Online Reporter
THE Charambas, Zimbabwe’s ‘‘First Family of Gospel Music,’’ are marking 30 years of recording gospel music.
They have released three albums which have 30 songs.
For more than three decades, Charles and Olivia Charamba and the Fishers of Men have served audiences with a rare musical delicacy — a sumptuous gospel feast that has touched hearts, healed souls and crossed boundaries of faith and belief.
Their sound has become a trusted companion for both believers and non-believers in search of hope and light.
One cannot talk about Zimbabwean gospel music without mentioning Charles Charamba because that would be a glaring omission.
Since bursting onto the scene in the ‘90s, the couple have shaped the soundscape of local worship music with their unique voices, lyrical richness and spiritual depth.
Last week, the legendary Baba Charamba said the new albums were a tribute to their loyal fans, a celebration of years of dedication and a way of giving back.
He said they had not released new music for some time now and they felt they owed their fans and they had a debt to settle with their fans.
He said they have not abandoned or forgotten their fans.
The first two albums — ‘‘Fara Nevanofara’’ and ‘‘Chema Nevanochema’’ — have been released.
Baba Charamba said the 30 songs represent every year they have been in the trenches of the music industry.
He said they were not only celebrating their legacy but they were planting seeds for the next generation of gospel worshippers.
All the songs were written by Baba Charamba.
Baba Charamba said, if God permits, they are going to have 30 music videos as well.
However, he called on their fans to be patient with us.
He also revealed that they have some shows lined up for album promotion.
However, the Charambas have scaled down a bit when it comes to the shows because they have to balance the Church business and being artists.
What is impressive about the Charambas is that despite all their fame and longevity they remain very humble.
They are the perfect role models to all our artists.
They never court any controversy as a couple and they are very professional as artists.
This is why they have stayed this long at the top. Now we have some artists who make just a hit and start acting as if they own the world.
We have artists who make more headlines, for negative stuff, than the headlines they create from the positive things they do.
Even when they are warned, and counselled, these artists simply don’t see the error of their ways.
They believe they are super humans and fans will always follow them and buy their music because they are fated to be great.
We hope these artists draw lessons from the Charambas.
They will see that humility is as important as the quality of the music they produce.
They will see that they will last longer, at the top, if they remain humble and keep a distance from controversy.
