They are hardly known on the local gospel music scene, but their debut single will no doubt swing them onto the hit charts.
Ashley “Winterton” Mafunga and Rutendo “The Lioness” Ndanga’s album entitled Heartbeat is soothing and prepares the heart for deep worship to those listening to it.
Known as “Zion Eternal”, the Christians came together to work on this spiritually-uplifting project. The genre is a powerful and soulful R&B tune that is so captivating.
“These are worship songs and I must admit these two people are gifted in song,” said Sylvia Danai from Marlborough, Harare.
A National University of Science and Technology graduate in Applied Biology and Biochemistry and a holder of an LCCI Diploma in Marketing, Winterton, who hails from Fern Valley in the Eastern Highlands, said he was raised entirely by his maternal grandmother when his parents divorced.
“My grandmother, Phyllis ‘Winter’ Mvududu is the backbone of my existence and a lot of my songs reflect what I have been through. I am a worshipper, but with time you will find that we sing about life or anything that has a positive message,” said Winterton.
“You cannot separate me from music and music from Ashley. I was born a singer and music runs in my blood. Singing is second nature to me.”
Rutendo, a single mother of two, who hails from Mushungwa village in Zaka, Jerera, Mavingo, said:
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“Music has always been my calling from God and I started singing when I was eight. I receive most of my songs in dreams.”
The duo is aiming at producing music that will strengthen the relationship between men and God. Rutendo also holds a degree in Sociology and Gender studies obtained from Women’s University in Africa.
Winterton and Ndanga paid tribute to their manager and sponsor Patricia Maworere-Chidakwa, who provided financial support for the project.
They also thanked Pastor Augustine Mutanga and Pastor Zephaniah Chakawa for spiritual upliftment and emotional support. “These people were there for us through and through. No exact words can describe our gratitude,” Winterton said.
“We are working on the full album which will be released in March.”
