THE Msengezi High School choir which was among the first schools to record and commercialise music has released its fourth album titled Chandinobata.
By Nicola Gibson
The school, renowned for the 1997 hit Ngaisangane, is back, this time with an eight-track album that includes hits such as the title track Chandinobata and I am A Winner.
Revered producer and musician McDonald “Mac Dee” Chidavaenzi, who is also a product of the school choir, did the production of the album. Despite losing one of its choir directors Terminus Msindo who died last year, the choir has managed to stand the test of time.
“The death of Msindo inspired the choir to carry on with the legacy that he left behind,” said Desire Bveke, the choir director.
“One of the songs on the album titled Ndoda Mwari is dedicated to him because it was a favourite with his church choir in Southlea Park.”
Msengezi High School had their last project five years ago, an album titled Tamirira, which was also produced by Chidavaenzi.
The album became a hit with songs like Komborera and the title track Tamirira becoming popular tunes on local radio stations and television programmes such as Prime Gospel Show and Musiq Kalabash.
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Chidavaenzi said he was happy because the choir had reclaimed its lost glory.
“I think the school choir is now in a position to reclaim its status as the powerhouse of schools music,” said Chidavaenzi.
“They had lost the plot to Sandringham High School after the release of Makaponesa Mweya Wangu which featured Sabastian Magacha. But now Msengezi High School is back with a well-put-together album and with good publicity, they will do well.”
Msengezi High School has also benefited a lot from the choir and the administration is quite pleased.
“The choir has really helped the school to build an image.We are easily visible wherever we travel because of music,” Bveke said.
“The album is gaining popularity, as evidenced by the rise in CD sales. We have sent CDs to all radio stations.” Situated in Mashonaland West, 107km out of Harare, Msengezi High School has contributed to the country’s music scene, producing names like Chidavaenzi, Emmanuel Manyeruke aka Guspy Warrior, radio personality Kudzai Gwara popularly known as KVG, Petronella Gobvu and Karen Hozheri.
