The Sunday Mail
CELEBRATED gospel musician Michael Mahendere’s star continues to shine. Early last month, the “My Declaration” hitmaker scooped the International Best Male Gospel Artiste Award 2020 at the Africa Unite Gospel Awards, which were held virtually in the United States of America. He recently got a double nomination at the Global Music Awards Africa in Ghana for the Song of the Year and Gospel Artiste of the Year categories. This is in addition to numerous local and international gongs he has won over the years. Naturally, one would expect the “Ndinovimba Nemi” singer to be content with his achievements thus far, but that is not the case. The soft-spoken musician believes his best is yet to come. Below are excerpts from an interview between the musician (MM) and our reporter Brighton Zhawi (BZ).
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BZ: My condolences on your father’s passing . . .
MM: Thank you very much. We know he is in a better place now for he lived the Word he taught us.
BZ: How do you feel as awards keep coming your way?
MM: It is a privilege to be representing the Kingdom of God and a rare honour to be recognised through awards nomination. We are amazed by every victory just like we were when we got our first award. It is through God’s grace, the hard work of our beloved DW team and our music producer Sir Nigel Nyangombe that has brought us this far.
BZ: Some people think you are the best gospel artiste in the country, what is your take?
MM: Wow! We thank God for giving us the platform to positively impact people’s lives through music. I believe people are relating to the message of life and hope that we put in our music according to the Word of God.
BZ: Are you satisfied with the direction gospel music is taking?
MM: Gospel music has grown in leaps and bounds over the years. The quality has improved. However, there is always more to be done. We continue working towards excellence. Gospel musicians should do more in improving their quality of production and give out the best.
Personally, I have gained more experience. I now have a distinct way of doing things through proper mentorship from my man and woman of God, Prophet Emmanuel and Mum Ruth Makandiwa.
BZ: What is the inspiration behind your social media programme Worship Digest?
MM: It is for praise and worship leaders, songwriters, musicians and children of God who want to be more effective in the way they sing. I am sharing the knowledge I have gained over the past few decades in music.
BZ: By saying “I want to do a song that will fill the earth”, what exactly are you on to?
MM: It takes special grace from God and the ability to work out what the Heavens are saying. So far, we have seen that it is doable through the results we saw on “Salt of the Earth”. We will continue to strive to relate the Heart of God through music.
BZ: Was the song “Makanaka Jesu” the turning point of your career?
MM: Yes, it was. It was an experience with my mentor and man of God Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa that led to the song. He gave me a platform which led to me being identified as Minister Michael Mahendere. My relationship with Prophet Makandiwa is that of a father and son. He is a wellspring of wisdom that I drink from.
BZ: Some people suggest there is bad blood between you and other members of Mahendere Brothers?
MM: Mahendere Brothers is home. Let me say at some point we leave home to start our own families but we all remain one family, bigger and better. We love and support each other. There has never been bad blood between us. You will hear something from the brothers again.
BZ: You were part of Pax Afro and also featured on the “Go Warriors Go” project (a Zimbabwe national team support song). Similarly, you once played drums. How have these experiences moulded you?
MM: Those were great opportunities to learn and improve my craft as a musician. It broadened my understanding of music. I learnt a lot from Sir Isaac Chirwa. I have a gifted instrumentalist but at times I play drums in the studio and would love to offer drumming lessons to one of my sons.
BZ: Do you plan to release new stuff anytime soon considering your last effort “Secret Place of Worship” is doing well?
MM: The “Secret Place of Worship” in itself is an experience birthed from moment of prayer in a closet. It is the realisation that others might want to be in their own secret places of prayer and we gave them a soundtrack. However, “Ndinobuda Pakaoma” and “Totaura Shoko” are the most played due to their powerful message. I believe when it is time to release new compositions, one feels it. This year is full of new music. I will be releasing new singles starting with “Shalom”. Work on my new album “Getting Personal with God 4” is underway.
BZ: Who is your favourite artiste(s)?
MM: Worshipper Larry Gunda, sister Janet Manyowa, Everton Mlalazi, to mention but a few, are amazing songwriters. New artistes are also bringing out quality music. Hannah Moppet, Caution Katsuwa, Carol Nyakuba, Julian King, Blessing Deve are doing fine.
BZ: How do you balance being a musician, pastor and businessman?
MM: You left out husband and father, and therein lies the secret to how I balance everything. My wife Vimbai is the great equaliser. I think when you have a spouse who understands and assists, it makes everything easier. A great team behind the scenes also helps. We have established systems to support each office.
