Tatenda Mahachi
Desire Ncube – Religion Writer
Footballer-cum-gospel artist Tatenda Mahachi has no regrets for heeding the call to minister the word of God through music.
Despite having grown in church and exposed to gospel hymns the affable composer’s path to the music industry came through the sport he loved.
“I am sure I inherited the gift and love of music from my mother who is a choral soloist and guitarist. I was in school choirs from primary to high school.
“My church also played a pivotal role in sharpening my gift as they supported our music. We used to sing as young boys and I was the composer of that group back then in Karoi. Those who listened to us gave us the name Chikichi boys because of the sound of percussion that we used to make with our voices” said Mahachi
Mahachi features South Africa’s veteran S’fiso Ncwane on the track “Ndinoda Jesu/Ndiyam’thand Jesu” taken from his fourth album, “Declaration”.
The track is gaining popularity on Star FM’s Sunday evening programme Gospel Greats. Having moved up two places from position 11 last week the track has potential to perform better.
Mahachi has also worked with Sebastian Magacha on the song ‘‘Tichamuona’’. In 2007 Mahachi released his debut album “Miyedzo” followed by “Kure” and “Agare”.
“There is a saying which states that, ‘Do what you love and you will never work a day in your life?’. That description suits exactly me.
“It’s sad that most people would give up on their dreams and compromise when they get to realise that it takes blood, sweat, tears and a lot of door knocking for opportunities to present themselves”.
“I have been patient and now I am enjoying the fruits,” said Mahachi
Bred in a humble family in Karoi 31 years ago, Mahachi soldiered on facing a myriad of financial challenges and criticism.
“I am on a mission. And I am making a name in this genre not only locally or regionally but internationally. The collaboration with Ncwane is only but the genesis, ” said evidently motivated Mahachi. While preparations are on for a tour of South Africa with Ncwane, Mahachi promised a video for the track “Ndomuda Jesu”.
“We as Christians need to rise and stand firm for what is right and what God has instructed us to do and be. My desire is that the corporate may support us like what they do in other genres. Gospel music is the back born of a nation and if fully supported everything else will flow.”
Mahachi has worked with several prominent artists such as Mono Mkundu, MacDonald Chidavaenzi , Prudence Katombeni-Mbofana and Sebastian Magacha.