Dream comes true for UK-based singer

Own Correspondent
A number of local gospel musicians that are based in the UK are making waves in the Zimbabwean community in that country and taking their style of praise and worship to a higher level in the foreign land. Among them is Stanley Nenge whose music is doing well on radio stations and live shows. Nenge might be a nonentity on home soil but his music shows expertise with composition and beat.

True to the old adage, which reads “a prophet has no honour in his homeland”, the musician has not been able to make much impact back home. However, the musician says his dream has always been to preach through music and is happy with the reception so far. Better known by his moniker Uncle Neshto, the former school teacher, journalist and now mental health nurse, has never resisted the calling for music.

And this was affirmed with eloquence in his third album entitled “Batsiranai Vatendi”, a heavenly delivery worth the purchase. A versatile instrumentalist, who is largely self-taught, Uncle Neshto was recently in country putting together his third album at KBN Studios. The stable is owned by Orchestra Dendera Kings prolific and long-serving lead and rhythm guitarist, Knowledge Nkoma, whose touch is strongly felt in the project.

Expertly done in all departments — arrangement, lyrical content, instrumentation and mixing — the album is a much purchase for gospel lovers. In fact, what raises the appeal of this project is that Uncle Neshto’s effort is laden with danceable, spiritually uplifting and party gospel songs.

In the opening track “Dhimoni Ramugara”, the dread-locked singer exhorts people to desist from hate, gossiping and of course breaking the Ten Commandments. It has a high tempo setting the tone for the entire project. The follow-up track “Kuenda KunaMwari” urges fans to have faith in God while “Mabhonzo” which has a dancehall flair is another huge track to look forward to.

He shifts gears up in the follow-up track “Mutumwa” where he calls the Almighty to look after His own and address their challenges. The next trio of songs — “Kudenga”, “Munondida” and “Tinokutendai” — makes the album complete. Like most gospel artistes, he started off singing in church but only released his full in 2003 when his uncle Patson Sunday asked him to back him during a live performance.

To date, he has four albums to his credit namely “Ndorumbidza Nomutsa” recorded in 2006, which was followed by Natsai Nemashoko and his third project “Batsirani Vatendi”. He is currently working on his fourth album due for release anytime soon. In his journey, he has worked with a number of seasoned artistes both locally and abroad.

Some names that instantly come into mind comprise Mono Mukundu, Blessing Sande, Oscar Chamba and songbird Ivy Kombo. The multi-talented instrumentalist also performs at church conferences.