The Sunday Mail
Dennis Chimanzi
VETERAN South African gospel singer Dr Winnie Mashaba reckons her collaboration with local worship musician Tatenda Mahachi is timely.
The joint effort on the track “Shamwari/A Friend”, she said, shows that the two countries enjoy cordial relations.
She added that the track will also promote tourism in Zimbabwe and South Africa.
“I enjoyed the reception I got in Zimbabwe and this collaboration would not have been possible if our relations were not good,” said Dr Mashaba.
The gospel singer-cum-presenter was in the country last week for recording.
“The video for this song is being shot in South Africa and Zimbabwe. Naturally, this markets both destinations to potential visitors,” she added.
Dr Mashaba has in the past been nominated for numerous awards for her outstanding work in music.
The awards include a Kora for Best African Spiritual Female Musician in 2015, South African Music Awards (Sama), Southern African Gospel Awards and Crown Gospel Awards, among others.
In 2015, she received an Honorary Doctorate from Trinity International Bible University (TIBU) in recognition of her contribution to music.
Mahachi said the track was inspired by real-life experiences.
“This song speaks to everyone going through hard times and encourages them to remember that God is always with us. There is need to celebrate Him all the time, even in good times,” said Mahachi.
“We have all-time friends and those that only want to be with us in good times. God is never like that. He does not forsake us in all we do. I went through hardships and lost friends and some close relatives but God was always by my side.”
He said he chose to collaborate with Dr Mashaba because of several reasons, chief among them being her experience in the music industry.
“I chose Dr Winnie Mashaba because of the good relations between the people of Zimbabwe and those of South Africa.
“We have many Zimbabweans who are living in South Africa and also many South Africans living here (Zimbabwe). By working together, we get to broaden our market reach. Likewise, I can learn many things from Dr Mashaba.”
Mahachi added that he was not going to release a new album this year.
The musician rose to prominence in 2013, when he dropped his third album titled “Agare”.
