daniel chigunwe
Arts Reporter
Rising fashion personality and gospel musician Rose Mambo is self-motivated vibrant with an unwavering passion for preserving her music and culture.
Celebrating the journey of self-discovery that women take in finding their true worth, has been a top priority for the songwriter through the short period of her music career.
To date, Mambo is living the dream as her music career blossoms as she revealed in an interview with The Herald Arts that collaborations have paid off for her, and she wants more.
She has worked with Shingisai Suluma, Mehluli Moyo, Alexio, Tembalami, Emelda Tshuma, and DJ Tamuka, among others.
Mambo already has a song, “Nzira Yangu”, which she co-wrote with renowned musician Jah Prayzah.
As her star continues to shine, she now plans to continue growing her international footprint.
Having worked with local acts, she is now eyeing a collaboration with her childhood hero and South African superstar Dr Tumi.
“Working with Jah Prayzah was such a great honour for me,” she said. “I have made a deliberate decision to collaborate with other artistes when it is convenient and necessary.”
“Over the years I have worked with quite several artistes most of them have gone ahead and paved the way for me so that am also able to follow in their footsteps and also learn from their experiences.”
Mambo said on “Nzira Yangu”, which is currently trending, the approach was different.
“I only got to have Jah Prayzah chipping in with those deep Shona lyrics and guiding me as I sang,” she said. “I approached him and requested help in writing the song and he did more than that. He also took time to be involved in the arrangement and to ensure that the song came out to the satisfaction of everyone.
“I enjoyed the experience and appreciate his contribution to the song.”
Mambo said her goal was to push her brand and music to be known out there.
“I am still working on making my music and brand known and visible. I find it easier to concentrate on singles so that I give them all the attention and marketing necessary,” she said.
“This extends to coming up with visuals that also support the message that is carried in the song. Am however looking at releasing an extended play before considering an album.”
Asked what inspired her music, Mambo said it was life experiences.
“My music is inspired by experiences, be it personal or other people’s experiences,” she said. “Day-to-day activities that shape people in their walks of life are also things that are worth noting and necessary to sing about as I fuse all these with the word of God. Overall, the word of God inspires my music.”
Mambo said following one’s calling was the secret to talent success.
“I believe in calling-based professions – I am nearly certain that I have shared these utterances before. Follow your calling and blessings will follow,” she said.
The ‘Nzira Yangu’ hitmaker said despite gospel music fast growing, there is a need to consider quality production to meet international standards.
“As an upcoming musician, I have also realised that there is room for everyone who wants to spread the word of God,” said Mambo. “We are in a season where people need God more and are hungry for the word and God’s touch in their lives. There is however still a need to concentrate on the quality of the productions both in recording and creating visuals.”
“The audience that is receiving our music is now sensitive to the quality that we produce. Paying attention to quality productions does help give dignity and value to the gospel music fraternity,” she explained.
On role models, she said, “I have quite several role models. Shingisai Suluma is one of them, as she has helped shape my journey as a Christian and as an artiste through her ministering. I am also humbled to also have collaborated with her on a song called ‘NaMwari’.”
She singles out that challenges in the music sector and personal lives are inevitable.
“They are a part of life and we can’t run away from them. What makes us people of virtue and integrity is how we deal with the challenges and the kind of resilience we have in handling them,” said Mambo.
“It was never easy trying to penetrate the music sector as there is a lot required. It therefore takes a lot of patience, resilience, and the ability to learn and adapt to new things.”
Online Reporter