The Sunday Mail
Desire Ncube
ANGLICAN Church of the province of Central Africa choral group, Vatumwa VaMwari dreams of making it big one day.
The group is based at St Pauls’ Parish in Highfied. As their name depicts, Vatumwa VaMwari’s sole mission is to spread the gospel through music.
The group ventured into music in 2008 and has six albums to their name.
The albums include ‘Nzira Youpenyu’, ‘Zuva Rekuguma’, ‘Jesu Anotida’, ‘Zuva rangu Muponisi’, ‘Rumbidza Jehova’ and ‘Baba Ndirikurasika’.
Though their road has been turbulent, their mission encourages them to soldier on. “We could have quit music long back but our purpose keeps us going,” said Howard Mwedziwendira, one of the senior members.
“It has not been a stroll in the park, things have not been rosy since we ventured into music but for God’s sake, we are here to stay.”
“We haven’t really enjoyed any proceeds from music but we are not bothered,” said Mwedziwendira.
He said their only desire is to do God’s will. “We just spread the word of God, earnings through music will come as rewards,” he said. Mwedziwendira highlighted that the gospel music industry is dominated by renowned groups such as Vabati vaJehova, Vabati veVhangeri and Chiedza Chevatendi but they managed to squeeze in and register their name on the gospel manuscript. “We faced very stiff completion during our infancy, especially from experienced groups but we managed to get recognition. l think it was only by God’s providence. Initially, the group had six members — Elvis Mazoza, Howard Mwedziwendira, Tichafa Tafangepasi, Ezekiel Mazoza, Rodgers Kugarahutsva and Ngoni Mazoza. Four new members have been added to the outfit.
Though most of their songs are from the Anglican Hymn Book, Mwedziwendira said they also compose some of their songs.
“Some of our members are very good at composing songs.”
The choral group has participated at various gospel events in the country and beyond. “We are now performing at various gospel concerts and people are really in love with our music,” said Mwedziwendira.
“We have also performed at a number of events on the Anglican calendar, like the popular Bernard Mzeki Commemorations which are held in June every year,” he said.
The group recently had their debut regional tour to Zambia where they held a number of shows in various cities. They are currently preparing for more regional shows.
