The Sunday Mail
Takemore Mazuruse – Leisure Correspondent
ROUGH DIAMOND! That best described singer Wencilus “Mupostori Wency” Makungisa (in picture) when he was first unveiled to the world in 2005.
Even back then, one would not miss his passion for music, gospel music in particular.
Fast track to 2015, Mupostori Wency, famed for his “Musandikanganwe” and “Weminana” plug hits with popular choral group Zimpraise, has become a darling of many at most Zimpraise shows, both local and international.
He even has a new album titled “Mvura Yakawanda”, which carries a special dedication for Zimbabwe.
In a recent interview with The Sunday Mail Leisure, Mupostori Wency indicated that he is “here to stay” and he is geared to make a big claim on the local music scene.
“It has not been an easy journey but looking at the strides I have made, I have the conviction and confidence that the future is bright. My mission is to minister the gospel through music and I am encouraged by the positive feedback I have received so far,” said Mupostori Wency.
The artiste, who has toured far and wide with Zimpraise, has managed to create a brand and signature of his own by popularising the mapostori type of music in a trendy and modern way which appeals to many people.
When he takes to the stage or at any time burst into song, one cannot miss the apostolic sect influence. He dresses in the vapostori regalia and gyrates to his music just as they do.
The affable musician revealed that he is actually a mupostori. His father is a bishop with the African Apostolic Church registered under the Association of Apostolic Churches in Zimbabwe (AACZ) led by Bishop Johannes Ndanga. He, however, said that the title Mupostori Wency was given to him by fellow band members from Zimpraise while on tour in the UK.
“My peers from Zimpraise felt that I am everything that represents mapostori musically, from my dress code, the dances and the way I sing. I have grown to like this title and I am happy to be representing this fast-growing religious sect through my music. Above all, I believe worshipping God is not about denominations but giving due praise to God.”
Mupostori Wency said his new album “Mvura Yakawanda” is a sign of maturity and a desire to grow his brand. “I feel I have made my mark with Zimpraise and even though I am still part of the ensemble, having a production of my own is a great feat. The album is an expression of who I am and the title track ‘Mvura Yakawanda’ is a song I wrote for Zimbabwe especially as we look at ways to empower ourselves as a nation through the Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Socio-Economic Transformation (Zim-Asset). Through the song I am calling on God to bless our nation.”
The artiste believes that God has bigger plans for Zimbabwe. “Mvura in this instance might mean rains or blessings so that whatever we are planning as a nation becomes a success.”
Other songs to look out for on the album include hits like “Musandikanganwe” and “Weminana”, which he released with Zimpraise.
“Kurudzira Mwana Wako”, which the artiste has pledged to donate to humanitarian organisations dealing with child issues, is also a good listen among other tracks like “Garai Neni”, “Wauya Mucheki”, “Abba father”, “Mwenje” and “Mweya Mutsvene”.
