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Mhere’s vocalist releases debut album

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AFTER several years working as a backing vocalist for several established gospel musicians, among them Pastor Olinda Marowa, Sebastian Magacha and Kudzi

AFTER several years working as a backing vocalist for several established gospel musicians, among them Pastor Olinda Marowa, Sebastian Magacha and Kudzi Nyakudya, youthful gospel singer Nicholas Chirunga has decided to go into the studio and recorded his debut six-track album called Mkuru WeVakuru.

OWN CORRESPONDENT

Chirunga, who is a vocalist with gospel musician Mathias Mhere, recently made headlines when he exchanged blows with music producer Lyton Ngolomi over ownership of songs, accusing him of stealing two of his songs, Chisikwa and Nditenderei, which have been included on the Ngolomis’ Extreme Afrique Choir album.

The album, which is composed of praise and worship songs, was recorded at Divine Records and produced by Charles Ayibeki.

Songs on the album which is being marketed and distributed by Mhere’s record label, Red Apple Productions are Chonyepa, Hushamwari, Zvandinakira featuring Closure Tembo, Arikwatiri, Zvaitwanashe and Ndoda Mwari.

Speaking to NewsDay, Chirunga said it was his wish to minister the word of God through music.

“With these praise and worship songs on my first album, I seek to win some souls to come to God’s temple,” Chirunga said.

“Songs on the album are based on Bible teachings with some of the songs like Hushamwari being inspired by personal experiences, hurdles and challenges in life.”

Chirunga’s voice proves to have what it takes to rise to the top of the gospel genre, a feat that normally takes ages for musicians to achieve.

He said the track Hushamwari was his true life experience and on the song, he is encouraging people to call for God’s intervention on friendships.

“People might want to refer the song (Hushamwari) to that incident with Lyton, but this is just a coincidence as I had already penned the songs before the case. There is no bad blood between us as it is now water under the bridge,” Chirunga said.

The Chitungwiza-bred musician said Zvaitwanashe was a song which encourages people to be grateful to the Almighty and not be proud of some life achievements since He is the one who consents it to happen.

“I want to thank people like my pillar of strength Nelia Chirunga, my Pastor Apostle Charles and wife Lorraine Jonasi of Kairos Community Church International, Mathias Mhere and my family and all those whom I could not mention for their wavering support that has seen me releasing this album,” he said.

He said the album would be accompanied by a DVD and has already started mobilising resources for shooting the videos.

Chirunga ventured into the music industry in 2003 under the Chimurenga Kid project that was being run by the late musician Andy Brown.

The gospel genre is proving to be spawning new talent time to time.