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Mathias Mhere

Shadreck Mufandaedza : Arts Correspondent

As cases of child abuse continue to increase in the country, more than 40 gospel musicians have come together for a project that seeks to raise awareness on child abuse issues. Two songs composed by producer Gibson Makumbe of the Voice of Thunder studios will see 45 gospel artistes joining hands in creating a solid message against child abuse.In an interview, Makumbe said the fight against Child Abuse should continue and artistes have a big role to play.

“I have decided to compose two songs on child abuse, each artist has to come up with something to sing concerning child abuse, at least one child is abused in every two seconds in Africa and we want this to stop forthwith,” he said.

Makumbe said he decided to join forces with these gospel musicians on the songs because he wanted to spread the music globally.

“We have released the first part of the song and a DVD. The other part will be released in the near future.

“The tracks have Shona, Ndebele and English versions in order to have a wide reach in the country and beyond,” he said.

One of the participants in the music collaboration Margaret Gahadzikwa said it was a good initiative to have musicians uniting in such important issues.

“I am very happy to work with the likes of Mathias Mhere, Trymore Bande, Noel Zembe and Rumbie Zvirikuzhe among others who are powerful gospel musicians in educating the nation about child abuse,” she said.

Gahadzikwa, who is a rising gospel musician, has released two gospel albums “Kudururwa kweNyasha”, “Chiyedza Chauya” and a DVD featuring her 10 year old daughter Faith who is blind and paralysed.

“As a church pastor and also a mother, I have seen it fit to help spread the word to the entire world about child abuse.

“The songs are about child marriage, child labour, sexual abuse and other facets of abuse of minors,” she said.

“We need to respect our children as they are the leaders of tomorrow. In that regard artistes should continue to do these projects that support government initiatives,” she said.

Bande, who is also part of the project, said he is glad to be part of the collaboration.

“I am glad to be part of the group because it shows that we are one family and we are all preachers of the word of God through music. There are also upcoming musicians who had a chance to show case their talents, which will help them to be recognised,” he said.