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Talent Bope
Arts Reporter
Chegutu-based gospel artist Tafadzwa Chiwaridzo is putting final touch-ups to a new album set to be released next month.

The seven-track album titled ‘‘Wemasimba Ose’’ or ‘‘El Shaddai’’ is a fusion of various beats ranging from sungura, reggae and rhumba, as well as traditional.

In an interview, Chiwaridzo, who fronts the Asaphites group, said he managed to perfect his album without any hassles despite the Covid-19 lockdown.

“I’m now finalising my album which I believe will be an improvement on previous albums since I took time to perfect it during this lockdown,” said Chiwaridzo.

“It’s a seven-track album and it mainly talks about greatness of our Lord and Saviour, that’s why we have named it ‘Wemasimba Ose’. It carries the hit single ‘Mhepo’ which is doing well on top 20 chart shows.

“To some, Covid-19 was a setback, but to me it was a blessing in disguise. This album encompasses many genres  through the fusion of different beats.”

Chiwaridzo diversified by experimenting with many types of beats and then fused them into one component.

The songs on the album are ‘‘Mhepo’’, ‘‘Crucified for me’’, ‘‘Chakanaka Chakanaka’’, ‘‘Rumbidza Jesu’’, ‘‘Wemasimba Ose’’, ‘‘Dzoka’’ and ‘‘Mwari Havasekwe’’.

“The album is a fusion of rhumba, reggae, sungura and traditional beats. I arranged it in such a way that it can accommodate everyone. If you are hungry for original gospel music, you will not be disappointed with this album,” said Chiwaridzo.

The album was recorded and produced by Luther Sekelani at Craftec Studios in Chegutu.

“I am optimistic that this album is going to be a hit because we took our time to give the best of our efforts, and also it mostly focussed on Jesus Christ,” said Chiwaridzo.

“It’s a warning to those who are leading people astray by fake gospel and idolatry worshipping to repent.”

Chiwaridzo said he was giving thanks to God for hearing the prayers during this pandemic after Government relaxed the lockdown measures to Level 2, which now allow church services to be conduct by filling half of the capacities with only vaccinated congregants.

Chiwaridzo gave brief explanations on the meaning of the songs and the central themes in them.

“The song ‘Mwari Havasekwe’ which gets biblical leverage from Galatians 6:7,” he said.

“It’s a warning to those who misunderstood God thinking he is just an ordinary person. It urges people to repent because as we speak the events we are witnessing are all an indication that we are on the threshold of events which reflect the imminent coming of Jesus Christ.

“The other song is ‘Mhepo’ which talks about the misfortunes which trouble people in their daily lives emanating from the devil.

‘‘The devil takes pride in blocking people’s opportunities, especially when he sees great things ahead. I also outline that the only solution to those problems is receiving Jesus Christ.”

Chiwaridzo said ‘‘Crucified for me’’ which has a reggae beat centres on the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on the cross to save people from their sins, as well as forgiveness of their transgressions.