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Charamba reflects on upbringing… as he celebrates 50th birthday

Life & Style
VETERAN gospel singer and cleric Charles Charamba, who has grown to become one of the respected musicians in the country, attributed his meteoric rise to his Christian background.

BY WINSTONE ANTONIO

VETERAN gospel singer and cleric Charles Charamba, who has grown to become one of the respected musicians in the country, attributed his meteoric rise to his Christian background.

The Fishers of Men frontman opened up on his life in an exclusive interview with NewsDay Life & Style as he celebrated his 50th birthday on Tuesday.

“I have God to thank. Many of my childhood friends have not been privileged to live this far. I thank my parents for taking care of me and raising me. The community of Mudzi from where I come did a lot for me, and I refer to the adage that says: it takes a village to raise a child,” he said.

“Mai Charamba, my siblings, my children, relatives and friends are very special in that same regard. The church in general has done wonderful work for me by shaping me.

“I thank the leadership in my country particularly for the peace that we have. You cannot celebrate a birthday in an environment of war.”

Born and raised in rural Mudzi, Mashonaland East province, Charamba has become a role model for many, not only in the gospel fraternity.

The Machira Chete singer said he did not become a gospel musician just because he had the skill and talent, but was called and commissioned to spread the world of God through music.

“Principally, it is all by God’s grace. On my part, I always want to remember what God told me to do and how to do it. I always want to check on the spiritual compass provided by the one who called me. Knowing who I am shapes my activities and aspirations. I am prepared to either gain or lose certain things for the sake of my calling.”

Charamba, who is a holder of a bachelor’s degree in jazz from Africa University, has performed at several concerts both locally and in countries such as America, United Kingdom, Australia, Mozambique, Botswana and South Africa.

Part of his discography includes Tinashe Akatendeka (1997), Johanne 3:16 (1998), Vhuserere (2000), Exodus (2001), Sunday Service (2002) Verses and Chapters (2004), New Testament in Song (2007), Pashoko Pangoma (2010), WeNazareta (2014) and Abba Father (2017).

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