By style Reporter
Next Friday preacher-cummusician Prophet Tapiwa Freddy launches his fourth album titled Kastep Kenyasha, and several musicians — secular and gospel — have given the thumbs-up to the preacher’s project which will be launched at 7 Arts Theatre in Avondale, Harare.
The televangelist, popularly known for his “spiritual spectacles”, is not a stranger to the music industry having been involved in ministering through music since 2002.
On Friday, all roads lead to 7 Arts Theatre where the preacher has joined hands with a number of top musicians for the launch of the nine-track album, which features Baba Harare, Mathias Mhere, Bethen Pasinawako-Ngolomi and Kudzi Nyakudya.
“The coming-in of the artistes in the project is a culmination of the relationship that we have created over the years. You will realise that over the last couple of months I have been attending a number of album launch ceremonies by these artistes regardless of their denominations or type of music,” Prophet Freddy said.
“The collaborations are the fruits of that relationship that we have been creating. I have assisted a number of artistes and some who are not part of this project, but have confirmed their presence at the album launch.”
The preacher, who idolises Pastor Charles Charamba, said he wanted to make the album launch a memorable event.
“I have invested a lot of money into the project and a number of colleagues in the religion fraternity are coming in to support. I want to make this a mega event and a show to remember,” he said.
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Prophet Freddy, whose last album titled 100 Percent Prophetic was released in 2016, said he had to end his hiatus due to his love for music.
“I could not get into the studio due to pressing duties to do in the church, so I did music here and there. However, this time around the producer [Lyton Ngolomi] relaxed my studio time and I had all the time on earth to record,” he said.
The album was produced by veteran music producer Lyton Ngolomi, while the backing vocals were led by Pasinawako-Ngolomi.
The album opens up with the title track Kastep Kenyasha, where the preacher sings about the importance of ploughing back into the concept. In the song Prophet Freddy mentions individuals such as Pastor Charamba, comedians Madam Boss and Mai Titi, Pasinawako-Ngolomi, Mhere and Baba Harare, whom he describes as people who started their respective careers from the rudimentary.
Nezuro Haasi Nhasi, the third track, features Mhere, and Prophet Freddy believes it is a song that was inspired by a number of people’s upbringing.
“Many people who today are successful made it in life because of the Almighty and this is the message contained in the song Nezuro Haasi Nhasi. The second song Bag is about people who only befriend others for money. In this case, ‘bag’ metaphorically means money,” he said.
He said the track Munyama Wegonzo, which he believes will be a hit, was composed five years ago, but was waiting for the right time to be released.
The other tracks on the album include Hupenyu (featuring Nyakudya), Mweya Mutsvene, Chivi (featuring Pasinawako- Ngolomi), Kuchata Kwakanaka and the bonus track Chikuru Kudzoka, which was released early this month.
The album is a potpourri of beats and the lyrics are laced with humour.
“Sometimes we need that sense of humour. If you check our recent videos we have tried to bring in those rib-tickling scenes, which I believe are exciting the viewers,” Prophet Freddy said.
“We will also be releasing the video of the song Kastep Kenyasha on the day and it’s something worth viewing.”
Prophet Freddy said he wants to give a new dimension to the local gospel music industry.
“Gospel artistes are usually sidelined when it comes to recognition, especially at awards ceremonies. So, I am planning to have an exclusive gospel awards ceremony where we honour our heroes and heroines in the industry,” he said.
“I am already sponsoring gospel charts programmes at some radio stations and my door is open to those artistes that would want to be assisted. I k now that gospel music can be better if we support one another,” he said.
The preacher said Baba Charamba would be the guest of honour at the event, which will be graced by veteran gospel musician Baba Mechanic Manyeruke.
Last year, the preacher released a single titled Mwariwe. His other previous releases include Mesiya (2002), Serevende (2006) and 100 Percent Prophetic (2016).
Early this year, Prophet Freddy released two videos of songs Vana and Tinopembera, a song off his 2016 album titled 100 Percent Prophetic.
The video of the song Tinopembera also featured Baba Harare, Pasinawako-Ngolomi and former Mukadota partner in comedy John “Chibhodhoro” Muyambo’s son, Nigel, aka Chibhoz.
Prophet Freddy’s music has received generous airplay on local radio stations.
