Wednesday 15 April 2015

Zim 's gospel artist Blessing Shumba

Blessing Shumba  is an award winning and popular Zimbabwean gospel artist who rose to prominence in 2010 with his second album 'Ndimwari'. The album carried the hit song 'Mufaro' which made waves on local stations and in public transport.

Blessing Shumba (pic) pindula.co.zw
 According to Pindula, Shumba used to be taught to sing church hymns at their Mugodhi Apostolic sect. He formed an apostolic choral group called 'Vakushi veShoko' in 2001.The group went on to release an album titled 'Tumai Mweya' which was a big flop and was not successful.The group was short-lived as it soon dismantled after some of the members relocated to South Africa to seek greener pastures when the country experienced an economic meltdown. Shumba's passion however, made him write his first song 'Kurwa Kwakanaka' in 2008. That is when he approached Metro Studios in Mutare who refused to sign him because of the type of music he used to sing. He however  recorded three songs, 'Kurwa Kwakanaka', 'Varombo Vachaiteiko' and 'Handina Mhaka' at VOJ studios. 

Shumba 's music was first played on National FM and that is when he realised his potential and the airplay gave him reason to finish the project and released a six-track album called 'Ishe Wazvoshe' in January 2009. He then kept the album for nearly two years not knowing what to do.He followed up with a banger, 'Ndimwari' which made an impact and propelled the soft-spoken musician to national stardom.His album 'Ndimwari' was voted Outstanding Album at the 2012 National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA).

To date,he remains one of the popular gospel artists in Zimbabwe with much experience in producing good music.

Tuesday 14 April 2015

Zimpraise the Interdenominational Praise and Worship group

Zimpraise is a 100 member interdenominational Praise and Worship  group of passionate Christian Musicians from different backgrounds and denominations that have joined in union to make one massive Praise and Worship team.This group is loved by most people in Zimbabwe.

ZimPraise (pic) zimgospel.com
According to the AFM in Zimbabwe,the aim of uniting the Nations through praise and worship music for God’s glory is what gave birth to Zimpraise in October of 2006. The praise and worship depicts and clearly shows that we are truly Christian.It has ministered in various schools, churches and reached out to the Zimbabwean Community at large. 

The Zimpraise group has recorded an audio CD in 2007 as their first project code-named ‘ZimPraise Season 1’. 2008 saw the launch of yet another audio CD this time a double Cd – ZimPraise Season II. The third Season was a live DVD ‘The Power Live DVD’ recorded at 7-Arts theatre in July 2011. Their recent 4th release is ‘The Covenant Live DVD’.

Zimpraise is  an organization based on christian values and morals.They  believe in using their God given talents to unify and uplift Nations in music specifically worship. They  have been visiting a lot of schools.ZimPraise is best known for its smash hit ‘Sungano’ which has been played mostly at political rallies, weddings, parties and church gatherings. The song clearly has an infectious chorus and is popular with many Zimbabweans.

South Africa ' s Queen of gospel

South Africa 's Queen of Gospel, Rebecca Malope, recorded her first album ten years ago. Today she is South Africa’s biggest selling local artist and her music has spread in many countries being a well known gospel artist.

Rebecca Malope (pic) history.org.co
 According to the Music organization, Rebecca won the Shell Road to Fame talent search in which she realized her talent and dream. She struggled to find a record company that was willing to help her fulfill that dream. She enlisted the help of Sizwe Zako and they, together with Peter Tladi, were able to raise enough money to record Rebecca’s first album. Their confidence was rewarded when, in a matter of weeks, the album reached gold status.

Rebecca has never looked back, she has simply gone from strength to strength. To date, she has sold one million albums. All ten of Rebecca’s albums have sold in excess of gold and indeed the last six of her albums have garnered platinum discs.She won the OKTV Awards as best South African female artist for the period 1989/1990; when over 10 milllion listeners voted for her the best local established artist in the 1993 Coca Cola Full Blast music show. She won it again in 1994. Also in 1994, she won the FNB South African Music Award for Best gospel Singer. 
Rebecca Malope
Rebecca Malpoe (pic) historyorg.co

 Rebecca also won the FNB South African Music Awards in the Best Selling Artist category for her album" Uzube nami". She has more recently been nominated for the same awards in the Best African Gospel, the Best African Pop Performance, the Best Female Artist and the Best Selling Album categories for "Angingedwa". 

To date she is still the best gospel artist in South Africa and even some parts in Zimbabwe.She seeks to preach the word of God through music.

Monday 13 April 2015

Gospel Music Association: 46th Annual GMA Dove Awards

Every year the Gospel Music Association hosts the Dove Awards with the purpose of honoring those in our industry who have made a great impact through their music. As a GMA member your vote will determine who receives these honors.

