gospel music sermon with The Master
LAST week at the launch of Tafadzwa Mukaro’s album in Harare, the gospel fans who attended the event became excited when their idols Baba Mechanic Manyeruke and Baba Charles Charamba entered the venue with their spouses, from that moment the stage was set for another memorable gospel music night.
Memorable it was as the host unleashed a gem of an album which won the support of Baba Charamba.
Among the supporting artistes were the youthful outfit Echoes of Praise and Pastor Norest Matende, who were backed by a live band that included veteran music producer Lyton Ngolomi.
While both supporting acts, who coincidentally are based in Chitungwiza, gave a good account of themselves with solid performances whose quality was akin to that exhibited by veterans in the genre, my focus this week is on the Echoes of Praise outfit.
The gospel musical group is made up of youths whose aim is to preach the gospel through music, said Fredrick Moyo, the organising secretary of the Methodist Church band.
“Our journey was a tough one as we went through so many ups and downs, but we thank the Lord for sustaining us and teaching us to pray and trust in Him,” Moyo said.
Songs from their latest album Mbiri Nerukudzo, an 11-track gem with awesome praise and worship tracks, mesmerised the fans at the launch.
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“We have managed to do a collaboration with Bethany Pasinawako-Ngolomi (Simukai Jehovah) and another with Luckmore Magaya (Vhangeri ngariparidzwe),” Moyo said.
According to him, Echoes of Praise is working on a DVD for Mbiri Nerukudzo and looking forward to have many concerts before the end of this year.
“Allow me to be honest here as a music fan, but my favourite musician is Bethany Pasinawako-Ngolomi.
“Our music is based on biblical stories and even real-life stories and brings back hope to those who had lost their hope.
“At our church there are two services; it is the morning service that had a choir so a group of youths came up with an idea to come up with an afternoon service music group and they gave this group the name The Appointed in 2007, but they later on changed the name to Echoes of Praise,” he said.
Moyo said their music works as a therapy that brings hope, citing the title track Mbiri Nerukudzo, whose message is that it is the God who created us who is in control of each and every situation.
He urged other upcoming artistes to aim higher and expressed his gratitude to veterans in the trade such as Mkululi Bhebhe, Takesure Zamar-Ncube and Minister Michael Mahendere, who are mentoring young artistes.
God had been doing great things Moyo’s life who besides singing with Echoes of Praise is a member of the award-winning choir Chitungwiza Harmony Singers.
You may contact the columnist, Albert Masaka, on email: [email protected]
