AWARD winning Mutare based gospel musician, Blessing Shumba says the secret to his success is the ability to compose songs with messages which can transform people’s lives, while standing the test of time.
BY WINSTONE ANTONIO
Shumba, who claims to get his inspiration from his dreams, has proven a force to reckon with, changing the face of the local gospel music scene with his distinct sound that many upcoming musicians have been copying.
“I believe in long-lasting messages with the ability to transform people’s lives when composing my songs so they have lengthy shelf life for future generations to be able to listen to and enjoy,” he said.
Blessing Shumba[/Caption]
“My father was a pastor and I grew up singing in the church, this has made me become the composer that I am today.”
The Buhera-bred singer will this Friday launch his much-awaited eight-track album, Calvary in his hometown, with several gospel musicians expected to grace the function.
On this album, Shumba’s fifth project, he featured his wife, Pauline, who contributed the lead vocals on two of the songs, ZvaMwari ZvaKesari and Ndinotenda. The Shumbas have joined other couples, among them Olivia and Charles Charamba and Charles and Namatai Chipanga, who have enjoyed successful music careers as families.
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Among the songs on Shumba’s forthcoming album are Step by Step and Open Doors, Matatenda, Zvapera Mwari, Hatigumbutsi Hatitsamwise and ZvaMwari Zvakesari. Shumba said the album will be accompanied by a DVD, but said they will take their time to produce it.
Since he rose to stardom after the release of his debut album Ishe Wazvose in 2008, Shumba has proved his artistic prowess through several chart-busters namely Ishe Wazvose (2009), NdiMwari (2011), Shongwe (2012) and NdiJesu (2015).
Shumba won the outstanding album gong at the 2012 National Merit Awards and has topped the Zimbabwe Coca-Cola Radio Top 50 twice.
The Mufaro hit maker has bemoaned piracy, which he said threatened livelihoods of musicians, who are forced to rely on live shows for survival and urged his fans to buy original CDs from authorised dealers.
