Gweru gospel music diva Respina Patai, aka Mai Patai, says her album Punish the Devil, which she released early this year, has reconnected her with “lost” fans and generated a legion of new followers.
By Style Repoter
Mai Patai, who alongside her husband Ephraim hogged the gospel music limelight with the song Mazambara more than a decade ago, told The Standard Style that all was going on well as far as regaining her lost mojo was concerned.
“The album Punish the Devil has been well-received by people. It was a glorious comeback after many years out of the limelight,” Mai Patai said.
“The songs on the album are like they were released yesterday as they are being frequently played across all radio stations. It is so encouraging for someone who has been away for a very long time and I want to thank God for all that.”
The album carries tracks such as Ndinodavira, Moyo Munyoro, Usatye, Shoko Rinesimba, Anokomborera, Dai Asiri Jesu, Ruvengo and Denga Rashe.
“I am back and I want to assure my fans that I am back for good. More music is on the way and let’s be one family through our fan club — Mai Patai Fan Club,” she said.
Produced and engineered by Jabulani Ndlovu at Trutone Studios, the album has helped Mai Patai relink with the outside world.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
“I have done performances in churches in Namibia. I am also planning to hold concerts in Mozambique where I have a huge fan base. For next year, I am already booked to perform in South Africa, Tanzania and Malawi,” she said.
The gospel diva, who turned 40 last month, said her husband had been supportive over the years boasting of seven albums between them, namely Shoko Rinesimba, Usatye, Moyo Munyoro, Mwari Anokomborera, Ndinodavira, Dai Asiri Jesu and Punish the Devil.
“Mr Patai has assisted me a lot in my music. Firstly, he allows me to be my own person; to flourish and not to lose my identity. He also helps when it comes to arranging my music and backing vocals,” she said.
Backed by the group Voice of Prophecy, Mai and Baba Patai believe the latest album has pleasantly surprised all and sundry and are optimistic that it will reward them this year, particularly at end-of-year music awards.
“We worked very hard on the project and we hope it will fare well on the market. We have also received overwhelming support on all radio stations and hopefully we will be rewarded this year,” she said.
A mother of four girls, namely Mavis, Merlin, Moila and Miley, Mai Patai was born in Gweru and did her primary education at Takunda Primary School in the Midlands province capital before she moved to Kadoma, where she did her secondary education at Waverly High School.
