The Sunday Mail
Desire Ncube
HARARE-based acapella gospel group, Firm Faith Zimbabwe, is increasingly drawing the attention of music fans beyond their usual assignments of singing in churches.
The group will this month celebrate their 10th anniversary and celebrations will be marked with a VIP album launch which has been scheduled for April 30 at a hotel in the capital.
In an interview with The Sunday Mail Religion, Firm Faith music director Marshal Matsilele said the main aim of the two-in-one event was to incorporate the corporate and business communities in their music.
“On this fifth album, ‘Muumbi Wehari’, we seek to expand our musical reach especially outside the church.
“And to lure the corporate world to be our supporting partners in our music ministry. The other purpose of this event is to thank God for what he did to us as a group over the years,” said Matsilele.
He said the concert was free of charge and they expected a full house.
Matsilele said, “We are a non-profit making music ministry and our sole aim is to preach the word of God through songs.
“Over the years we have been recording but our music was not reaching as many people as we would desire due to financial constrains. We have since discovered that if we engage those with financial muscles we will be able to realise our mission.
“Everyone should access our music freely, be it locally regionally or internationally. We are optimistic that after this event we will be able to distribute our CDs the way we distribute flyers.”
The eleven-member group draws their talented singers mostly from Seventh-day Adventist congregations.
Their lively sound is a blend of traditional Christian music combined with the influence of missionary music, called golden choruses.
The group continually tours the country to standing ovations and sold-out concerts, and has performed with acclaimed US gospel music star Donnie McClurkin, the Hope Channel Festival of Hope and the Joina City Festival of Choirs among participation at other big events.
Firm Faith was established in 2005 and rose to fame after coming out tops at a talent search programme, Harare Got Talent in 2011.
Their debut album, “Maria”, was followed by “Tinevimbo”, “Munenyanya”, “Chikristu MuAfrica” and a single “Wanyanya”, which rocked Star FM’s Gospel Greats.
They have staged performances in Botswana and Mozambique among other African countries.
Firm Faith continues to perform at various gatherings like churches and orphanages, including Harare and Simbaredenga children’s homes.
