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Rev Chivaviro and wife Jullie kneel in prayer during a show in the UK

Tawanda Marwizi Arts Correspondent
In the past gospel music struggled to get recognition in recording studios and public places.

The genre struggled to penetrate the mainstream arena, but with the help of gospel greats like Jordan Chataika, Machanic Manyeruke, Freedom Sengwayo, Brian Sibalo and The Family Singers, among other yesteryear musicians, the genre managed to break through.

Today a number of gospel musicians are shining locally and abroad as they give well-polished acts that leave a number of worshippers spiritually satisfied.

One such gospel musician is Reverend Togarepi Chivaviro, who made headlines last week after giving splendid performances in Leicester and London.

Chivaviro, who is riding high with his album “Ebenezer-Tirimunyasha”, said since it was his first experience to perform in the county the response was overwhelming.

“ A lot of people began to ask about us after hearing the song ‘Ebenezer-Tirimunyasha’ and that led Royal Destiny to invite us for two concerts in Leicester and London. The attendance an both concerts was overwhelming and encouraging,” he said.

He said it was encouraging to note that promoters and music lovers were willing to give our local musicians platforms to shine abroad.

“The number of people who attended our shows was amazing. After having been told before that such concerts don’t attract sizeable crowds, I doubted the tour would be successful but the result was the very opposite.

‘‘Promoters and other Zimbabweans who live abroad were very supportive,” he said.

Chivaviro hailed several Zimbabwean gospel musicians based in the UK who came to support their concert. He said among them were Timothy Ngwenya, Phamiah Macheka, Mai Tongogara, Maria Rusike, Lazarus Stazio, Kuda Matimba and Obert Mazivisa.

For him that was his best experience as he managed to take a number of notes from the musicians.

“That was a humble experience and we are hopeful that gospel music will keep on growing and that artistes take it as a ministry.’’