Zimpapers Logo

Sabastian Magacha

Tafadzwa Zimoyo – Arts Reporter

Award winning gospel musician Sabastian Magacha is set to launch a Magacha Foundation in April this year to assist underprivileged children.

Magacha, who is still basking in glory after he jointly won an award with African Joy for Best Choral Music during the Zimbabwe Music Awards recently, said the launch, which coincides with a concert, will see some of South Africa’s Clash of the Choirs judges and choir masters in attendance.

Based in South Africa, Clash of the Choirs is a reality talent gospel show that oversees participation of different denominational groups.

In an interview with The Herald Review, Magacha confirmed the latest development.

“We will be launching the much awaited Magacha Foundation in April and preparations are already at an advanced stage.

“We are currently inviting reputable team members from the Clash of the Choirs such as Lawrence Maleka, Penny Penny, Bucie, Kelly Khumalo and Busiswa. We want to have a concert, giving other upcoming gospel musicians and church choirs a chance to perform.

It will not necessarily be a Clash of the Choirs as some might try to put it, but we will be giving them exposure. Their coming here will be relevant because they are currently popular with many of our gospel fans,” he said. Turning to the foundation, Magacha said it would play a pivotal role in shaping inmates’ dreams and aspirations through music.

“My idea is to have a recreational center which will accommodate both musical and academic activities and empower the youths at large. We will have a studio where those who excel will record for free.

“So far I am using my resources and haven’t engaged any sponsors but I am working on it,” he said.

As part of his efforts to further affirm his commitment towards the foundation, Magacha said he was working on his next album which will feature some of the regional artistes.

“I have been up and about in the studio and outside Zimbabwe working on my next album project, and I am happy with the progress I have made.

“The album will feature gospel stars from Nigeria, Ghana, Botswana and South Africa.

The album will be released in winter but will start with a ‘listeners show in studio’ before I release it. It does not mean I am engaging the fans more on the album but I want to have a feel and direction of what to expect,” he said.