The Sunday Mail
Sungura is on the revival path, and so is gospel music.
Gospel musicians say 2018 is a special year for Zimbabwe and is full of God’s blessings. And to show how special it is, forgotten singer Elizabeth Manyowa has come out of a nine-year sabbatical.
Manyowa is set to launch her fourth album, “Mazuva Okuipa”, on April 28 at Reps Theatre in Harare.
“I had taken a sabbatical, focusing on raising my only child, but I’m back. I feel this is the year. The new album is all about peace and love, which are key ingredients in nation building,” she said.
Songs on the Afro-gospel singer’s project include “Namazuva Okuipa”, “Nzvimbo Yomweya”, “When Times Are Bad” and “Vakatsungirira”.
“The album features hit songs from my previous albums ‘Tsvakai Jehovah’ and ‘Ndauya’. This is a way to remind fans of our past while at the same time connecting with new ones,” noted Manyowa.
She has in the past worked with Pastor Carol Mujokoro and Ivy Kombo Kasi under the Egea Band led by Pr Admire Kasi. She features Rumbie Zvirikuzhe on the new project.
Not to be outdone is Mathias Mhere, who reckons his next album — due for launch on April 20 at 7 Arts Theatre in Harare — will give fresh impetus to his career. “Panogara Nyasha” comes hot on the heels of his 2017 offering, “Old Testament”.
“I will be incorporating new stuff on the album. It’s that sort of project which caters for varying tastes sound-wise at the same time encouraging people to always seek divine intervention,” said Mhere, adding: “Most artistes have or intend to release new albums and that makes the industry more interesting.”
Songs on “Panogara Nyasha” include “Mhepo dzeGehena”, “Wadya Muchero”, “Emmanuel”, “Porofita”, “Munhu Kuvanhu”, “Panogara Nyasha”, “Sarafina” and “Mweya Mutsvene Isimba”.
Inspired by the current wave, songbird Jennifer Maneni has recorded singles titled “My Testimony” and “Padyo naBaba Vedu”, which will be released in a fortnight.
Maneni, whose music videos are adored by many, said, “This is a season of worship and it is only befitting that I release new songs. Besides I need to keep on producing new stuff matching market trends. I have received encouragement from different spheres on this project.”
Budding gospel singer Patience Gumbo has released a pulsating eight-track album titled “Worthy of all My Praise”. The songs and their delivery belie the fact that she really is a novice in the industry.
Her powerful compositions are perfectly complimented by her luscious voice, particularly on the songs “Because of You”, “Tiri Vamwe” and “Jesu”.
“Worthy of all my Praise”, “Bhuku Remirairo”, “Amazed”, “Ndakachengetedza” and “Will Give you All” are the other tracks on the album.
