The Sunday Mail
MATHIAS Mhere’s consistency and dedication have seen him release his sixth studio album, “Old Testament”, hot on the heels of his 2016 offering “Double Double”.
The gospel musician is giving it his all. For a genus that is apparently in hibernation, it should not come as a surprise if Mhere soon finds himself as the leading force in praise and worship music. Not only is he self-confident, he is also willing to go the extra mile.
Yes, some argue the musician over does the marketing at times, especially on social media, but we should not fault him for that.
The hype that Mhere creates around his work has seen him get favourable responses for his gigs and album launches, which is a good indicator that he is walking down the right path.
Here is a gospel artiste who has been consistent though he almost derailed himself a couple of years back by engaging in an unnecessary scandal involving his family.
Mhere’s discography also includes “Tinoda Nyasha” (2008), “Anoita Minana” (2012), “Nguva Yenyasha” (2013) and “Glory to Glory” (2014).
It is refreshing to note the musician is an innovator and not rigid.
His new 12-track album carries his usual touch but comes with refreshing ingenuity on the beat front. Mhere has been in the habit of recycling his beats but that is not the case this time around.
“Old Testament” comes with an assortment of beats that range from afro-jazz, sungura and jit among others. The artiste maintains his trademark touch but the resonance has improved.
According to Mhere, the changes and developments were a response to market specifications.
“The group is going through various stages of development. We always aim to move forward hence we make sure we create our product in line with market trends,” says Mhere.
Apart for the beat, the energetic musician carries on with his equable way of narrating and relating day-to-day issues with parables.
His powerful vernacular idioms coupled with some common street chants help make his message appealing.
“Old Testament” opens with a fast-paced track that encourages people to always speak positively and avoid creating misfortune for themselves by being negative.
Veteran musician Zex Manatsa puts his weight on “Dhindindi Fulltime”. The track advises hedonists that in seeking earthly pleasures, they are full-throttle on the road to destruction.
Manatsa’s vintage voice is well supported by a beat that is typical to his yesteryear music and inspires nostalgia in those who swayed to his beat all those many years ago.
The album features top gospel artistes Bethen Pasinawako, on backing vocals, and Mkhululi Bhebhe on the track “Vana vaJesu”.
“I received the support of people from all walks of life and this has encouraged me to continue working hard. It’s good to note our music is receiving appreciation from all over. We will keep on striving to produce quality work that satisfies our fans,” said Mhere. We will periodically release music so that we spread the Holly word as frequent as possible at the same time making sure we don’t starve our fans of new material.”
The other tracks that make up the Lyton Ngolomi-produced album are “Error”, “Zvinatsei”, “Nyasha Ndini”, “Judas Iscariot”, “Munyaradzi”, “Kudzoka”, “Ndikoko”, “Bye Bye” and “Tenda”.
