Dynamite comes in small packages, however, it is the potency of the small dynamite that matters most. This is the best way to describe young and upcoming gospel musician Batsirai Shasha (pictured), who has taken the gospel music arena by storm. Indeed, he is Zimbabwean gospel music’s next big thing.
By Brian Nkiwane
Merely looking at his stature, short and slim, one would not believe what they would hear once he opens his mouth for a hymn. The boy is just gifted.
Shasha, a Bachelor of Music Degree student at the Zimbabwe Music College, having transferred from Midlands State University recently, has sent tremors to most of the renowned gospel artistes with his perfected performance, especially on the stage.
The Standard Style caught up with Shasha, who will be launching his eight-track gospel album next week.
Born on March 4, 1996, Batsi has already made a name for himself before even launching his debut album with a few single tracks that he has recorded this far, some of them featuring top Zimbabwean jazz artistes.
Having started music at the tender age of seven, the 22-year old crooner became a recognised voice at his church in Mafokose, where he was born and bred. He could not at one point suppress his music talent as he went on to be the choir-master at all the schools he attended thereafter, that is from Form Three at Mafokose High School until he finished his advanced level.
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This far, Batsi has four singles that include Nguva yaJehovha, Dai Pasina amai, Batsirai and Wapindwa Nei, which also has a video that has been doing well on the local and international scene. On two of the tracks, Batsi featured some of the country’s best artistes Alexio Kawara and Oskid.
However, his dream is to work alongside music icons such as the legendary Oliver Mtukudzi, Alexio Kawara, Victor Kunonga and many more.
“It is every upcoming musician’s dream to feature some of the country’s best artistes, especially Oliver Mtukudzi, who would not want to do something with him for the records?” Batsi said.
A winner of a number of accolades ranging from Starbrite and Dream Star talent shows, among others, Batsi said he learnt a lot during some of the competitions, including at boot camps.
“The music competitions were an eye opener, I learnt a lot. They helped shape the direction of my music career as well as giving me hope and confidence in everything that I did from that time until now,” he said.
As if the four singles are not enough, Batsi will next week launch his debut album featuring Kawara and Oskid.
“It is my wish that I do most of my stuff with renowned artistes so that I get due guidance. I have Kawara, Oskid and Tanga Wekwa Sando within reach. I will be engaging others soon,” he said.
With little experience in the Zimbabwean music industry, which has been crippled by piracy, Batsi thinks as upcoming musicians they should not try to take piracy head-on, but turn it into their own machinery.
“We cannot condone piracy, but let’s turn all those negatives into positives. Let’s use it to spread our music so that it reaches all the corners of the world. If your music is good, people will come running for it one day,”
However, behind every successful kid, there is always a parent. His mother Florence Chaurura has been behind him all the way.
“I hope to be there for him always. I have no doubt in him. He is good and I can foresee a great future ahead of him. I will do anything for him so that he becomes an internationally recognised artiste,” she said.
