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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

(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.

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.

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. ”

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 (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.

Zim 's top male gospel artist battling at ZAA

Zimbabwe 's top largest gospel artists namely Takesure Zamar Ncube,Mkhululi Bhebhe,Joseph Madziyire,Lloyd Tevedzai and Pride Priestly are battling it out for the coveted Zimbabwe Achievers Awards(ZAA) going to the International Gospel Music artists category.

According to the Zimbo jam,the organizers of the prestigious red carpet event which is now in its fifth year released over 85 nominees across over 18 categories covering business,community work,media,sport and culture,literature and music.The nominees will be subjected to a public vote which started on the 9th of March and will run till the end of April.

Zim 's top male gospel artist...Left Takemore Ncube,centre Joseph Madziyire,Right Pride Priestly(pic).zimbojam.com

An expert of the ZAA judges will sift through the votes and apply research to arrive to the final winners.This is what most experts usually do.

According to the ZAA panel chairperson DR Martha Chinouya,more than 500 nominees were selected this year and she thanked the public for its enthusiastic participation and co-operating together well.

To all those who did not manage to vote they can visit the ZAA website and vote for their short listed artists.

Gospel artist joins Joyous celebration

Most Zimbabweans seem to be joining each other in the gospel groups.Takesure“Zamar” Ncube has reached a great milestone in his music career after signing for renowned South African gospel group Joyous Celebration.

Takemore Zama:source of picture southern eye.co.zw

Ncube joins Mkhululi Bhebhe, who became famous for being lead vocalist in Joyous Celebration’s song Ichokwadi.   He has performed with other different artists making him more exposed outside there. 

He is the leader of a local group Worship Addicts that has released seven albums to date. Ncube told Southern Eye that it was an honour for him to sign with Joyous Celebration.

“I didn’t apply for it, but it so happened that when Lindelani Mkhize (Joyous founder and leader) visited Bulawayo and saw me performing,” he said.Many people think that he is a talented young man with a potential of having a more brighter future in the gospel industry.“He appreciated that I have talent and then invited me to feature for Joyous Celebration.“Joyous Celebration gives you a platform to minister to Africa, so it’s a big platform to market your talent.

Joyous Celebration seems to be benefiting since they got a new genre and a new brand in Zimbabwe.Its one of the most outstanding gospel groups in Zimbabwe and has touched a lot of people 's lives through their good music.

Mkhululi Bhebhe:source of picture southerneye.co.zw

Ncube has been signed to sing some Shona tracks and this might see more South Africa-based  Zimbabweans attending the concert and supporting him which makes him more exposed to people .

He has previously shared the stage with other South African gospel singers such as Keke, Benjamin Dube and Solly Mahlangu. Locally, Ncube has performed with gospel ensemble ZimPraise.

 According to the interview conducted by the southern eye reporter,Ncube  could not say whether or not he would continue performing with Joyous Celebration on other projects, indicating that he was currently focused on fulfilling the existing contractual obligation..

Joyous celebration is one of the most Favorited gospel group in Zimbabwe and has changed some of the people 's way of life through the messages in their music.

Zim gospel artists to perform in Botswana

The Zimbabwe gospel artists Charles and Olivia Charamba are to perform for the first time in Gabrone Botswana tomorrow.The couple known as the "First couple of gospel" are to share the stage with Dr Tawanda,Captain Frank,Enoch Cloud Gore and Tembie the gospel queen at Rainbow school hall.

Pastor Charles and Olivia Charamba(pic)herald.co.zw

The Charambas said they are happy to minister in Botswana and people should look forward to a memorable event. The show would not only be about music but more importantly about prayer.Pastor Charamba said a lot  of  things have been happening this year and people need to pray about that.The singers would be praying and obviously worshiping and dancing to the Lord.

According to the Zimbabwe gospel entertainment industry,the Charambas are arguably the best-selling gospel artistes to emerge from Zimbabwe.Their music appeals to a wide audience with their sing-along tunes and most of the youths like listening to their music Recently they released their new album “WeNazareta” that made a breakthrough on the international market.

The couple has released popular albums like “Johanne 3:16”, “Vhuserere”, “Amen”, “Daily Bread”, “Exodus”, “Sunday Service” and “Verses and Chapters”.Charles and Olivia Charamba are both pastors with theological training, which enhances their understanding of the Scriptures.They have toured the United Kingdom, the United States and Australia and have shared the stage with the likes of Solly Mahlangu, Sipho Makhabane, and Ron Kenolly, among others.

