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Michael Mahendere

Yeukai Karengezeka Arts Correspondent
Sensational choral group, United Family International Church (UFIC) Choir is among the groups that have risen to stardom over a short space of time. The huge choir that is made up of about 500 members is one of the largest choral groups locally and its impact has been felt on the gospel scene and beyond.
The group’s latest achievement is having five nominations at the upcoming Zimbabwe Music Awards that will be held at Harare International Conference Centre on October 29.

The choir was nominated for Best Contemporary Choral Music with three albums “Divine Solutions Volume 2 and 3” and “We Are a Family Volume 1”. It is also up for Album of the Year  with “We are a Family” and Best Duo/Groups category for “We Are a Family Volume 1”.
Although the choir was formed in 2008 by Prophet Emmanuel and Ruth Makandiwa, it became visible on the showbiz last year with their offerings “Divine Solutions 1, 2 & 3” and “We are a Family”.

The “Divine Solutions” albums had a number of songs that received overwhelming air play.
Volume 1 is a praise and worship album that is groovy and laden with well thought out messages some of which were taken from the Bible.
The tracks include “Ichokwadi”, “Ndodada Naye Jesu”, “Vhangeri Ndichariparidza Chete” and “Mumba Mababa”.

It appears remixing of old hymns has become a trend with most gospel musicians and the songs are becoming popular again this time with a different feel. The song “Moto Moto” a fusion of sungura and jiti by Michael Mahendere, better known as Minister Mahendere, recently topped the gospel charts on Star FM’s Gospel Greats for two months.

The “Divine Solutions Volume 2” is a refreshing and worship tool-kit album that ushers people into deep realm of worship.
It opens with the anthem song “Heirs of the Father” that encourage children to be united as they all belong to one father, God. It states that Christians are the heirs of God, children of the kingdom of God who are one and a family.

On “Divine Solutions” the song calls on God to give his people solutions as they have unsuccessfully tried to use all other physical means to solve their problems

“Take Over Now” by Pastor Lawrence Gunda of Gospel Power urges Christians to call unto the Holy Spirit faced with difficult circumstances of life or when they feel they can not do anything without Him.

It is a prayer that is inviting Holy Spirit to take over in their lives.
Tracks like “Holy Medley”, “Promises of God”, “Hallelujah We Worship”, “Be Alright” were sung by Minister Mahendere.

“Fathers heart beat”, “Believe in miracles” were done by upcoming musician Pastor Hubert Chigumira aka Hubert C. The choir director, Pastor Chigumira said they were overwhelmed by the reception their music got from the nation.

“Our mission to preach the true gospel of Jesus Christ to all nations through music is being executed and we appreciate the continual support we get from our fans and we feel humbled by the recognition we received for the forthcoming ZIMA awards.

“It is a fulfilment of prophecy from our father Prophet Makandiwa that we shall dominate music scene internationally and we believe that charity begins at home like we just did,” he said. He said they are looking forward to scoop some accolades even though it is their debut appearance at the awards.

“This was our first time to be nominated in any awards and we started on a good note.
“We are confident that we will take home with us some of the awards because we believe in the annointing of excellency upon our father,” said Pastor Chigumira.

The contemporary choir has a latest album titled “Revival Songs” and the live DVD shot at 7 Arts Theatre is expected to be out before year end.

The album carries songs such as “Zvichanaka”, “In Your Presence”, “Ndimi Moga”, “Greater Works” and “Come Holy Spirit”.
The choir started with 30 members in 2008 and had their debut album in 2009 titled “Season of the Spirit”.

In 2011 they recorded their second album christened “Possessing the Promises” that contained 15 tracks.
It was followed by another a 28-track album called “Prophetic Praise and Worship” in 2012.

In 2013 the choir had their live DVD recording titled “We are a Family” that was a stepping stone to their visibility into the public domain.
Between November and December last year they recorded the albums “Divine Solutions Volume 1, 2 and 3” that have made them a household name.