(pic)facebook.com
 Their mission is to expose,promote and celebrate the gospel through music. For more than four decades the GMA Dove Awards has honored the outstanding achievements and excellence in Christian and Gospel Music. One of the most anticipated music events of the year for fans and industry alike, the show celebrates our rich musical diversity.

People are advised to keep on voting for their beloved or favourite gospel artists that they want to win.The awards are on the 13 October 2015.The GMA curates a weekly newsletter for all of our members with the most important news they need to know about the Christian Music genre. GMA Professional Members also receive a special monthly newsletter highlighting the latest music business and industry news.

(pic)Ticketnashville
According to the Music organisation,the GMA Honors event celebrates individuals and organizations that are impacting our culture for Christ, both past and present.  In addition, the event inducts four new members into the GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame.

Tuesday 7 April 2015

Timothy Ngwenya releases fourth album

Zimbabwe 's gospel musician Timothy Ngwenya  released his fourth album '' Kutaura Kwavo'' on Saturday in the USA .According to allAfrica.com ,Ngwenya 'believes his new album "Kutaura Kwavo" will win souls as it has a number of prayerful songs.Timothy who is a young brother to another gospel musician Chaka Ngwenya said the album is a reflection of Christian life. He is yet to perform again as he  has already worked for another big concert in Zimbabwe in April.

Timothy Ngwenya (pic)herald.co.zw

He will be performing here in Zimbabwe so that he promotes his new album."There are a lot of things that are happening in our life and we need to pray," said Ngwenya.He said the 11 track album has songs in Shona and English so that those who do not understand shona are also accounted for by listening to the ones in English.He hopes that this album will lift up many souls as there are a number of worshiping songs.

According to allAfrica.com, the album was recorded at Healing Hands Studios  which has worked with a number of artistes that are based in the USA. Producer of the album Enock Kamhiriri said the musician has shown his prowess on the album."He has joined other Zimbabwean born artistes who are working with us from this side and this is encouraging as it has shown how committed they are to prove that they are talented," he said.

Gospel music is growing here in Zimbabwe and its a good thing since most of them seem to know God and are willing to win souls of those who don not know anything  about Christ.

Wednesday 1 April 2015

Talent Madiro launches second album

The gospel musician Talent Madiro who launched her second album titled "Zvaita" at Mutapa Hall in Gweru last weekend is likely to shake the gospel scene with the new release. The eight-track album is a fusion of praise and worship songs that exhibit the young gospel musician's great talent.According to allAfrica.com,the musician exhibited her talent on the popular track "Neni Ndiitireiwo" from her first album "Prophesy" that was released in 2012. 
Talent Madiro (pic) zimall.com
The other songs in the debut album are "Ndakararamiswa" and "Porofita" these seem to be outstanding as many people like the songs.

The new album carries tracks like "Ndakatengwa", "Simba", "Ndimi" and "Mafadza, Mwari".Madiro complements good vocals with uplifting lyrics and exciting beat on the new album.She is backed up by Just Do It choir.
According to allAfrica, at the launch Madiro  the vocally-gifted musician said her music career is a blessing from God and she hopes to touch souls with her songs."This is the second album after 'Prophesy' that I did in 2002 and I thank God for taking me to another level. I believe being able to pursue a career in music is a blessing and releasing these two albums is a sign of His grace," she said.

Other musicians that performed at the launch are Olinda Marowa and New Creation.Madiro has worked with Marowa before and she has also done projects with Mathias Mhere and Sebastain Magacha.According to allAfrica.com,the launch was attended by almost 1 000 people, mainly from Champion Ministries International.

 The main motive of gospel music is to preach the word and bring souls to God and gospel music seems to serve the purpose of fulfilling these missions.

Tuesday 31 March 2015

Mudiwa Hood launches album

The award-winning gospel hip hop artiste Mudiwa Hood who launched his second album over the weekend took the event as a platform to showcase some of the upcoming gospel hip hop artistes.The function which was scheduled for 6pm started an hour later with at least more than 10 performances from upcoming gospel artists.Among the upcoming artists who performed are GGB currently staying in South Africa, Yoo Kay, Flebbz, Spirit praise, a dance group Kingdom praise among others. 

Mudiwa Hood (pic) nehandaradio.com
According to All Africa.com, many people stated that  Zimbabwe Gospel hip hop still has a long way to go to gain popularity since most of the artists failed to impress revellers to an extent that the master of ceremony ended up begging people to just stand up and dance while these upcoming artists were performing.After noticing this, the organisers had to change the program and introduced Thembalami of the "Trading my soul fame" who did not disappoint as he managed to put the crowd on their dancing shoes. 