Those who want to watch the Charambas performing can also go to Botswana and join them as this year is a year of praising the Lord.Zimbabwean gospel artists who go out like the Charambas promote diversity and also the gospel entertainment industry which is a good thing in our country.People get exposed to Zim music and begin to like it bit by bit.

Zimbabwean gospel artist releases gospel album in South Africa

The Zimbabwean singer based in Johannesburg South Africa Kholiwe Mnungwana has released a 10-track album which is likely to make waves in the gospel industry both in Zimbabwe and neighbouring countries.He is 27 years old and was born in Gwanda.

The album titled "Makholwa Asambeni" is the first under Mnungwanas name but the experience he gained over the years while working with the now-late Zimbabwean gospel music singer, Rivonia Khumalo and Bulawayo maskandi music band, Isizukulwane, among others, seems to have rubbed off in the 26-year-old Gwanda-born singer.

Kholiwe Mnungwana (pic) the zimbabwean

 Most of the songs are a translation of bible verses which is a norm among gospel artists.Some of them are a record of sing-along choruses and claiming rights as its is made up of new lyrics seldom heard before.The songs are accompanied by a heavy beat that can be mistaken for that of South Africas gospel music gurus, Lundi Tyamara and Sifiso Ncwane. Mnungwanas has a unique voice .Mnungwana does the lead and backing vocals on which he is assisted by a South African upcoming artist  Dolly who has previously recorded with gospel legends Rebecca Malope and Deborah Fraser.

According to Mnungwana  the album 's bold message is that people must leave their evil ways and return to Christ before it is too late, while also admitting that the world has been pervaded by a lot of evil that has seen it gradually drift away from what God commanded.

Mnungwana is one the Zimbabwean shining  gospel artists revealing their talent in South Africa as to bring about diversity in Zimbabwe 's gospel music.This is good as outsiders get exposed to Zimbabwean artists,they also get to know that Zimbabweans can also perform in all genres.Some of them would be interested in listening to Zimbabwean music thereby also promoting it.

Gospel artists perform at President Robert Mugabe 's bash

Shingisai Siluma (pic) zimbeatnews.com

Many artists performed at Mugabe 's bash including gospel artists like Shingisai Suluma and Mathias Mhere .The resort town of Victoria Falls was a hive of activity as scores of people gathered to commemorate President Mugabe’s 91st birthday on Saturday.Praise and worship set the pace of the gala with a perfomance from the gospel sensation Shingisai Suluma who was first to perform on stage.."Among other songs she perfomed hits such as  "Maitiro enyu","Nanhasi" and "Mwari anozwa minyengetero".The fans danced throughout the night and they enjoyed listening to their favorite gospel artists performing.The celebration was held under the theme "Celebrating the birth of Gushungo,the icon of Zimbabwe 's revolution and champion of youth empowerment."

Mathias Mhere (pic) newzimbabwe.com

Among other gospel artists who performed at Mugabe 's bash was Mathias Mhere and he entertained the crowds with his songs.Many fans were happy to see Mathias performing because some of them thought he was not going to come following his wife ' scandal on which people were questioning him on were christianity is among gospel artists forgetting that all people make mistakes.His appearance on the stage made the night for some though the others were still bitter of his case.

Zimbabwean gospel industry is growing bit by bit as many people are now singing gospel music .They do this because they want to preach the word of God through music and teach some people about God because not all people know God and not all people are Christians.Through gospel music they are able to pass out a message that can change one 's life.

