WHILE listening to songs from a top local female gospel artist on YouTube, I was led to something spectacular by an upcoming gospel minister — a sub-genre of local contemporary gospel music — and I share it with you.
gospel music sermon with The Master
What struck me was the awesome way the musician-cum-pastor Daisy Chiguvare-Mukariri tackles societal ills in the country, such as the rampant abuse of social media and endemic drug abuse, particularly by unemployed youths.
She manages this through the fusion of traditional music forms such as mhande, mbakumba and jiti into a unique indigenous hybrid of gospel music.
Chiguvare-Mukariri’s songs Chikomana Delete and Vhangeri neNgoma have already topped local gospel charts on Radio Zimbabwe in a career spanning from 2010.
“I sing Afrojazz with mhande, mbakumba and jiti beats because I am proud to be Zimbabwean,” she said. Chiguvare-Mukariri has produced four albums — Mwari Anoona in 2010, Chikomana Delete (2014), Vhangeri Nengoma in 2015 and her latest Sungai Maronda.
Readers, I am sure Chimurenga music guru Thomas Mapfumo and mbira music icon Mbuya Stella Chiweshe’s fans would, after listening to Chiguvare-Mukariri’s music, agree that it is time to hear gospel music with a traditional music flavour.
Her passion is to build people that are rooted in the Lord despite current socio-economic challenges that many face and she is doing this through the use of sermons in her music.
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“As Christians we are the salt of the world and we must bring taste to people’s lives. Christians must be well-fed with the Word and rooted in Christ. I write the songs from the messages I preach, from what I see happening socially and what is revealed through the Word of God by the Holy Spirit.”
While older denominations like the Catholic and Anglican churches were early in incorporating African traditional instruments, the message by Chiguvare-Mukariri is so distinct, as revealed in her song Wechiedza, off the album Sungai Maronda among others.
“Wechiedza is one of the sermons to free those who are oppressed by circumstances of their lives. My social commentary is for changing society’s behaviour on certain issues, for example the song Mushonga weGonzo where I was conscientising people against use of drugs and behaviours that lead to destruction.
“Chikomana Delete takes a stand against using cellphones for adulterous behaviours.”
She said Christians should portray a Christ-like character in all situations.
“Some tend to conform to the world, when they become rich. Some turn to false prophets and sangomas, when they have problems such as poverty and sickness,” she said.
Chiguvare-Mukariri is married to Brighton and “is a wonderful wife and mother of four boys”. She is a pastor with Emmanuel Fellowship Ministries, leading one of its branches in Chitungwiza.
“I have a wonderful and very supportive husband. He is currently the one who sponsors my music and is my first fan,” she said.
“Being a gospel musician, an educationist and a pastor is not difficult because I sorely depend on God, who is the author and finisher of our faith.”
She advises other artists to shun the attacks on the Word of God as “gospel is generally fought against since the time of John the Baptist, but we have to soldier on.. It’s always glory after glory”.
Responses from readers, journalists, musicians have been noted:
Bobs Chivengwa says: Thank you the Master. You have featured three well-known artists, between them the granddad of gospel. This indeed was good in that you decide first to honour one of the pioneers of gospel music. However, your second feature was supposed to pick a little-known gospel artist in order to “balance the act”.
Cast the net wide, further afield as Bulawayo, Mutare, etc.
Consider orbituaries or interviewing relatives of the late gospel legends like Brian Sibalo or Jordan Chataika.
Balancing the interviewees is important as gender equity is always the order.
Margaret Chinowaita: Music brings joy to my soul. Remember Brian Sibalo’s quote on a music show on ZTV years ago… “Everyone loves music and reading about it brings comfort especially gospel…however it needs to be written in an intriguing manner that draws in the reader, not just stating facts”. I am sure you are doing this.
Tendai Mareya: I think that’s a good move Albert. Churches have done a tremendous job during this harsh environment to unite people. Gospel music is the way forward.
Darlington Choto: Thank you Masaka. Hope we can get one of the groups for a show in Toronto, Canada if we find sponsors.
Choga: Masaka, there was controversy around a female gospel musician Fungisai [Zvakavapano-Mashavave] whether she is still a gospel musician or she is now a secular musician.
Daniel Matambira: Yes, true, but we should understand that she’s a performing artist, so that’s how they do music and try to make a living as well.
The Master: Fungisai is high on the list of gospel musicians that I would like to interview, not really because of the reported controversy surrounding her, but because of the great work she has done in spreading the gospel. I will give her an opportunity to tell the world once more about herself.
Ashton: Besides musicians, is there any opportunity to also include church pastors and apostles?
Givemore Chijongwe: I think we take gospel from the holier than thou perspective. The master Jesus himself was often accused of dining with sinners. It’s good to fish in the river than in the fish pond, which is the church. Gospel music is a very effective soul-winning tool, so to win souls, you go to the unconverted, for as long as you remain resolute about the work of God.
Paul Madziva: Masaka, please get hold of Men of Thunder Anglican.
You may contact the columnist, Albert Masaka on email: [email protected]