 Mudiwa  stormed the stage with his hit "Ndeweminana" , "I no go fall" and a love song he did with Nox called "Shinga" and most of his fans were happy.The main highlight of the night was when Mudiwa invited Bashupi on stage for "Kubwinya" a song they collaborated on.The house got on fire when BaShupi performed energetical.The event was graced by the Deputy Minister of Sports Arts and Culture Tabeth Kanengoni, Spirit Embassy pastors, musicians Trevor D, Joseph Madziyire, AAG Chairman Chamu Chiwanza among others.

According to All Africa.com, Mudiwa said he was happy to be launching his second album Mwana waMambo and thanked Spirit Embassy founder Eubert Angels for the support."I am grateful today to be launching my second album "Mwana WaMambo" today, mwana wamambo ndimambo . . . anyone from the royal family is a royalty, Jesus Christ is the king and so do I."I want to thank everyone for the support and a man who is not present here and that's my father Eubert Angel, wherever you are, I  love you father," he said.

Zimbabwe hip-hop gospel music industry seems to be growing each and every day and many of the youths are in love with that music.


Tuesday 24 March 2015

Gift Mahlupheka attacks Mathias Mhere in a song

Gift Mahlupheka who became famous a few weeks ago for allegedly cheating with Mathias Mhere 's wife Susan Dzinamarira has released a single which people assume that he was attacking his fellow friend Mathias.Mahlupheka 's single was released on saturday and its been played on radio stations including Star FM.

Love Triangle: Mathias Mhere, Susan Dzinamarira and Gift Mahlupeka
(L)Mathias Mhere,(C)Susan Dzinamarira and(R) Gift Mahlupheka(pic)nehanda radio

The songs attacks those who debase themselves for fortune and fame to the extent of sacrificing their marriages in their quest.This is similarly in line with Mhere 's scandal.

 Mahlupheka encourages people to seek favour and praises from the Lord not from people.According to the herald newspaper,Mathias Mhere refused to comment on Mahlupheka 's song saying he has not yet heard it.In an interview with the Herald entertainment ,Mahlupheka denied being a chancer riding on the same allegedly publicity stunt for which he is attacking Mhere.

Mahlupheka is accused for betraying his long time friend by cheating with his wife Susan Dzinamrira after an intimate whatsapp conservation with the two leaked early this year.According to the Herald newspaper,the incident was received with mixed feelings after some time it was concluded that it was Mhere 's publicity stunt to market his album since the album also talks about a cheating wife.

The song is being played everyday in many radio stations since most of the people seem to be enjoying it.Most  people are saying Mahlupheka purposely released the single  so as to attack Mhere who wanted to benefit by using him.

Friday 20 March 2015

Flem B to perform at ZITF

Blessing Manyangagdze Zimbabawe hip-hop artist known as "Flem B" is going to perform at The Bulawayo Mega Sunday on the 29th of March.This event is being hosted by the Eagle Life Assembly church including the well know Prophet Blessing Chiza.It will start from 7am to 5pm at Zimbabwe International Trade Fair(ZITF) hall number one.

FLEM B
Blessing Manyagadze'Flem B' (pic)facebook.com
Most of the youths like Flem  B because his music is fast,has instrumentals and people can dance freely.His music has a certain beat which attracts more of the youths to like his music.According to Chiza,Mathias Mhere is yet to confirm his participation at the Bulawayo Mega Sunday.There would be different gospel artists who are going to perform at this event and therefore people are urged to come and fellowship with others at the same time watch their favorite gospel artists performing live.

According to the Star magazine,Flem B started music at an early age of 10 while in school choir. He grew in music, doing secular music as a producer. It was in October 2009 that Flem B’s life transformed from the wild to being a firm and active believer of Jesus Christ. Gospel music has made an impact in our nation, people are turning to God, teenagers are giving their lives to God through gospel music. These are the leaders of tomorrow who are growing on the foundations of the word of God. ”

Monday 16 March 2015

Suluman Chimbetu features in gospel music

Dendera musician Suluman Chimbetu has collaborated  with CCAP voice of  Sakubva 's new album titled 'Riripo tsime'.He is well known for sungura music but this time around he is willing to collaborate more in gospel music.The new track tells people how they need God 's protection from the snares of the evil.

Suluman Chimbetu
Suluman Chimbetu (pic)www.herald.co.zw
According to the herald newspaper,Sulu said he featured on the particular track because he believes that only God can protect people from evil.He said people associate him more with dendera music but he thought that if he collaborates with gospel artists it would be a good idea too.He said his fans should look forward to him associating with more gospel artists in the future to come.

CCAP voice of Sakubva  secetary Milward Blaimu said working with Sulu was a great honour and expressed hope that their music reaches a bigger audience.He said he hopes that the music will have  more publicity as the people associate music with dendera beat.The album consists of eight tracks which include 'baba taurai navo' and 'Ndinokurumidza kuuya'.

Most of the times gospel music draws people closer to God other than just entertaining them only.People get to know more things about the word of God as some music is  taken from the bible.