"Celebrating the birth of Gushungo, the icon of Zimbabwe's revolution and champion of youth empowerment" will see comedians Clive Chigubu, Babongile - See more at: http://bulawayo24.com/index-id-news-sc-national-byo-63553.html#sthash.XzgMlAD6.dpuf

"Celebrating the birth of Gushungo, the icon of Zimbabwe's revolution and champion of youth empowerment" will see comedians Clive Chigubu, Babongile - See more at: http://bulawayo24.com/index-id-news-sc-national-byo-63553.html#sthash.XzgMlAD6.dpuf

"Celebrating the birth of Gushungo, the icon of Zimbabwe's revolution and champion of youth empowerment" will see comedians Clive Chigubu, Babongile - See more at: http://bulawayo24.com/index-id-news-sc-national-byo-63553.html#sthash.XzgMlAD6.dpuf

Zimbabwe Women in the gospel music industry

In Zimbabwe there has always been a very strong misconception about women in the music industry.Most of the women are often perceived as either people who are lacking in moral values, loose women , promiscuous persons, sex objects or undisciplined people who have rebelled against society. One can say the patriarchal society is still dominating in Zimbabwe and some men do not want to accept gender equality though women know their rights.There are not very many women in show business in Zimbabwe because they fear being ill-treated by men in the music entertainment industry.

Most of the women need to be determined to break all the old ideas that men are superior than them.When they do this they are bound to be noticed as few women attempt to do it that  is why all the women who have had the guts to take up the microphone in Zimbabwe are noticed straight away.One of the gospel artist that has stood up in the gospel music industry is Fungisai Zvakavapano.Most of the people like her music as it teaches them about God and also some of the women are also inspired.

Fungisai Zvakavapano (pic) jivezimbabwe.com

One can note that there is  little representation of women in show business though music products are bought by both male and female fans. The majority of women who sing are used as backing singers by male artists. Only the brave ones front the stage.A number of songs are connected with the relationship between men and women and unfortunately because the majority of song writers happen to be male, women are usually placed in a derisory role.

Attitudes from society for male musicians are usually very negative as very few people regard being employed as a musician as work. They are worse when the musician happens to be a woman. A woman who sings in a band in Zimbabwe is usually perceived by our society as a ‘loose’ or ‘easy’ woman which is not true. The female gospel musicians are pressured by members of the society not to wear clothes which are deemed to be indecent just because they are gospel singers.

Fungisai (pic) facebook.com

A lot of women are found in the gospel arena because it is a safe platform from which to land oneself onto the music scene. Because people fear God, it is difficult for male chauvinists to stop their daughters from singing about God, just like they find it difficult to stop their wives from going to church. Names such as Ivy Kombo, Fungisai Zvakavapano, Mercy Mutsvene, Joice Simeti, Olivia Charamba and Shingisai Suluma are found in Zimbabwe gospel circles while few who have braved it outside the gospel arena include Hope Masike, Betty Makaya, Dudu Manhenga, Stella Chiweshe, Sandra Ndebele, Patience Musa, Selmor Mtukudzi.

Gospel hip-hop on the rise in Zimbabwe

The wave of hip-hop gospel music seems to be on the increase in Zimbabwe as more and more young artistes continue joining the gospel  industry in order to show people their lyrical prowess for the gospel. Many youths seem to like hip-hop gospel music than the slow type of gospel music they deem to be boring  and for this matter they say hip-hop gospel music is more appealing to them.One of the artistes that has been awash in the media  is a young talented Zimbabwean rapper who goes by the stage name T-Nash but his real name is Tinashe Wutete and is a member of the United Family International church(UFI).

Most young music consumers nowadays who are Christians enjoy hip-hop gospel because many of them grew up accustomed to secular rapmusic and for that matter they like listening to it more than any other type of gospel music.Presenting hip-hop music in a a Christian way has drawn a large number listener-ship for the new genre which is spiced for their taste.

Tinashe Wutete (pic) herald.co.zw

Hip-hop is however not a favorite with adult listeners many of whom either do not appreciate the language of hip-hop or have never taken the time to listen to the music.

In one of his amateur videos taken while he performed in front of a youthful crowd at a church function, it was noticeable that the artiste is well gifted on stage something that most of his fans at the event appeared to greatly enjoy. 

He also appeared very energetic, stylish and composed and these are some of the ingredients or characteristics that go in to make one a successful rap artist.This young gospel artist has been seen as being talented and very active that is why most of the young Christians like his music.This is a talent from God.

"God gave me talent with full potential to preach the word through hip-hop gospel music. So far I have performed at the Family Gospel Show at the City Sports Centre and UFIC Youth Concert",said Tinashe.

Some of the songs on his CD album include tracks such as "Our God", "Hatibatike", "Kuchurch Kunonakidza", "Tinopa Mbiri", "Tinokurumbidzai", "Amen" and "Handidzokere Shure". Hip-hop gospel music is on the rise in Zimbabwe and the entertainment industry is growing day by day.

