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Arts Reporter
Gospel musicians Reverend Togarepi Chivaviro and Mai Patai made history in this year’s Radio Zimbabwe Coca Cola Top 50 competition.

Rev Chivaviro, whose song “Matishamisa Jireh” topped the charts, scooped the highest number of votes ever recorded in the history of the competition.

Mai Patai became the first female musician to make it into the top three of the contest since its inception with her song “Anokomborera” that was on number three.

Interestingly, this year’s top five belonged to gospel artistes.

On second position was Admire Nago’s “Wandigadza” while Rev Chivaviro’s other song “Handei Tinovaka” was on fourth position with “Born Again” from Mharidzo Hetisani completing the top five.

For the top position, Chivaviro got 432 321 votes and he will receive $2 500.

Nago had 388 579 votes and will walk away with $2 000 while Mai Patai, who garnered 387 579 votes, will get $1 500.

The three musicians had two songs each in top 10. Nago’s “Hossana” was on number seven and Mai Patai’s “Ndinodavira” was on number nine.

Commenting on his achievement, Rev Chivaviro thanked God and his fans for making it happen.

“The win is great for us. There is no one who doesn’t like to be declared a winner in anything, especially if you are told you have set new records in the process. But this has come as a result of people out there committing themselves to just supporting us,” said Chivaviro.

“God is faithful, our music family that votes for us is awesome and all the artists featured on ‘Matishamisa’ were amazing.”

Mai Patai said she hoped the achievement would inspire many female musicians.

“I am so happy for the success of our songs. These are songs from an album I did as a comeback project after a long absence from showbiz. It is humbling to be told that I am the first female musician to make it into top three of the competition,” said Mai Patai.

“I hope this development will inspire other female singers. We want to thank God for the blessings. We want to thank our fans for voting and we promise them new videos soon.”

Organisers of the competition also awarded outstanding musicians in various genres.  Killer T took the Best Zimdancehall Artiste with song “Hondo” that was on sixth position.

Alick Macheso was voted Best Sungura Artiste for his song “Ndakakutadzirei” that was on number eight, while Oliver Mtukudzi got an honorary award as a veteran musician. His song “Wanza Sorry” was on number 10.