LOCAL gospel sensation, Olinda Marowa-Ziwenga’s breathtaking transformation into a successful musician which has earned her regal status among her fans, accompanied by her fruitful calling as a pastor — all this within a memorable decade — is indeed a remarkable and inspiring testimony.
gospel music sermon with The Master
A won’t to running her own race and never seeking to compete with anyone is the guiding principle in the musicianship of one of the most exciting female gospel voices to emerge in Zimbabwe.
The exceptional vocal talent behind her discography comprising four albums has instilled joy in her fans, evoking many of her listeners to sing along with her.
Although many fans say the 29-year-old co-founder of Grace Life Covenant Ministries possesses the perfect vibrato that has contributed to her mercurial rise to fame, Marowa-Ziwenga, however humbly attributes it to “humility, hardwork, perseverance and being prayerful”.
She has bagged local awards such as the Permican for Best Female Gospel musician 2015 and Best Contemporary Gospel music for Midlands Music Awards and has shared the stage with top international gospel artists such as South African “queen of gospel” Rebecca Malope.
She has also worked with local artists such as Kudzi Nyakudya, Bethany Pasinawako, Rumbi Zvirikuzhe, Fortunate Kwaramba, Sabastian Magacha, Nicholas Chirunga and Blessing Shumba.
“I’m a living testimony. Looking at what I was a decade ago there is a very big transformation, a change of lifestyle. I can say I moved from grass to grace,” Marowa-Ziwenga said.
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“Looking at how I started back in 2007 and where I am now, there is a big difference in terms of almost everything. If you really look at my video Ndinouya Baba and Jehovah Tshuvah, you can see a very big transformation.”
Marowa-Ziwenga begun her music career as a backing vocalist for Kudzi Nyakudya in 2003 before going solo and has not looked back since.
Currently she is basking in the glory of her latest offering released in 2016, a 10-track album titled Moyo Wangu whose songs are already playing on different national radio chart shows.
She is also working on the DVD shooting, which will include tracks from her previous albums.
Marowa-Ziwenga recorded her initial album Nyasha in 2007 and released it in 2008.
She released the hit song Ndinouya Baba which featured a production from Magombedze also known as Slimaz Pro. The video increased her growing popularity.
In 2011 her second album Mufaro Wangu was released. It was recorded at Voice of Jordan.
Her third album Jehovah Tshuvah, which translates to the Lord of my salvation, was released in 2014 and recorded at Lyton Studios.
In the year of its release, the album was nominated at the Zimbabwe Music Awards in the Best Traditional Gospel and Best Female Artist category.
The artist said she grew up loving the things of God and began preaching in church when she was in Grade 3.
“I’m also a professional journalist having studied at Christian College of Southern Africa for a Diploma in Communications and Journalism,” she said.
Apart from her ministry work, she co-owns several businesses with husband Michael in the entertainment, hospitality and clothing industries.
“I’m managing by God’s grace and have a very supportive husband who stands by me all the time,” she said.
“My husband has been very supportive. He is actually the one managing my music career and he is doing quite a great job.
“We have two children a boy and a girl. The boy, Michael Junior, is four years old and the girl, Michelle, she is two weeks old.”
Baba naMai Charamba and Tasha Cobbs are her favourite local artists.
She urges all the stakeholders in the industry to work harder and introduce better strategies founded on the Word of God to be implemented to steal back people’s hearts to Gospel music.
Gospel music briefs
Bulawayo
SKYZ Metro FM sponsored the Gospel Mega Festival in Bulawayo which was held at Amphitheatre yesterday from 10am to 6pm. It featured perfomances from Abundant Life Choir, Caleb Msipa, CLSG Choir, Conquerers Crème Voices, Cross Motion, Hossana, Knowledge Nkiwane, Lorraine Stot, Minister Tino, Reward Judah Ndlovu, Royal Elite Salvation Army-Youth Singers, Tehilla Praise, Vocal X.
Chitungwiza
Multiple award-winning gospel artist Reverend Togarepi Chivaviro of the Ebenezer fame, today is expected to host a charity event — the Family Music and Word at Seke M, St Aiden Anglican Church from 11am to 3pm. Attendance is free but those who want to attend are being urged to bring winter clothing for donation to the elderly.
Purple Pride Family gospel group in collaboration with WSO – Inherera Project were expected to entertain the elderly at Bumhudzo Old People’s Home in Chitungwiza yesterday.
Qatar
Qatar-based LoveWorld Music and Arts music minister and co-owner at PalmTree Music and Arts Studio, Blessing OTMHG (of the most high God) has released her debut single and HD Video titled Powerful which is so full of the tangible presence of God and ministers nothing but hope, faith and grace, of a truth.
You may contact the columnist, Albert Masaka on Email: [email protected] Cell or WhatsApp 0776963414
