THERE is something warmly familiar about this assorted group of teenagers as they go about their paces during a rehearsal session on a Sunday evening — each youngster, in their own way, strikes a familiar look of the boy or girl next door. Report by Phillip Chidavaenzi Senior Reporter
But so touching is the passion and the drive, as well some kind of wild abandonment, which show through their act. All this is captured, too, in the eight songs on their debut album, Zororo NdiJesu.
This gospel outfit, Echoes of Praise, is made up of Brighton Chikomo, Beaven Murindagomo, Terrence Safirio, Tafadzwa Murindagomo, Grace Mutongwiza, Rumbidzai Musitu, Takudzwa Chidzambwa and Jackie Mhandu. The group is from the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe, Zengeza Circuit, Chitungwiza. Almost all the songs, though unique in their individuality, conform to the sing-along Methodist in Zimbabwe music tradition.
The temptation in gospel music is usually to sing of things high and mighty, far removed from people’s reality, but it is not so with Echoes of Praise.
The restless, often misdirected pursuit of solutions to life’s problems, the anointing detonates the temptation to stray from the path of purity, the need to prepare for the impending close of the age are all captured in the tracks Zororo (Peace), Akandikomberedza (He Surrounds Me) and Wouya Mucheki (The Harvester is coming).
In the sing along Zororo, we hear of the extent to which people go in search of elusive peace, cavorting with traditional healers and having to contend with avenging spirits that bay for their children’s blood as atonement.
With a rather fast-pace beat, the song Rukuru Ruponiso honours the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. Here, the lead singer and backing vocalists blend into a melodious fusion enjoyable over and over again.
The other songs to look out for on this album are Garai Mandiri (Live within me), Chatotongwa (Judgment), Ndinobva Kwamuri (I hail from you) and Pindirai (Intervene). The clarity of the vocals, instrumental arrangement and relevant messages are set to propel the group to fame.
