The Sunday Mail
Desire Ncube —
AWARD-winning gospel musician, Tatenda Mahachi, said he was devastated by the death of South African gospel star Sfiso Ncwane late last year, with whom he collaborated on the song “Ndinoda Jesu” off his album titled “Declarations”.
Ncwane died after a kidney failure.
“We had planned so many projects with brother Sfiso, including touring the continent. The tour was going to run under the theme ‘African Brothers’. There were also plans to perform in Europe with the hope of reaching out to gospel music lovers in the diaspora,” he said.
The album titled ‘Declarations’ was nominated a record 12 times for various awards, which included the Courageous Gospel awards as well as Crown Gospel awards in South Africa.
Apart from Ncwane, the ‘Ndibvumbamirei’ hit-maker has shared the stage with South African gospel artistes Thina Zungu, Dumi Mkokstad, Rebecca Malope, Benjamin Dube and Khaya Mthethwa.
Mahachi promised his fans that 2017 will be an eventful year for him as he has lined up collaborations with prominent foreign and local artistes.
In addition, he said he will be releasing his fifth album, opening a fashion academy for artistes and setting up an annual gospel event that he expects to bring top local artistes to perform under one roof.
“This has always been my dream to gather artistes and sing together. As we speak, plans are at an advanced stage, we are having several meetings with promoters and managers of artistes. I can safely confirm that things are shaping up,” Mahachi said.
Riding on a wave created by his video ‘Usacheme’, Mahachi said collaborations are a sure-fire to accomplish more for the glory of God this year. “This year I have intensified my strength on collaborations. I am working with a prominent South African gospel artiste, soon I will release a song that features a top act. I will not disclose the name right now.
“I will also release my long-awaited collaboration with American musician, Isaac Simpsons, in April. The song will feature on my forthcoming album.
“I hope that the songs will touch many lives not only in Zimbabwe but around the world,” he said.
Mahachi said plans to create a fashion line with the assistance of award-winning local designer Thembani Mubochwa were at an advanced stage.
Apart from ‘Declarations’ which was released in 2014, albums under Mahachi’s name include ‘Miyedzo’, released in 2007; as well as ‘Kure and Agare’, a 2010 production.
‘Usacheme’ has been played on Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN), One Gospel, Kwazulu Natal TV and Zambezi magic.
