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Mathias Mhere

Tawanda Marwizi Arts Correspondent
Energy and Power Development Minister Dr Samuel Undenge believes music is vital in the economic growth of the country. Dr Undenge, who is former Deputy Minister of Economic Planning and Investment Promotion, was the guest of honour at the launch of Mathias Mhere’s new album “Glory to Glory” at Holiday Inn last Friday.

“Before I even became a Government Minister, I did a research on the contribution of music to the economy and I realised that music creates employment. Here we are looking at the production from the producer to those who sell the music,” said Dr Undenge.

He noted how the late Jamaican musician Bob Marley contributed immensely to the country’s economy and said it is important that artistes also export their music to different parts of the world.

“I am told Jah Prayzah was in Australia. So when they go to perform outside Zimbabwe they are exporting talent,” said Dr Undenge.

The minister said he would ensure that most parts of the country are electrified so that musicians would have no problems when doing live performances.

In attendance were Amai Undenge, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Walter Mzembi and his wife Babra, musicians Pax Gomo, Jah Prayzah, CCAP Voice of Mbare, Sebastain Magacha, Trymore Bande, Saiwe Chimbetu and Tendai Mahachi among others.

Minister Mzembi said he was the musician’s spiritual father who gave him some advise.

“I am your spiritual father because I have been telling you to stick to gospel and today we are happy that you are raising the flag high.”

The musician’s album “Glory to Glory” has eight tracks “Ephiziba”, “Tsano Handeyi” “Pahushamwari”, “It’s not over” “Vasiye Varonge”, “Rimwe Ramazuva”, “Madzorerei” and “Kumba Musauya”.

“Ephiziba” is a song that encourages children to know God and features Sharon Manyonganise and “Tsano Handeyi” is a song in which the musician encourages a brother-in-law to be prayerful.

“Pahushamwari” is a kanindo song that talks about people who unite to reject God. He refers to the days of Noah where people rejected God’s advice.

“It’s not over” is a song that encourages Christians to keep on praying until ‘it’s over’.

The addition of a lead guitar on this song makes it outstanding.

The musician said he was protected by God in the song “Vasiye Varonge” while “Rimwe Remazuva” is a song that tells people to forgive their beloved ones in case of infidelity.