×
NewsDay

AMH is an independent media house free from political ties or outside influence. We have four newspapers: The Zimbabwe Independent, a business weekly published every Friday, The Standard, a weekly published every Sunday, and Southern and NewsDay, our daily newspapers. Each has an online edition.

‘Gospel music must transform people’

News
VETERAN musician Machanic Manyeruke has challenged upcoming gospel singers to be creative through composing value-laden songs.

VETERAN musician Machanic Manyeruke has challenged upcoming gospel singers to be creative through composing value-laden songs with the capacity to transform people’s lives and stand the test of time.

WINSTONE ANTONIO

Speaking to NewsDay ahead of a gospel concert dubbed Eternity Gospel Explosion Chinhoyi slated for Chinhoyi Stadium today, the Madhimoni hit-maker expressed concern over “shallow” gospel music which he said had a short shelf life.

“We need long-lasting messages in songs which even future generations would be able to listen and enjoy the music,” Manyeruke said.

“Gospel music must transform people’s lives at the same time be family music with clean lyrics.”

A number of upcoming hip hop and rap artistes singing gospel have been using slang in the music which observers feel is a difilement of the gospel genre.

Manyeruke said the depth of his compositions had given him staying power in the music circles where his music still commands a huge following over the four decades he has been in the industry.

Manyeruke said gospel musicians must be patient if they were to rip the rewards of their music and must persevere as the industry demanded one to be strong.

He bemoaned piracy which he said threatened livelihoods of musicians who end up having to rely on live shows for survival.

“Piracy has killed the entire showbiz scene as musicians are now making money from live shows than selling of the CDs which might force some upcoming musicians to rush and produce half-baked projects,” he said.

Manyeruke will be the main act at the concert that will also feature Mathias Mhere, Thembalami, Vabati VaJehova, and CCAP Voice of Mbare, among others.

With more than 20 albums to his name, Manyeruke will be out to prove his prowess on the stage.

Popular apostolic choral group Vabati VaJehova is also no push-overs when it comes to live performances. The formidable group is credited for pioneering and revolutionising apostolic acapella music.

The group, which made history after their maiden appearance at the ongoing Harare International Festival of Arts in 2010, has a record of mesmerising audiences leaving lasting impressions at most of their shows.

Show promoter William Mikaye of Rayclash Trading urged gospel music fans to come in numbers and experience the power of God through music in a concert which is expected to be a thriller.