Zimbabwean hip-hop gospel musician Mudiwa Hood is set to raise the bar with his forthcoming album Dhara reMadhara, a 12-track project bringing together 16 artists from Zimbabwe, South Africa and the United States.
The highly anticipated album is scheduled for launch in Harare on September 12, with the event set to take place at Hyatt Regency Harare The Meikles.
The project is expected to appeal to both gospel and hip-hop audiences, with Hood assembling an eclectic line-up that includes GOAT, Takura, Andy Muridzo, Star (USA), Canaan Nyathi (South Africa), RunnA, Rulez, Shayne, Kae Chaps, Ishan, Nox, Bagga, Madedido, Denzel Malakai, Millz, Craig Bone and Michael Magz.
Hood recently took to Facebook to give fans a glimpse of what to expect, describing the album as a project that would deliver strongly for gospel hip-hop lovers.
“Hip-hop gospel lovers, you were served right!!! here,” Hood posted.
He singled out the track “Higher”, which features American singer Star, saying the international collaboration pushed him to explore a different dimension of his artistry.
“This album is on fire and this track Higher features a lady from the States called Star,” he said.
“I had to switch my raps and give you a taste of an international collaboration with the United States lady.”
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The album contains 12 tracks, accompanied by videos, making it an ambitious multimedia gospel project.
Hood also expressed excitement about working with some of the country's leading musical talents, particularly on songs that bring together artists from different genres and backgrounds.
“God Over Everything/Jesus is LORD,” he said, while praising collaborators including Nox Guni, Andy Muridzo, Kae Chaps and GOAT.
“Trust me Nox Guni is on fire, the best there is!! Andy Muridzo is just marvelous, most talented, then Kae Chaps is chibaba chaicho, the Hip Hop Boer GOAT, MH, and having all this talent on one song is great.”
Another notable collaboration is “Rudo Rwako”, a love-themed track featuring Muridzo, whom Hood described as “one of the finest voices in Africa.”
The album comes at a time when Hood is enjoying strong momentum on the gospel music scene.
His collaboration with South Africa-based gospel musician Canaan Nyathi, Makanaka Mwari, is currently making waves on The Gospel Greats Top 20 Gospel Songs, where it has reached the top of the chart.
With Dhara reMadhara bringing together established names, emerging talents and international collaborators, Hood appears determined to demonstrate that gospel music can successfully embrace contemporary hip-hop while retaining its spiritual message.
The September 12 launch is, therefore, expected to be more than an album release — it will be a showcase of the growing intersection between gospel, hip-hop and international collaboration in Zimbabwe's music industry.
