Zimpapers Logo

Janet Manyowa

Stanely Mushava Arts Correspondent
We look at recent arrivals and persistent pilgrims on the Christian entertainment circuit, and the journeys that took them to acclaim. More than just torching up ephemeral sparks of genius, the featured musicians have demonstrated both high calibre and enduring quality to qualify for places among Zimbabwean gospel music’s trending acts.

Takesure Zamar Ncube

The Worship Addicts front man is past rehabilitation. With six full-length albums, two compilations and a DVD between 2011 and 2015, the addict is still singing under the influence, and without signs of slowing down.

“I envision major changes in Christian entertainment. I see the church embracing worship in deeper and more conscious ways not just as a curtain raiser for preaching,” Zamar tells Herald Review. And that is just how profound the addict’s work-flow is. Most of his worship songs deeply minister both for the lyrics and the execution.

Zamar easily stands out of most contemporary gospel acts with his capacity for original compositions. His compositions are both socially situated and biblically synced, making for both immediacy and conviction.

This is a considerable merit in an industry where most artists never tire of riding on hymns which have been around for decades, often without a novel approach to give the hymns a new lease of reception.

“Our devotional series can be classified as contemporary worship but it is packaged in a fusion of genres, mostly katekwe, Afro-jazz and blues,” Zamar said. This cosmopolitan resume, which probably benefits from Zamar’s background with a music college, is necessary for appeal across an expansive range.

The instruments to “Ngaazive Mwari,” one of the recent tracks, sound like vintage Tuku, while maintaining a tapered evangelical end. Tracks “Angikhalakhali” and “Aseko” are feel-good township jazz ditties, while “Ndinoshuvira” and “Show Me Your Face” are deep worship experiences.

Zamar got his big break after a stellar performance of “Kuregerera in Advance” and “Agere Pachigaro/Changamire Muponesi” with the Joyous Celebration, followed by a Zimbabwe Achievers Award gong for the International Gospel Artist.

Zamar’s biggest hit to date is, no doubt, “A Prayer for Zimbabwe,” an intercessory track with touches of nationalism, in the make of Henry Olonga’s “Our Zimbabwe,” Pastor Charamba’s “Nyika Zimbabwe” and Culture T’s “Tendai.”

His albums so far are “Praise Addicts” (Volumes 1, 2), “Worship Addicts” (Volumes 1-4) and “Zamar Select” (Volumes 1, 2). His live DVD, “Worship Altar,” was recorded in June last year, featuring familiar hits and new additions “Pane Gore Rasimuka” and the joyful ditty “Changamire Muponesi.”

Janet Manyowa

Janet Manowa is one of the most notable recent appearances. “Amazing God,” her duet with Dr Comfort Manyame early last year, signalled that she is no passing fad. Subsequent tracks “Tarisa” and “Ndomira Pamuri” staked a claim for her among the most serious gospel acts around.

“Amazing God” topped the charts on Star FM, ZiFM and Power FM and was voted Number 6 on the 2014 on Star FM Gospel Greats’ 2014 end-of-year chart.

Uncharacteristically, all the first three singles peaked at number one for a considerable stretch on the weekly gospel charts, while the video to “Ndomira Pamuri” peaked at the pole position at Christ TV’s daily chart for two weeks.

Manyowa recently released her debut album “King of Glory,” a worship offering which features 11 tracks. “The title is based on Psalm 24, which focuses on the sovereignty of God. All the tracks on the album are based on trusting in God and the greatness, presence and goodness of God,” Manyowa tells The Herald Review.

While she does not overkill her tracks, the lyrical economy seems to be a measured device for graceful delivery. The melody goes on, transcendent still, long after the music has stopped playing. It might be no exaggeration to say Manyowa is a Zimbabwean gospel gem with the stature of Shingisai Suluma and Olivia Charamba.

“I find pleasure and fulfilment in ministering the Good News of Christ through my talent, hence my choice for gospel as a genre,” Manyowa says. The Chegutu-born artist was sent to a music school at the age of 10 and her parents would have her sing at the slightest opportunity.

Tracks “Amazing God,” “King of Glory,” “Tarisa” and “Ufanelwe” extol the greatness of God. “Ndomira Pamuri,” “The Reprise” and “Overcome” urge trust in God while “Muripo” and “Kune Muponesi” (featuring Minister Michael Mahendere) celebrate the presence of God.

“Most of my songs come to me in a moment of personal prayer, worship or meditation. It can also be a time of reflection on what God has done. ‘Tarisa’ for example flowed out of praise and thanksgiving to God,” she said.

Manyowa looks up to Pastor Bonnie Deuschle, Shingisai Suluma and Tasha Cobbs as role models. She looks to nurture other young girls to use their talents for the glory of God.

Rev TT Chivaviro

Rev T Chivaviro, is perhaps more of a now, than a next, big act. His masterpiece “Ebenezer,” featuring legends Pastor Charamba and Baba Machanic Manyeruke has been trending to popular reception on air, in churches, on the streets and social functions since late last year.

“Tinoti Ebenezer, nesuwo tiri munyasha, zvairema zvichirwadza asi Jehovah vatisvitsa pano” has been the signature anthem on Harare’s First Street for months, adjacent to the street preachers, and never seems to lose its touch.

The singing pastor has a prolific discography featuring 10 albums and several collaborations since 1997. He has shared the stage with an all-star cast including Machanic Manyeruke, late great Brian Sibalo (his mentor and role model), the Charambas, Sipho Makhabane and Vuyo Mokoena.

He has various Nama nominations, Choral awards and has shared the Musica Peace Award with the late Ephat Mujuru and Alick Macheso. He was nominated at the SABC Crown Gospel Awards in the Best of Africa Category in 2010 and got another South African nomination in the best collaboration category of the Ingoma Gospel Awards.

Togarepi Tapera Chivaviro was born in Gokwe 40 years ago. “I started singing in church aged only five and went on to be the conductor of my school choir when I was in Grade 5,” Chivaviro tells The Herals Review.

He formed and trained Batanai Secondary School Choir as a new teacher at the school in 1995 and led them to the fourth position at the Zimbabwe National High Schools in the same year.

“I responded to a calling into full-time ministry in 1997 and went on to enrol at the United Theological College in Epworth for a Theology Diploma in 1998,” he says.

This time instead of forming a choir, Chivaviro started a band! “The Faith Ambassadors Band consisted of five trainee pastors and six others, essentially starting the nine-album journey.” Next week we continue our look at the most exciting performers on the Christian entertainment circuit.

• Feedback [email protected]