The Sunday Mail
Desire Ncube Religion Writer
BULAWAYO born gospel artiste, Trust Ngwenya, is expanding his musical career through a music academy that will be launched in Harare mid-year.
Ngwenya, one of the founding members of Takesure Zamar-Ncube’s Worship Addicts group, also told The Sunday Mail Religion that he is finalising plans to launch his recording studio.
A holder of Grade 3 music theory from the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) based in London, Ngwenya said passion and desire to groom internationally recognised musicians gave birth to his idea of starting an academy.
“I grew up in church noticing a lot of untapped musical talent mainly due to limited opportunities and I always wanted to create a platform where aspiring musicians would be nurtured.
“I remember when I started music it took me ages to grasp the technical aspects of it. However I later realised that if I had a teacher it could have been easier,” Ngwenya said .
He highlighted that his team is currently crafting modules that will assist them in structuring the learning process at the music college.
“Learning is in progress, although on a low scale and enrolment is open to everyone.
“It should be noted that to be talented is one thing, and to have a technical know-how is another; this is where our academy is coming in, providing musical expertise to all and sundry.”
Ngwenya said he personally funds all his projects.
“I teach music at various churches and ministries, I do backing vocals for a number of artistes and I have commercialised my music,” said the Deeper Worship front-man.
“My dreams are becoming more real each day, and to date we have produced one artiste, Sheppard Majeye, who produced his debut album in November last year and also recorded a live in concert DVD,” said the 33-year-old artiste.
Ngwenya demonstrated his seriousness in his solo projects last year by releasing his second single-track titled “Thatha Khonke”. The song is being played on all local radio stations.
On the Star FM Gospel Greats, “Thatha Konke” was the biggest climber last week, moving from position 13 the previous week to three.
Ngwenya worked on his first single-track “I Surrender” with Zamar Ncube in 2015.
“I think this is the beginning of great things in my gospel music career. I am ready to work for God.
“In 2013, I started my own group “Deeper Worship” with a desire to reach out to people through music and creating an atmosphere where people could have an encounter with God.
“It started just as a musical group with three members and eventually God entrusted me with more responsibilities of going an extra mile to groom other musicians and worshippers and I am doing exactly that,” said Ngwenya.
“Over the years we managed to perform on a number of events such as church conferences, both locally and internationally.
“We have also had an opportunity to sing at concerts, dinners, weddings and school events.
“Next month as “Deeper Worship” we are recording our first live DVD at Harare gardens,” he said.
He adds, “The album will be a 12-track titled “Deeper Worship Experience” and will carry songs that include “Hakuna mumwe”, “I surrender”, “Thatha Konke” and “Shamwari”, among others.
Ngwenya is also a holder of a Diploma in Electronic Engineering and Computer Systems from a Harare College.
He works with a nine member team which consists of Sheppard Majeye who is the programs director, Sinosizo Ndlovu, Oliver Muvari, Hazel Tanyaradzwa Mkazikah and, Portia Bepe who are vocalists. The group also consists of a bassist, drummer and designer.
