The Sunday Mail
GOSPEL singer Rebecca Malope says she cherishes the support she receives from Zimbabweans and hopes to frequently perform in the country.
Speaking on the sidelines of the recently held four-day Gwanda Gospel Festival 2, the South African gospel diva indicated it was her wish to visit and perform in every part of Zimbabwe. The musician earlier this year performed in Harare and Bulawayo courtesy of Red Rose Entertainment. In Gwanda, Malope paid tribute to the late Vuyo Mokoena by singing one of his songs “Njalo”. Malope and Mokoena helped Zimbabwe and South Africa cement relations during the height of popular concerts like Elias Musakwa’s Ngaavongwe Gospel Music Explosion and Pastor Kasi’s Nguva Yakwana.
Our Leisure Reporter Prince Mushawevato had a chat with Malope . . .
Q: How do you feel being part of Gwanda Gospel Festival?
A: It is an honour being part of the event. I have never performed in this town before but the support and the way I was received is so overwhelming hence I do not regret being here. In fact, I would like to do another show in Gwanda soon. I like the place.
Q: The festival is now an annual event, will you be part of it in the next edition?
A: Of course. I wanted to be part of the event last year but failed due to travelling challenges I faced but the Minister (Tourism and Hospitality Industry) assured me that I would not have challenges travelling here again.
He wants me for the event next year and so do the people of Gwanda — I will definitely be here. That is a promise.
Q: Does this mean we will be seeing more of you?
A: Zimbabwe is home. Hopefully there will be more shows to come especially if promoters keep on brining us.
We cannot do it ourselves; we wait for promoters to invite us because there are a lot of procedures to go through like permits and all. I wish to travel the whole of Zimbabwe. I want to know, perform in the whole of Zimbabwe. The people and artistes are just amazing.
Q: Of the number of times you have performed in Zimbabwe, which gig do you rate the best?
A: The best is Gwanda. I really enjoyed myself and the crowd was so appreciative.
Q: What’s your sentiment on the festival?
A: I think it is a very good concept that brings people together. You are Zimbabwean and I’m South African but we are all here in Gwanda. Bringing these two countries together and being one big family is what we want so that we can be united and one in the eyes of God. We should do things together and uplift each other and make our countries better places to be.
Q: Any message to Zimbabweans . . .
A: I want them to know that with God nothing is impossible. We might think tough situations are infinite and things will never be okay and we are going to suffer all the way, but that is not the case.
When things appear to get tougher it actually means the light is near. We pray and really fast for Zimbabwe because we believe God is the answer. God can touch people and things can change for the better.
They just need to know this is not the end of the world.
We pray that God intervenes.
