The Sunday Mail
Tafadzwa Kadani and Lawson Madzivanyika
Bishop Ollah Juru last week launched his eighth studio album, “Girl Child”, whose theme challenges African culture societal norms that prejudice females.Bishop Juru launched the album at a bar-restaurant in Harare, saying there was nothing wrong with taking gospel music to such venues.
“No one is holy and that is why I do most of my shows, if not all of them, in bars. This does not interfere with my work as a bishop at church,” he said.
In an interview at the launch, the Proverbs of Jesus International Church and Dirozvi Stars leader said the album was dedicated to African girls.
He said females had been sidelined and treated as a second class citizens for too long while their male counterparts enjoyed the best society had to offer.
“The album is here to complement various efforts that are being done across Africa to put the girl child back to her rightful position as an equal to her male counterpart. This album will go a long way in conscientising people on the need to treat the girl child fairly,” said Bishop Juru.
He said would meet the Child President in Marondera and donate a laptop to her.
“The importance of the girl should be known to everyone. I will be visiting the Child President to donate a laptop for her to use and also visit other orphanages to donate goods to the needy,” said Bishop Juru.
Bishop Juru, alternates between Zimbabwe and South Africa, also promised fans more shows.
“This time we will be doing shows across the country and I want to assure my fans that Ollah is back and this time he will spend more time with fans. I want to make sure that this album reaches all corners and the only way to do that is for me to interact and meet people through live gigs in all the provinces.”
His manager, Gift Benjamin, said the group was working on an accompanying DVD to be released later in the year.
Copies of “Girl Child” will be sold for US$1 each, but the first copy was auctioned for US$3 000 at the launch at Bar Rogue, situated at Long Chen Plaza in Harare.
Some of the people who graced the event were Suluman “Sulu” Chimbetu, Andy Muridzo and National FM’s DJ Kanyemba Bhonzo.
Sulu thanked Bishop Juru for supporting him in the nascent days of his career.
“Many in here do not know how I started in the music industry. It was because of your (Bishop Juru’s) support that I am what I am today. You used to assist me with musical instruments among other things,” said Sulu.
Bishop Juru did not disappoint when he went on stage.
His act was solid and he had the audience eating out of his hand as he songs from his new offering.
But just when we thought the act and interview was all, the Bishop struck, confirming his controversial tag.
