IT has been a flourishing year of spreading the good news of the gospel since I begun this column on 26 February this year and I would like to thank my editors for allocating me the space to help in spreading the word of God through music, as well as the fantastic support of the gospel artists themselves not forgetting the fans as well as other stakeholders.
By The Master
But as the Bible says all the glory belongs to God, it follows then that all this would not have been possible without the blessings of God the Almighty, who has given us an opportunity to be taught His word by the good shepherds in our various churches, and in my case Pastor Chris Oyakhilome and Pastor Ruth Musarurwa.
I must hasten to add that this space is home to all Christians and gospel artists alike and I thank the Lord that it has been appreciated as such by all the gospel artists who I have featured here.
Good news indeed and more is coming from the remaining gospel artists in Zimbabwe.
As many Christians are praying and fasting at this time of the year, in their desire for specific outstanding results not just in the coming year, but in the years ahead that only the anointing can produce, may the Lord continue to bless our newspapers and other media who are playing a role in spreading God’s word.
Our spiritual antennas are raised to hear and receive the Lord’s instructions, guidance, and wisdom that’ll propel us in the path of greatness that is ordained for us.
However, more still needs to be done in 2018 as the harvest is still plenty and the prayer is that I will be able to cover more artistes outside Harare in areas like Bulawayo, Mutare, Gweru, Masvingo and the rural areas among others.
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We started the column by featuring a man widely regarded locally as the “Grand Dad” of the spiritually uplifting music genre in Zimbabwe, Mechanic Manyeruke, who gave a sermon to upcoming gospel artists, advising them to live an exemplary life — with their disposition being a light to the world and living according to the word of God.
On the music front, they must not be excitable with any new song they compose by rushing to the studio, but take their time to produce quality music and only record after being convinced it meets the grade are the wise words to contemporary artists oozing out the wealth of experience from the legendary gospel artist.
Fellow gospel fans, I am sure you would agree, there was no better way to start this column, which focuses on local gospel artists — offering space to both seasoned and upcoming gospel musicians or ministers, as some prefer, than to take a walk in the musical journey of one of the country’s gospel icons, Baba Manyeruke.
Gospel lovers in Zimbabwe and those living in the Diaspora have been spiritually enthralled by this legend, with more than 23 albums under his illustrious career, who was born Joseph Magundwane on August 16 1942 in Gweru.
For decades, Baba Manyeruke has captivated audiences together with his band, The Puritans since his first solo single, Mwana Muparadzi, whose flip side was Kufa Hakuna Member in 1976.
Then came the first family of gospel music the pastor Charles and Olivia Charamba, the multi award-winning gospel artist Reverend Togarepi Chivaviro, as well as the fast-rising Michael Mahendere, Flame B, Pastor Olinda Marowa and the City of Kings’ D Song among many others.
As I pen this column I have just realised that most of these artists have their roots in Chitungwiza a place I now call home, having spent the better part of my life in Glen Norah where my parents relocated to from Mbare, where I was also born.
However, there is so much depth and plenty of good gospel artistes we are yet to feature like Shingisai Suluma, Takesure Zamar, Thembelami, Kudzi Nyakudya, Zim Praise choir among many others.
You are all welcome. the door is wide open and you may also contact me anytime.
Thanks to the advent of new technology for communicating, particularly social media platforms such as Facebook and whatsapp I have managed to cover the work of Zimbabwean gospel artistes based in the Diaspora including the United Kingdom and as far as the United Arab Emirates.
A star-studded line-up of international artistes led by globally acclaimed Nigerian gospel artist Sinach, whose song Way Maker lit up Zimbabwe at the Global Worship and Communion Service hosted by Christ Embassy founder, Pastor Chris, at the National Sports Stadium in Harare.
The work of the churches, producers and promoters of gospel music in Zimbabwe can not go unnoticed and also needs its fair share of space.
Praise God and stay blessed. Love you all.
