I miss live shows: Muthumeni

Standard People
BY KIMBERLY KARIATI  GOSPEL musician Godfrey Muthumeni says he misses live music concerts that attract physical gatherings as they remain banned since March due to COVID-19 that continues to choke the showbiz. In an interview with NewsDay Life & Style, the leader of The Heaven Seekers band said constant connection with fans is essential in […]

BY KIMBERLY KARIATI

 GOSPEL musician Godfrey Muthumeni says he misses live music concerts that attract physical gatherings as they remain banned since March due to COVID-19 that continues to choke the showbiz.

In an interview with NewsDay Life & Style, the leader of The Heaven Seekers band said constant connection with fans is essential in the expansion of his musical career.

“As an artiste, I believe that meeting and connecting with fans is enough exposure for me, but because of the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions it is very hard. You just keep on recording without knowing your audience and reception of the music which leaves many of us disappointed and hopeless,” he said.

“With issues of piracy, it is important to sell the CDs on your own, but right now it is difficult to do so because of the environment.”

Muthumeni, who broke into the world of showbiz in 2012, said he has been utilising the vending business to fund his music.

“Music is an inborn talent and l have been recording without any sponsorship. From the time l have been recording, l think financial limitations have been a problem. Live shows require instruments which are costly. The Covid-19 period has been very challenging for me as it has worsened the prevalent economic challenges faced,” he said.

Muthumeni said he motivates himself to survive in trials and tribulations with songs of faith, blessing and spiritual cleansing which he derives from church sermons.

 “As a believer l get my lyrics from church preaching. Though i was discouraged even from the beginning of my career l keep pursuing what l love. It has always been a dream that if l could get a chance I would record my own music,” he said.

“I released my first album titled Chipo Cheminana in 2012 that was followed by Komborerai Zimbabwe in 2014), Jehova Mufudzi (2017) and Zarura Moyo Wangu (2021). l have shared the stage with Agatha Murudzwa Ndembera at the Rusape Agricultural show in 2012 and 2014.”

Muthumeni said he feels inspired by fellow gospel singer Mambo Dhuterere and if time and chance permits, he is one artiste he wishes to collaborate with.

Follow Kimberly on Twitter @ lizellekimkari