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GOSPEL music stalwart Baba Mechanic Manyeruke is hopeful that his son — who has taken to the genre — will carry the torch and fill the big shoes he has worn for decades.
Now turning (73) Baba Manyeruke’s sixth born son Alexander (33) released his debut six-track gospel album last year and one of the songs has already made its presence felt on Star FM Gospel Greats.
Taken from the album titled “Bukira reVhangeri”, Alexander’s song “Fambai Neni” last week received the most votes from lovers of the popular Sunday show. The song was last week sitting on position two.
Clearly sounding like his father, Alexander — a taxi driver — said he took up the microphone in appreciation of his father’s contribution to gospel music.
He likened his story to that of the Biblical Jonah who attempted to run away from God.
“I grew up as a Christian but I told myself that I will never be a gospel musician — for some reasons, I never liked it,” he said.
“After high school I went to college and trained as a motor mechanic but to tell you the truth after graduating I found the going very tough. I left motor mechanics, and I converted my car (inot) a taxi which I am operating currently. But still I had no peace of mind,” he said.
Alexander added, “I was encouraged by friends and other close family members to take up music. Gradually, I started realising that the only way I could find peace of mind, appreciate my father’s work and responding to God’s call was to venture into gospel music which I eventually did.”
He said after releasing his debut album, he found relief.
His younger brother Emmanuel —popularly known as Guspy Warrior — has settled for Zim dancehall music.
“I now believe that when God wants you to do something he can achieve it by any means. I never imagined composing a song, even to be labelled as a gospel musician,” he said.
A father of three, Alexandra said now that he had responded to God’s call he was considering taking music professionally like his father.
“My debut album speak volumes and now I know that I have what it takes to stand in the congested gospel music industry.” His father is a proud man.
“To me, Alexander definitely tried his best. He came to me some time back to borrow a guitar and little did I know that he intended to do something wonderful. I will safely retire one day knowing there is a child who will carry on with my legacy,” he said. Baba Manyeruke has eight surviving children whom he said are all musically gifted but have decided to pursue other careers save for Emmanuel and Alexander.
Online Reporter