The Sunday Mail
Society Reporter
REVEREND Togarepi Chivaviro’s Star FM record of six consecutive weeks at the summit of the Gospel Greats Top 20 show with his monster hit “Ebenezer” has finally been broken.
The enviable record was set some months after the release of the album “Ebenezer” in 2014.
However, last Sunday, budding singer Everton Mlalazi’s track “Pfugama Unamate” featuring Michael Mahendere surpassed the record after topping the charts for seven successive weeks.
Previous attempts to break the record also came from the award-winning Mlalazi after one of his singles, “Uyingcwele”, was voted top on the show for five straight weeks.
“Uyingcwele” was released on June 9 last year.
Mahendere and Janet Manyowa jointly share the four-in-a-row record for their efforts “Ndinovimba Nemi” and “Zadzisa”, respectively.
The Gospel Greats Top 20 show is popular with listeners that vote for their favourite songs through text or WhatsApp platforms provided by the station.
The award-winning show, which turns 10 in July, has been running every week on the Zimpapers-owned station from 6pm to 8pm.
The programme is currently being hosted by Yvonne Tivatye.
“I have witnessed the growth of previously unknown artistes since I took over hosting the show in 2016. For instance, Mlalazi was introduced to listeners in June last year, but he is already one of the most talked-about gospel musicians,” said Tivatye.
“I think local artistes need to take a leaf from how Mlalazi conducts himself and his music. He has been mobilising votes, together with minister Mahendere, even on his social media platforms that are currently growing. I also hear from colleagues from other radio stations that he takes his music seriously.”
There is a team of compilers from the Star FM music committee responsible for collating votes.
“They are rotated every now and then and an audit is always conducted to guarantee fairness,” she said.
Speaking in an interview with The Sunday Mail Society from America, Rev Chivaviro said gospel musicians should always thrive to produce quality work that impacts people’s lives.
“As the gospel fraternity, we need to up our levels and produce more meaningful songs for the nation. I am so happy to hear of the record being broken, especially by a newcomer. That shows there is something we are now doing right as musicians. Well done, Baba Mlalazi. We need more of such in order for the gospel to touch many lives,” he said.
“Gospel Greats is a massive chart show for Zim gospel artistes, and we really thank Star FM for such an initiative. It helps put many budding artistes in the limelight. We don’t miss that show even from here in the Diaspora.”
Rev Chivaviro recently released a new album “Kana Wakayambuka”.
Can it produce yet another hit to top the charts?
“When we make new songs, we usually do not do them to set records, but it is every artiste’s wish to always do better than previously. We dropped ‘Kana Wakayambuka’, which has been received quite well. I hear the title track is being played everywhere and has also entered Gospel Greats. I wish it well,” he said.
The budding singer and songwriter, Mlalazi, who appears to have successfully won the hearts of listeners through his soft but thought-provoking music, is delighted.
“I am humbled to know that ‘Pfugama Unamate’, a song I featured my brother minister Mahendere, broke the Star FM Gospel Greats record. I want to thank the listeners who have been supporting my music since day one. I appreciate them all and wish God blessings in their endeavours,” he said.
“…I also thank my brother minister Mahendere for giving life to the song, the esteemed backing vocalists and the band, my manager (my wife) and my producer Nigel for producing an excellent product that is changing people’s lives. That is our mission as musicians.”
Besides Star FM, the singer also has a heavy presence on ZBC-TV, Radio Zimbabwe Coca-Cola Top 20, Skyz Metro FM and ZiFM Gospel Charts.
His music is also being played on regional channels such as DStv’s Trace Gospel and One Gospel of South Africa.
Meanwhile, Mlalazi is set to release a new track, “Mwari Hamushaduki”, which features famed South African gospel singer Benjamin Dube.
The track will also feature on his forthcoming album.
“I am working on a song with Bishop Benjamin Dube. Given the distance and Covid-19 pandemic, it has taken longer but we thank God all the same because it has also given us more time on the song.”
The musician has also in the past worked with former Joyous Celebration member Xolly Mncwango on “My Father’s House”.
