Gospel artiste uses music to promote healthy eating initiative

AWARD-WINNING Gospel artiste Minister Lindani Masuku is spreading the word in a delicious new way — with a song dedicated to the bounty of indigenous African food! The song was inspired by First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa’s traditional food cookout competition.

The song, available in both Ndebele and Shona versions, might surprise some at first glance. But Minister Masuku assures fans that her passion for God remains the core of her music.

In an interview with Saturday Chronicle, she explained how the celebration of healthy, traditional food aligns perfectly with her gospel roots.

Minister Masuku goes on to highlight that the Bible itself emphasises the importance of healthy living. By singing about the goodness of indigenous foods, she’s creating a bridge between faith and healthy eating habits.

“I am still a seasoned gospel artiste and very soon I will be releasing a gospel album called NgekaJesu Linto. These other two tracks are an inspiration I got from the First Lady that she is encouraging us as a nation to eat our own food which is healthy, medicinal and try to avoid fast foods which will cause us diseases. I have not shifted an inch from gospel music, I am still a full-time gospel artiste,” she said.

Lindani adds that the urge to sing about the goodness of indigenous food grew when she attended the First Lady’s cookout competition in Manicaland province.

“I got inspired a lot after attending the cookout where my sister came out first and I thought if I am not able to be part of this cooking, let me use my voice to add on to the good work. I am also happy that people who have heard the songs appreciate them,” she said.

She added that she loves indigenous food and fruits.

“I am one person who loves our traditional food and fruit. Umqokolo is my favourite and msosobiyana. I grew up eating those fruits. Also, umpholokoqo and umxhanxa are my favourites, I did not like ulude because of its bitter taste. But now I understand that ulude is medicinal and very healthy, especially with peanut butter,” she said.

Lindani went on to quote Bible verses which show that the two songs fall under the gospel music genre.

“In 1 Corinthians 19 vs 20, the scripture speaks of our bodies belonging to God, therefore we are called to honour God with our bodies by taking care of them. This includes eating a healthy diet and getting enough exercise and avoiding things that can harm our bodies.

“In Genesis 1 vs 29, God speaks of seed-bearing plants that have fruit and seed and field plants. This is the foundation of our biblical diet. Her Excellency Dr A Mnangagwa’s programme is scripturally supported and as a Minister of the word of God, I salute her for coming up with this wonderful programme I have decided to emphasise it in melody, ‘Dovi’ which I sang in Traditional Jazz and ‘Phuza Mahewu’ in Afro Jazz are done for our Nation and it is my prayer that this message gets to where it must.”

She said it is essential to eat good quality food that can only be found in indigenous foods.

“Healthy food that is grown with reverence for its environment and with care for our community it provides genuine nourishment to the body and soul. Consuming poor quality foods can destroy the body. As believers we may end up casting and binding demons and devils where they are not there unknowingly.

“Hosea 4 vs 6 the Bible says, ‘My people perish because of lack of knowledge’. May all the African Countries Rise up to their Traditional diet. Thumbs Up to Her Excellency Dr A Mnangagwa,” she said.

Lindani started singing at a tender age of four and has previously won the Skyz Metro FM award for Best Gospel Song in 2018, for her track titled Ngiyabonga.