12 times for various awards which included the Permican awards that were held in Zimbabwe and the Courageous Gospel awards as well as the Crown Gospel awards in South Africa.”
Mahachi said he scooped his first accolade — the Best Traditional Album award — at the Courageous Gospel awards.
“I was fortunate enough to share the stage with South African musicians at the Afri Gospel Unite festival in South Africa which was attended by close to 20 000 people. I shared the stage with Ncwane, Thina Zungu, Dumi Mukhostad, Rebecca Malope, Benjamin Dube and Khaya Mthethwa, among others,” he said.
Mahachi said his forthcoming album will feature Ncwane and prominent South African, American as well as local artistes. “There are a couple of collaborations with big artistes, which I cannot disclose names now. We have done the recordings already and the final production is being done in the United States,” he said.
“Fans should keep their fingers crossed because I am bringing in prominent artistes for collaborations and this includes my brother S’fiso. The album will be great and it will be complemented by a live DVD, which will run under the theme African Brothers.” Known for dressing in fancy suits, Mahachi said he would soon create a fashion line with assistance from South Africa-based Zimbabwean designer Thembani Mubochwa.
“Mubochwa is doing my clothing designs. I have engaged him to help create a fashion line and it is something that is coming up next year,” he said.
Mahachi’s albums include Miyedzo which was released in 2007 and Kure in 2010. Both albums were released by Clive Mono Mukundu. In 2014, Mahachi released Agare with the track Ndibvumbamirei, which featured afro-jazz musician Prudence Katomeni Mbofana. Ndibvumbamirei was on the number one spot for 16 weeks.
