By Lowen Mutambara
Ten-year old gospel musician Kutenda Gabriel, popularly known as Kutenda Gabs in music circles, on Friday stole the limelight with a scintillating performance at the Unlocking Praise Festival held at the Jasen Mphepo Little Theatre in the capital.
The event was organised by local businesswoman-cum-DJ Fungai Lee Kampira, popularly known as Gospel DJ Unlocked.
Kutenda Gabs was among a myriad of upcoming musicians who took advantage of the festival to showcase their talents.
The North Park Primary School pupil did not disappoint as he gave a polished act, choosing to sing songs from his 2017 album titled Merciful God. He kept fans on their feet with songs such as Vakafa Vachamuka, Ndinoshamiswa and Makanaka.
His mother Evelyn Maforo, who doubles as his manager, was full of praise for the organisers of the event.
“I want to thank Gospel DJ Unlocked for organising this wonderful show as you know there are very few shows or festivals, which can be hosted for the upcoming gospel artistes in the country,” she said.
“I hope this festival will be held every year and it will help most promising gospel musicians in the country.”
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Maforo said she was also happy with the performance of Kutenda, whom she regards as a “naturally talented artiste”.
“Kutenda performed very well on stage and he did not disappoint. His performance was excellent and fans were excited. His performance and other performances at different events, including in church, clearly shows that he is talented mainly in the praise and worship songs,” she said.
Maforo said Kutenda was working on new songs some, which he sampled during live performances.
She said the release of the new album was hamstrung by lack of funds.
Kutenda is in Grade 6 and a member of the United Methodist Church. He is also part of the Zimpraise Kids.
Gospel DJ Unlocked said the event was meant to identify and nurture talent.
“There is much gospel talent, but our upcoming artistes do not have platforms to showcase their talents. So this is one of many platforms that we are creating to ‘unlock’ the talent,” she said.
Some of the artistes that performed on the day included Prince Naiti, journalist-cum-gospel crooner Takudzwa Chihambakwe and King Tinashe Chiadzwa, among others.
