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Tadious Manyepo

Arts Reporter

“Zvekubata basa dzinogona ngoni, zvekubata basa dzinogona . . .”

This is how gospel musician Mambo Dhuterere summed it up.

These are lyrics from one of his most popular songs from the past “Zvekubata Basa” given its apt meaning on Saturday night.

In apparent shock, he had to stand behind the mic to sing the line at the Harare International Conference Centre.

This was arguably his biggest night since launching his musical career over a decade ago.

The charismatic singer’s latest album “Nadah Pachiputukezi” was auctioned for US$30 000 during the executive launch.

Unlike in the past where popular businessmen would pledge to pay thousands of United States dollars for newly-launched albums and often failing to deliver, this time it was the church, St John’s Apostolic Church, which paid US$30 000 for one of their own’s project.

Yes, US$30 000 and in cash too.

Mambo Dhuterere was ecstatic.

“I can’t say much. I am short of words to describe this gesture,” was only he could say.

St Johns Apostolic Church for the Whole World representative  Advocate Charles Maunga said the gesture was a thank you token for one of their own.

“Mambo Dhuterere is a member of the St Johns Apostolic Church. He is playing a key ambassadorial role for our church through his music,” he said. “All along, we have been trying to figure out how we could thank him enough.

“And this US$30 000 is our token to say thank you. We didn’t have to pledge, but to pay the money in cash. We would like to thank everyone who has supported Mambo Dhuterere’s music. As a church, we are forever grateful to Zimbabwe for embracing Mambo Dhuterere’s music.

“We are an apostolic church and you know how apostolic sects have been portrayed in the society. We are here to demystify all that. Even Mambo Dhuterere himself is an advocate for a better society through his music.”

Harare businessman Phillip Chiyangwa pledged a residential stand, with Deputy Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation Tino Machakaire, who was the guest of honour at the event, committing to provide and transport building material.

Madzibaba Simbarashe Nengomasha also pledged 100 bags of cement towards the same.

In appreciation of what St Johns Apostolic Church did, Chiyangwa and Machakaire also pledged to provide a stand in Harare for the sect.

Machakaire challenged artistes to uphold ubuntu and come up with informative pieces of entertaining projects.

“I have known Mambo Dhuterere for a long time. He has a rare talent and this latest album could be one of the best in this country,” said Machakaire. “I am challenging artists to be creative and uphold good life fundamentals so that the sector continues to grow.

“I would like to thank everyone who graced this event. It shows that we indeed support each other as a nation. I would like to salute the church for this huge gesture. We need to use the arts sector as a weapon to fight drug and substance abuse amongst our youths.”

The loaded album carries five tracks namely; Dzikisa Munyengeteri, Kuchema Rudo, Vana Sandibharati, Mupei Mukana and a bonus track.

More than 30 individuals bought the album in cash ranging from US$5 to US$2 500.

That means, Mambo Dhuterere realised in excess US$35 000 cash at the close of the event.

The launch was also graced by pioneering gospel musicians Charles Charamba and his wife Olivia, among other artistes and renowned personalities.