GOSPEL musician Blessing Shumba on Friday night made another mark on the local gospel music scene, as he was appointed brand ambassador for Gladius Legal Aid Community at the launch of his eight-track album, Calvary at a colourful ceremony at the Golden Peacock Hotel in Mutare.
BY WINTSONE ANTONIO
It was an action-packed night that proved to be a two-in-one ceremony, with various musicians taking to the stage and entertaining fans with captivating performances.
Some guests had the opportunity for “Kodak moments” with their favourite musician, who later autographed CDs purchased at the launch.
Calvary is Shumba’s fifth project since his rise to stardom, which was heralded by the release of his debut album, Ishe Wazvose in 2008. The album will be accompanied by a DVD.
The latest offering, recorded at Kunashe Studios by Olin Anderson, features his wife, Pauline on one of the songs titled ZvaMwari (Devoted to God), as they take the role of social commentators touching on various themes that have a bearing on day-to-day life.
Other songs on the album are Kuparidza Jesu, Mukova Wazaruka, (Open Doors), Mwari Munodeiko, Zvapera (Simba reMuchinjikwa), Matatenda, Step by Step, Chikomborero, Anoziva Chakanaka, Move Mountains, (Nokutenda), Elia Hosanna (Save us) and RaJesu Idzvene.
Shumba has proved his artistic prowess through several chart-busters under his sleeve namely NdiMwari (2011), Shongwe (2012) and NdiJesu (2015).
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“Discipline and being principled are key values that have taken us to where we are today, as we launch our fifth album. I would like to thank those that were involved in the production of this album and those who contributed to the success of this launch,” he said.
The evening would not have been complete without Shumba performing some tracks off the latest album.
He wrapped up the day with a scintillating performance soon after the auctioning of the first batch of CDs that raked in about $500, with autographed CDs being sold for $100.
In an interview with NewsDay, on the side-lines of the launch, Gladius Legal Aid Community operations manager, George Chirombedze said his organisation is committed to the upliftment of local arts, as its members have a passion for arts.
“We might be in a different profession, but we are committed to working with artistes in different genres. We have been looking for someone suitable to carry the message that lawyers are not only for the elite, enhancing the visibility of Gladius Legal Aid Community brand. We have decided to partner with Blessing Shumba, a talented musician, who is also a force to reckon with in the local music scene,” he said.
“For a long time we have been following Blessing Shumba whom, to us, has proved beyond doubt that he is capable of marketing our brand the same way he has spread the word of God, winning souls through music. We are happy to unveil Shumba as our brand ambassador.”
This is not Shumba’s first appointment as a brand ambassador, as he is also the Manicaland National Blood Services Zimbabwe ambassador.
Another partner, Tino Machakaire of Tin Mac Motors also joined the fray, promising to finance the production of Shumba’s Ndiye Jesu DVD and host live shows in different parts of the country and across borders.
The Buhera-bred singer, who has managed to change the face of the local gospel music scene with his distinct sound that many upcoming musicians have been copying, attributed his success in the competitive genre to his ability to compose songs with messages which he said can transform people’s lives, while standing the test of time.