Gospel artist exposed

Many people believe that if you are a gospel singer you supposed to live a holy life and not be involved in funny matters or immoral acts.People tend to forget that not everyone is perfect and as human beings we all make mistakes.Gospel singers are people like us and they make mistakes too.Singing a gospel song does not mean that you are God or you more holier than others but what matters most is the message that is delivered in the songs.Some of the gospel artists are being exposed by the media for their different issues they are involved in.On of the artist that has  awash the media the past days is Mathias Mhere and most people were questioning on his holiness.According to the Daily news newspaper, It has emerged that the much-hyped messy confrontation between singer Mathias Mhere and his wife Susan Dzinamarira was a mere “stagemanaged” antic designed to market his latest album Glory To Glory, this publication has learnt.

Mathias Mhere (pic) nehandaradio.com

Mhere admitted that everything was stagemanaged.That is why he was quick to forgive the wife.It is believed that Mhere devised a plan to market his album some time last year and roped in the services of his close friend Mahlupheka. The musician admitted that Gift knew that he was not chatting to Susan, but Mhere,” said the police officer.Since the issue was first published, Mhere has been clandestinely meeting several arts journalists to do public relations for him.

Most of the comments from the people was that what he did was so shameful and a disgrace to most of those who listen to his music.Mhere justified himself saying he wanted to potray himself as a loving husband who was to quick to forgive as enshrined in christian values.He also described  incidents as regrettable, painful, shameful and damaging to the brand Mhere, the gospel fraternity, Christian society and those who believe in him.

According to Daily news newspaper,everything was stagemanaged to make Mhere the super-hero while projecting Mahlupeka as the villain.

One can note that all people make mistakes and if one admits that he is wrong its good as long as they also apologise to the audience.

New young gospel artist on the rise....

A new gospel artist named Brian Panavanhu has released a potentially explosive six-track album titled "Tumirai Moto".The album carries songs such as "Tumirai moto","Hakuna Rimwe zita" and "Nguva yekunamata".In an interview held by the  Herald the young man said he is confident that the album will introduce him to the Zimbabwean entertainment industry and at the same time change people 's lives through music.According to the Herald newspaper, the young man is gradually gaining traction and has begun to see increased bookings to perform at private functions,churches and at weddings.

Brian Panavanhu (pic) soundcloud.com

Brian said people must expect" fireworks" as he is a rising star among youths..He  demonstarated his versatility by adding a bonus song to his track entitled"Bereka mwana tiyende" which is not a gospel song.Only few youths nowadays are sticking to gospel music and are trying by all means to make the entertainment industry recognise them and be able to get get market sells to promote gospel music.

Most gospel artists are not well known most probably because the entertainment industry in Zimbabwe does not promote gospel music.Brian indicated that his practically unknown though he has performed on stage with Benjamin Dube a South African gospel artist. His hopes are that he will be known soon since he has learnt a lot about gospel music from other South African gospel artists.Gospel music in Zimbabwe is to some extent rising bit by bit.

Why youths dont like gospel music

Most youths nowadays don’t find gospel music appealing to them because musicians and the audience mistake it for a worthy message for talent and they get angry when they are criticized.Youths think gospel music is outdated and when they listen to it their friends will think that they are boring and have a rural background.They have been brainwashed by western music and all they think of is R ‘n’B,hip-hop music.They worship style which they call ‘SWAG’ more than anything else and to be seen as a swaglicious person you don’t have to listen to gospel music.Most of them say gospel music is very boring because it is slow and Christians think it is holy ,it makes one feel guilty and they are criticized but l beg to differ because the gospel genre has changed today.There is gospel hip-hop today and some of the youths favour it but Christian youths don’t like it because they think its not holy.

The Charambas and the fishers of men (pic) zimeye.com

The reason why gospel music is not liked by youths is that market forces don’t promote it.They think gospel music has no benefits as many youths will not listen to it.The Charambas and the fishers on men perfomed at UK recently.These are some of the well known gospel artists in Zimbabwe.Their music is interesting and has a lot of good messages in it.Mai Olivia Charamba stated that their album is full of insight human stories with a meaning

Most of the youths nowadays prefer  not  to listen to gospel music because they think its boring and outdated.