By Albert Masaka
GOSPEL music diva Olinda Marowa (pictured), who appeared to have been quiet on the local music scene, with some of her fans wondering whether she had decided to take a break from the very demanding career, is back.
Marowa, who opened up on the challenging period following her husband and manager Michael Ziwenga’s sudden death last year, said her trust in God provided her an anchor during the dark period and had enabled her to move on.
And moving on she is.
The good news is that besides having been busy with international engagements, she has been working tirelessly behind the scenes and is on the verge of producing her fifth album titled Yahweh produced by Lyton Ngolomi.
Marowa revealed to Standard Style that this time around she had decided to do worship songs only on the album, which is set to be launched on July 12 with Bethany Pasinawako-Ngolomi, Mathias Mhere and Kudzi Nyakudya gracing the event as supporting artistes.
“Most people know me for my up-tempo music, but this time around I am concentrating on worship songs,” Marowa said.
“I am working very hard to make this launch a success, and have almost secured a big venue in Harare.”
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She said her recent tours to South Africa were an eye-opener and she was overwhelmed by the support that she received from Zimbabweans based there.
“I was invited by the AFM Church Germiston assembly and the reception was great. It was amazing and I had not realised that I have a huge fan base in South Africa,” Marowa said.
The exceptional vocal talent behind her discography comprising four albums has instilled joy in her fans, inspiring many of her listeners to sing along with her.
“The fans were singing along to the songs from my second album Mufaro Wangu.”
The Jehovah Tshuvah hitmaker added that she also received a similar response in Botswana where she was invited for a women’s conference, with people from home being very supportive.
She also heaped praise on local gospel musicians for their tireless efforts in uplifting the genre, particularly Janet Manyowa, Minister Michael Mahendere, Reverend Togarepi Chivaviro and Bethany Pasinawako-Ngolomi.
“Let us not tire of spreading God’s Word to the people, we have a lot of work to do,” she said.
The Grace of Life Covenant Ministries pastor has bagged local awards such as the Permican for Best Female Gospel Musician 2015 and Best Contemporary Gospel Music at the Midlands Music Awards and has shared the stage with top international gospel artistes such as South African “queen of gospel” Rebecca Malope.
Marowa began her music career as a backing vocalist for Kudzi Nyakudya in 2003 before going solo and has not looked back since. She recorded her debut 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 Artiste category.
