The Sunday Mail
THE fight in Mathias Mhere defies his stature.
The diminutive gospel singer is throwing hard punches from all ends with the hope of delivering a knock-out blow sooner rather than later.
From aggressive social media marketing (which some critics think he overdoes), to frequent road shows, the passionate gospel singer is certainly making a bold statement.
Mhere has consistently released music over the past six years, with his latest offering “Panogara Nyasha” coming on April 20, 2018.
The problem he had before was that there was no diversity in tempo and compositions. It was like he worked with a template.
Thankfully, that is changing, and the changes were first heard in his previous album, “Old Testament”.
That project had an assortment of beats ranging from Afro-jazz to sungura to jit.
And in “Panogara Nyasha”, Mhere takes things a step further with a finely crafted 10-track album.
They are laid-back tracks like “Matables” and “Adam”; while songs like “Sarafina”, “Anogara Pakati Pedu” and “Bhuku” are simply powerful.
The singer talks about “Panogara Nyasha”, which was produced by Lyton Ngolomi.
“We are trying to respond to market demands. A lot of feedback comes to us each time we release fresh material and some of the suggestions are what we are trying to incorporate.
“The album if you notice is a blend of my old style and new systems that we are introducing. There are fans that want me to sound like I did on ‘Anoita Minana’ (2012), while others want something different. This then means I should create a balance.”
He continues: “We are shoving in the right direction, I think. Music is all about producing a product that will appeal not only to your usual fans but every person that comes across it.
“My observation is that currently there is a sound derived from West Africa that is captivating local music lovers and I have a bit of the elements in my latest production. Innovation is what is needed to keep our music alive.”
Apart from the improved beat, the energetic musician continues with his placid way of narrating and relating day-to-day issues with parables.
And powerful vernacular idioms that come laced with modern common street lingo (“…vatendi tiri kuenda mberi, vavengi vachivukura, isu tichienda mberi, ivo vachingo vukura-vukura, mwari vari kuturner matables back to sender”) makes Mhere’s music relevant to the common man.
“Panogara Nyasha” features music superstar Oliver Mtukudzi, Kudzi Nyakudya and Olinda Marowa on the songs “Porofita”, “Matables” and “Simba Kubuda” respectively.
Mhere’s other albums include “Tinoda Nyasha” (2008), “Nguva Yenyasha” (2013), “Glory to Glory” (2014) and “Double Double (2016).
Meanwhile, fellow gospel singer Elizabeth Manyowa has broken her nine-year sabbatical with her fourth album, “Mazuva Okuipa”, launched live on Star FM on April 28.
Present at the launch was India’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe Ambassador, Rungsung Masakui.
Refreshing songs on the Afro-gospel singer’s project include “Namazuva Okuipa”, “Nzvimbo Yomweya”, “When Times Are Bad” and “Vakatsungirira”.
Her biggest weapon remains her voice, which is easy on the ear whether hitting high or low notes.
“My album is derived from Matthew 24 as I was meditating the Word of God. The whole chapter talks of perilous times that we are living in and they are pointers to the second coming of Jesus Christ,” says Manyowa.
Ambassador Masakui says Manyowa’s music fosters peace and unity.
“This is a chaotic world but the relevance of gospel music is still there and even much stronger in these last days. The gospel of love and peace is the foundation of this album.”
