The Sunday Mail
Religion Writer
MUSICIAN-cum-producer Dr Tawanda never thought the song he would put on his album as a bonus track would spur him to stardom.
But today “Unconquerable” finds itself on the lips of many a gospel lover.
Tawanda Kasaira, well-known by his stage name Dr Tawanda, says when he recorded his latest album he never concentrated on “Unconquerable”.
“I never sat down to write its lyrics. The song was pure freestyle. Initially it was on number eight, as a bonus track on my album, I was just thinking that it is nothing but it has done wonders.
“I think the song got the momentum from its theme, its title Unconquerable is indeed unconquerable.
“It reminds me of a stone which was rejected by builders but yet became the corners stone,” recounts the 32-year-old father of three.
“Unconquerable” is in the top 10 of the Star FM Gospel Greats Show, which is aired every Sunday from 6pm to 8pm.
Dr Tawanda has six albums to his name, and he says he has built a relationship with street music vendors who are pivotal in marketing his work.
“I work together with music pirates; they are my music distributors and I think if they are banned I am dead musically.
‘‘My work is to make music and give it to the people and whichever way it reaches them I don’t mind. What matters most to me is advancing my messages to them, any other benefits attached are a bonus,” Dr Tawanda reveals. Taking me to the people for free is very fine with me, they are actually marketing me.”
The Botswana-based artiste arrived on the scene in 2003 with “Nyararisa Mudikani” before he made headlines after remixing sungura giant Alick Macheso’s songs as well as recording Beverly Sibanda’s “Tapinda Tapinda”.
Dr Tawanda has produced artistes such as Sebastian Magacha, Rumbidzai Zvirikuzhe, Peter Moyo and Tocky Vibes.
He has also recorded a number of Botswana artistes like Slizer, Charma Gal and Vee.
This year, Dr Tawanda released his sixth album — “Dr Tawanda in Action” — which features the song “Unconquerable”.
Dr Tawanda says working with secular artistes does not affect his Christian ministry in anyway.
“I am a Christian, born in the Anglican Church.
‘‘I attended an Anglican Church school, St Faith Mission in Manicaland up to Ordinary Level, so I have a deep understanding of Christianity.
“I am now worshipping with the Zambuko Apostolic Church. The lifestyle I live motivates me a lot in my ministry; I am a God fearing man,” he asserts.
His other albums include “Tevera Jesu”, “Zorai Butter” and “Paita Cash”.
