Gospel diva Jane Doka homesick

DESPITE establishing herself overseas, United Kingdom-based gospel diva, academic and preacher, Dr Jane Doka, remains deeply connected to her roots.

Best known for her spiritually-uplifting songs like “Gore Remakomborero”, “Munamato Une Simba” and “Hatirase Tariro,” Doka has maintained her prominence in the music scene abroad.

As the year draws to a close, she has reflected on her longing for home and desire to be reunited with her loved ones after spending 20 years overseas.

Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub senior writer Trust Khosa (TK) recently posed 10 pertinent questions to the talented songbird (JD) as she celebrates yet another successful year in music, having made her mark in the United Kingdom.

TK: How would you best describe the year 2025 in your career as a musician?

JD: I would describe 2025 as the year of my release back into music and launching into a wider audience. Over the past few years, I was singing mostly in church and writing new songs away from the distraction of the stage. This is the year when everything God has been preparing me for beginnings to be revealed — and my most recent release “Because God said it is evidence of everything that was happening behind the scenes.

TK: What do you have in store for your fans before the year ends?

JD: Well, I recently released the song “Because God said it” this November and I would like people to engage with the song and its message until the end of this year. I plan to release something new at the beginning of 2026.

TK: What is it like being an artiste in the diaspora?

JD: Previously I felt it was a very difficult thing because of the sense of not being amongst my own native people. But now, given the time I have lived here and the networks I have built over time, I do not feel like an artiste who “is in the diaspora” as such — I just feel like the world is my oyster and I can and should reach whoever I can.

TK: What do you miss about being back home?

JD: The food! And of course family — my mum, siblings, uncles, aunties, nieces, nephews etc. I also miss the weather particularly once we reach winter as we are now.

TK: What message do you have for upcoming stars who look up to you?

JD: I would firstly be very humbled that anyone looks up to me! But my message to them would be: stay true to God, stay true to who you are and never give up on your gift. Your main limitation is usually yourself — beat that and there is no limit.

TK: What is your message to your fans as we head into the festive season?

JD: Drive safely, be responsible as you enjoy yourselves and never forget God in all you do.

TK: As a mother, academic and employee, how do you manage your schedule?

JD: I am a very busy person indeed, I mean add being a pastor and musician to that schedule and it can be really hectic and overwhelming. To manage my schedule, I pray to receive godly wisdom on how to manage my life, I plan what I need to do and do my best to stick to the plan and at any given time I prioritise what is important at any point. I call them my 3Ps — pray, plan, prioritise — that’s how I get through life.

TK: What message do you have for Zimbabwe at a time when drug and substance abuse have become a menace?

JD: What is happening in Zimbabwe is heartbreaking and sad to say the least, and it is destroying the youth and affecting families. My message to Zimbabwe is that there is need for a collaborative approach across policy, government, police, the courts, civic society, communities and families.

TK: Lastly, could you give us a brief profile of yourself?

JD: I am a worship leader, singer-songwriter, and minister of the gospel of Christ. I have been involved in gospel music for over 18 years, recording music (4 albums and 4 singles to date), hosting music concerts and worship events, and singing on various stages in Zimbabwe and the UK.

I serve as a pastor, leading a local assembly in UK, teaching the Word of God, providing pastoral care, supporting worship teams in different churches and training young people in music. Apart from music, I am an academic and researcher in International Education and Development, specialising in the areas of gender, inclusion and youth.

My growing research profile spans across the contexts of Sub-Saharan Africa, UK and Europe, where I engage with various stakeholders, particularly policymakers. I also own a foundation which supports and capacitates widows and orphans. I am a happily married mother of two beautiful children.