BY TAFADZWA KACHIKO
Renowned gospel musician Reverend Togarepi Chivaviro, who is geared to release his 18th album titled Kana Wakayambuka on Good Friday, says he enjoys working with fellow musicians and collaborations have helped him to preach the gospel to as many people as possible.
Chivaviro, who has collaborated with over 35 artistes since the genesis of his music career in 1999, told Standard Style last week that if there was no other Zimbabwean musician, who surpassed that record he would safely declare himself, “the King of Collaborations.”
The title track Kana Wayambuka features his wife Juliet, Allan Chimbetu, Blessing Shumba, Respina “Mai Patai” Patai and Dorcas Moyo. Its video features Baba Harare, Romeo Gasa, Cindy Munyavi, Kuchinei Chatsama and Gonyeti.
“I see the power of numbers especially in my music ministry. Collaborations have helped me to reach to as many souls as possible. That’s why I have worked with the late Oliver ‘Tuku’ Mtukudzi, Leonard Zhakata, Allan Chimbetu and Baba Harare, among others, who are not purely gospel artistes. I was able to reach out to their fans too and spread the gospel,” he said.
“I enjoy working with fellow musicians. In total, I have featured more than 35 artistes on my 18 albums. I can describe myself as the King of Collabos although I am not sure if there is any other artiste in my land who has surpassed that.
“I have done eight songs featuring more than one artiste starting with Modzidzisa Kunamata produced in 2001 which had Pastor Lawrence Haisa and Bethen Pasinawako. Ebenezer was actually the fifth of such songs. As long as it’s working, we will continue to do it because that’s what we are called for. I am not in music for entertainment, but to minister. However, music entertains naturally.”
Chivaviro, who is currently based in the United States, rose to fame with his track Ebenezer (2015) that featured more than one musician.
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He has worked with South Africans that include Buhle Nhlangulela, Zodwa Twecu, Nontando and Derrick Ndzimande. He also worked with Matishamisa Jireh.
His forthcoming album will be launched together with videos for Kana Wakayambuka and The Altar That Alters via Chivaviro’s social media platorms.
The launch, which was initially set for January 22, his birthday, was later moved to April 2 having been affected by the level 4 lockdown period imposed on January 5. Other tracks on his forthcoming album are Anopindura Minamato, Itai Zviya Zviya Jesu, Panobudika, The Altar, and Jerusalem (Hymn).
The Ebenezer-hit-maker said his upcoming album carries the message of the cross of Calvary, which signifies an exodus from difficult circumstances. Kana Wakayambuka was produced by Blessing Masanga.
