Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma [email protected]
AWARD-WINNING Zimbabwean gospel artiste and worship minister Abigail Mwembe is taking her ministry beyond the country’s borders through a new cross-border collaboration with Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) gospel singer, worship leader and pastor Thotho Kabeya.
Titled The Reason, the collaboration brings together two gospel ministers whose musical partnership was sparked by a chance meeting at the Beyond the Experience Worship Encounter in South Africa in 2023.
The annual worship event, held at Hellenic Hall, was hosted by Pastor George Uwha of Rehoboth Ministries International.
Mwembe said the two first crossed paths backstage after she had ministered at the event, with Kabeya later approaching her with the idea of working together.
“We met while ministering at the Beyond the Experience Worship Encounter, an annual event by Pastor George Uwha of Rehoboth Ministries International. I ministered first and Pastor Thotho came after me.
“We met backstage and later he looked for me and suggested that we should work on a collaboration,” Mwembe said.
What began as a backstage encounter eventually developed into a recording project, with Mwembe travelling to South Africa to record the song.
For Mwembe, the collaboration was driven by her admiration for Kabeya’s music and ministry, as well as her passion for using different languages to spread the gospel.
“I was inspired by his music and the way they present and minister. I also love singing in different languages, so I really like the way he ministers,” she said.
The Reason further highlights Mwembe’s versatility as a multilingual gospel artiste. A member of Harvest House Music, she ministers through Tonga, isiNdebele and Shona, making language a key part of her musical and spiritual expression.
Her career has already earned her recognition on the local gospel scene. Her hit single Ajane won Best Gospel Song at the inaugural Skyz Metro FM Music Awards in 2017, while she has also received a SAGRA Awards nomination.
Mwembe has further strengthened her profile through her work with Harvest Music, including her contribution to the track Ndinoshamiswa.
Kabeya, meanwhile, brings more than three decades of experience in gospel music, worship and pastoral ministry. The DRC-based minister is a gospel singer, worship leader and pastor, as well as the founder of Miracle City Church.
Mwembe said they are also hoping to shoot a music video for The Reason in Zimbabwe.
“We are hoping to work on a music video in Zimbabwe and possibly another collaboration. I would also love for us to properly explore and lead with Tonga music,” she said.
The collaboration marks another step in Mwembe’s growing musical journey as she builds on her achievements at home while forging connections across Africa’s gospel music landscape. – Follow on X: @mthabisi_mthire
