A new Gospel Great

Desire Ncube —
A FEW months ago, the name Steeve Dee did not elicit any interest from gospel music lovers, not anymore. The talented musician, real name Steeve Tendere, is doing well ever since he released his debut album early this year.

His popularity is growing with each passing day. Steeve Dee’s ten-track album “Hymns Garai Neni” has taken the gospel music industry by storm. Particularly, the song “Musandipfuure” is doing very well.

Last week, the hit song was on position seven on the Star FM Gospel Greats which is aired every Sunday from 6pm to 8pm. Steeve Dee has also been nominated in the “Best New Comer” category at the Permican Awards. He said he is grateful for the opportunities coming his way.

“God is doing great things through me. From the day I decided to take music seriously, all things are flowing, both personal and ministry.

“I have realised that the people I meet have nothing to do with me but with the message I am conveying. People should know God, not me and I like it,” he said.

Unlike most artistes who are being affected by piracy, Steeve Dee said his CD sells are increasing on a daily basis. The 32-year-old Harare born artiste said opportunities are helping him increase his sphere of influence.

“I am grateful that I was nominated in the Best New Comer category, it came as an encouragement to me. The Permican nomination and the airplay that I am enjoying has enabled me to link with several renowned gospel artistes.

“So far I have done a collaboration with Carol Utawunashe on the song titled “It’s gonna be better” and we are finalising something with Wataffi this week. This is the advent of much other collaborations that I am planning to do. Early next year I will collaborate with Tembalami, Takesure Zamar Ncube and Mkhukuli Bhebhe. Collaborations will increase my fan base,” he said.

Speaking on the impact of his album, Steeve said he never expected his album to go this far. “When I recorded this album I never expected it to have such an impact, I am getting calls from all age groups, an indication that my songs are touching lives. I am equally humbled and privileged with what God is doing through me. Praise be to Him always.

“Christ TV made a request for me to produce a video and I have started looking for people to work with, I want to release one of the best videos ever produced in Zimbabwe,” he said.

Hailing from a musical family of seven children, Steeve started singing when he was only five years old.

“We used to sing at school and in church services. I think I was eight when I joined a group called “Golden Harps”.

At that time, I was also in the school choir at Warren Park 1 Primary. That was the time I realised my talent, It was really amazing because I was singing with people older than me. I remember when I was 10, I was singing with people who were double my age,” he said.