Shumba’s innovation brings more success

Standard Style
Gospel music superstar Blessing Shumba has attributed the musical prowess on his latest album — Ndimweya — to collaborative efforts from three producers that has seen him dominating the local music charts.

BY STYLE REPORTER

Gospel music superstar Blessing Shumba has attributed the musical prowess on his latest album — Ndimweya — to collaborative efforts from three producers that has seen him dominating the local music charts.

The 13-track album, his seventh in his discography, was recorded at Psalmist Studios in Mutare.

The three producers — Charles Ayibeki, Ollin Anderson and Joseph Makiwa — worked on the highly successful album that has seen the gifted Shumba dominating the local music charts again.

In an interview with Standard Style on Thursday, Shumba said the combination of the talented producers was innovative.

“I decided to have the three good producers work on this project in order to have varied touches,” Shumba said.

“Each producer came in with his touch and it helped in coming up with a polished album.”

The song Deborah has become the hottest track on the album as it is currently topping the popular Radio Zimbabwe Gospel Top 20 charts.

The title track Ndimweya is also doing well on National FM and Radio Zimbabwe weekly top 20 charts.

The songs from the album have also been receiving rave reviews on local radio stations.

“The album has provided a diversified feel to suit a wider range of listeners as each producers came with different skills, thereby giving more options and opportunity to listeners and fans,” said Shumba.

The Mutare-based musician, who has become the King of Gospel Music in the country, continues with his dominance on the local music scene as he is maintaining top spots on the charts.

Since 2015, Shumba, who is gifted with a rich voice and composing prowess, has been scooping various prizes in musical competitions.

“Firstly, I would like to thank the listeners and all the people for their votes,” Shumba said.

“I am overwhelmed by this and this is not Blessing Shumba alone, but it is the work of the Lord.”

To date, The Holy Psalms front man has released seven albums — Ishe Wazvose (2009), NdiMwari (2011), Shongwe (2012) and NdiJesu (2015).

In 2016 he released Calvary followed by My Season last year.

The album NdiMwari, which features plug tracks Mufaro, Hama and Ndichauya Nei, was voted outstanding album at the 2012 National Arts Merit Awards (Nama) and it is the album that launched his successful musical journey.

He is the Ring Driving School ambassador and the owner of Psalmist Studios in Mutare.

Because of how he communicates with God through prayers in song, Shumba is one of Zimbabwe’s gospel music kingpins having changed the face of the gospel music scene with his distinct type of music that has seem many others copycatting.