BY STYLE REPORTER
Talented sungura musician Tatenda Pinjisi, affectionately known as Sungura Messiah, has been roped in by Chipinge-based cleric Fredrick Thondhlana in a new gospel track.
Thondhlana, a reverend with the United Church of Christ Zimbabwe (UCCZ), features Pinjisi on the track titled Ndirangarireiwo, off his debut album Kunaka KwaMwari that was released in June this year.
Thondhlana’s album is laden with tracks sung in Ndau.
The song Ndirangarireiwo is a plea to God to remember and answer people’s pleas.
“I collaborated with Tatenda Pinjisi because I have been his fan since he ventured into the music scene,” Thondhlana said.
“The song Ndirangarireiwo was released at a time ordinary Zimbabweans are feeling the pinch of economic crisis bedevilling the country and it’s well timed since such times require only God to show Himself.”
The husky-voiced musician said Pinjisi’s last albums were laden with great gospel tracks, hence falling in love with his music.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
Pinjisi’s first album is titled Rumbidzo KuMusiki while his second offering is Chibhakera Chenyasha.
“This inspired me to collaborate with him as I felt we had something in common — spreading the Word of God,” said Thondhlana.
Pinjisi, also known as Spanner Boy, is riding high on his “soft sungura” music with most of his lyrics appealing to both believers and non-believers.
Thondhlana began his musical career as part of a youth group called Accapella Vibes and later joined another group fronted by Paida Dube called The Anointed Voice in 2004 where they recorded two albums.
The 38-year-old cleric reckons that it has always been his dream to go solo and add another portfolio to his pastoral calling which is through music.
Early this year, Thondhlana released his debut album titled Kunaka KwaMwari, which comprised mostly of Ndau hymns from the UCCZ. On Kunaka Kwamwari, Thondhlana also collaborated with gospel music diva Agatha Murudzwa on one of the songs.
“My aim is to popularise the Ndau language since it has become one of the official languages in Zimbabwe. It received a thumbs-up, especially from the Ndau-speaking audience,” said Thondhlana.
The single track was recorded and produced by Gibson Makumbe of Voice of Thunder Studios (VOT).
