The Sunday Mail
Little-known gospel artiste Cephas Sibanda, whose debut album Ishe Akanaka has courted controversy following accusations that the youthful artiste imitated Pastor Charles Charamba, is seeking audience with the renowned gospel artiste.
The 31-year-old Sibanda, who drew mixed comments when he appeared on Star FM a fortnight ago, maintains that he is not a Charamba copycat but “our voices are just the same”.
He now seeks audience with Pastor Charamba to clarify the issue although he still insists the ultimate aim of gospel singing “is just to spread the word of God” and not about who is copying who. His eight-track album was produced by one Antony Gasani, who is said to have worked with Pastor Charamba’s Fishers of Men before forming his own production company.
“There is nothing wrong in imitating Charamba if it is all in the name of preaching the gospel of God.
“Yes, a lot of people have told me I sound more like Charamba but there is nothing much I can do because our voices are just similar.
“Even my producer told me to adjust my voice because I sounded more like Charamba, but I couldn’t because that voice is just mine.
“Actually, the voice issue was a problem during recording, I had to do it over and over again as the producer was worried about my voice, but at last he accepted it was natural,” said Sibanda.
“I am seeking audience with Pastor Charamba, my role model, to clarify the issue because I know he has heard about the issue,” he went on.
Listening to the CD without reading the cover slip (especially the second track Mununuri Wangu), one easily falls in love with the powerful message and melodious sound, Pastor Charamba’s trademark.
However, his overall beat is a little different from that of the original Fishers of Men.
“I appreciate Charamba’s type of music because it is unique, I must agree I grew up admiring the respected artiste and preacher that Pastor Charamba is.
Other tracks to look out for on the controversial album are Handina Utiziro, Jesu Akafirei and Jona.
