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Sebastian Magacha

Yeukai Karengezeka Arts Correspondent
New band African Joy led by Sebastian Magacha recorded their debut live DVD album in style over the weekend at 7 Arts Theatre.
The DVD is titled “Last Commando Battle Against the Devil”.
The event saw several other artistes like Gospel Power, Vabati VaJehovah, Mathias Mhere, Cynthia Mare, Gordon Taurai Nzira and Flem B taking turns to entertain fans before the main act.

Gospel Power delivered their hit songs “Tafura” and “Anochengeta” that were sing-along tunes for the audience.
Mhere did not disappoint as he delivered songs from his latest album that include “Ziya”, “Sahwira” and “Favour”.

Flem B thrilled fans with his popular hits “Handidzokere Kumba” and “Ndichamutambira” that he performed with the popular dance group Ses’fikile.
Vabati VaJehovah, who were clad in their apostolic regalia, performed their songs “Narini” and “Handikusiyei” to the delight of the audience.
Fans went into frenzy as African Joy went on stage in style with their military regalia.

The group performed 39 songs of praise and worship sang in different African languages that include Lingala, Venda, Zulu, Ndebele, Kalanga and Swahili.
Magacha opened with the song “Rovambira” that was followed by another track in “Naija” titled “Ebube”.

Some of the songs on the DVD include “Give Me the Power”, “Emmanuel”, “Sweep Over” and “Hallelujah Papa”.
The atmosphere changed as Magacha and Zhakata ushered fans into a time of serious worship with their worship song “Kwekutirira” that brought fans closer to God.
Nzira also performed his songs “Usatani” and “Seiko” that left fans begging for more.

Event organiser Magacha said they were happy that they successfully recorded their album.
“We were overwhelmed by the turn- out and we are grateful to our sponsors and God who made this thing a success and we hope this album will take us far internationally.

“Our main objective is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ through music and majoring in African languages so that the word may reach out to as many people as possible,” he said.

The formation of African Joy was inspired by other popular regional groups such as Joyous Celebration that comprise talented African musicians among them Jabu Hlongwane and Zimbabwe’s own Mukhululi Bhebhe.

There have been also other groups such as the ZimPraise Choir that has taken the same route although its members are drawn mostly from Zimbabwe.