adminTafadzwa Zimoyo Entertainment Reporter
GENERAL Rusike, a gospel musician who was a friend to the late great musician, Simon Chimbetu, has released an album titled “Kudenga Kure” which he dedicated to his late mentor.
General Rusike befriended the late dendera music icon after approaching him seeking assistance for his music career.
The friendship inspired the nine-track album which was recorded at Diamond Studios.
Although this is a gospel album, one cannot help but discern Chimbetu’s influence through the rhythm, especially the opening track which is titled, “Tribute (to Simon Chimbetu)”.
The song is strategically positioned as the opening song because it immediately captures the attention of the listener.
“I did this song for my late great friend Simon Chimbetu, who had a lot of faith in me.
“He would allow me to use his guitars apart from mentoring me.
“He was actually as good as a brother and no wonder most of his family members and children took after him musically,” said General Rusike, who decided to use this stage name after his stint as a soldier.
His real name is Phellimon Nyabanda Rusike.
“Now that I am a retired soldier, I have decided to take it upon myself to work as a salvation commander through my music since I believe that music can make a difference in people’s lives,” he added.
Another song to look forward to is the title track, “Kudenga Kure” which was well done and is danceable while “Tipeiwo Simba” is a plea to God to strengthen His people in the face of challenges in this world. But for one to have this strength from God, they must first have faith in God, hence the song “Tendai Kuna Mwari”.
Also appealing are the songs “Chinhu Chimwe Chete”, “Mwari Baba”, “Ndakafamba” while there is also remixed version of “Ngatinamatei Mwari”. General Rusike’s catalogue of albums include “Ngatinamatei Mwari” (2009), “Hupenyu Hwangu” (2010) “Chimwe Nechimwe Chine Nguva Yacho” (2011), and “Ndomutenda Nei Mwari?” (2012).
Online Reporter