Online Reporter
Liberty Dube
Entertainment Correspondent
FOR Zimbabwean praise and worship artiste, Rachel Mlambo, returning to music has taken on a deeper meaning.
The Mutare-born artiste, who is based in London, United Kingdom, is currently back home in Zimbabwe following the death of her younger sister, Mazvita Truth Chavhi.
In the midst of grief, Mlambo has returned to worship sessions and the studio, using music as a source of healing while continuing to serve through her ministry.
Mlambo, born Rachel Chavhi, describes herself as a praise and worship artiste, social worker and PhD candidate in social work.
Her life revolves around two closely connected callings, which are, serving God through music and working to protect and support children through social work.
Born and raised in Mutare, in a large family with roots in Cashel Valley and Chimanimani, Mlambo said music was part of her upbringing.
Singing together as a family laid the foundation for a passion that would later develop through her school years.
She moved to Bulawayo to complete her Advanced Levels, where her musical gift was further nurtured at Elise Gledhill Secondary School by Scripture union teachers, Mr Chaitwa and Mr Mauye.
She also partnered in ministry with Gladys Mangwanda and Theodora Mushunje.
Her recording career began in 2004 when she released her debut album, featuring the song, Ndovimba Baba.
The song earned recognition after being featured on the ZBC Top 100.
The project was produced by renowned pianist, Velaphi Gumbo and the late Joe Maseko, with Mlambo continuing her musical relationship with Gumbo during her time in Bulawayo.
After a lengthy period, she returned to recording in 2022 with Runyararo, released through Kunashe Studios. The accompanying video was filmed in the scenic Vumba, reconnecting her music with the landscape of her home province.
Since then, Mlambo has continued working with Kunashe Studios and producer, Olin Anderson, gradually releasing singles between 2024 and 2025.
Her collaborations have included Makandirwira with Pastor Blessing Shumba and Makanaka with Pastor Tinashe Murigo.
She is also preparing another collaboration with Pastor Norest Matende, with the new single scheduled for release in September.
The upcoming worship music forms part of a new chapter in Mlambo’s ministry, as she continues developing songs centred on faith, praise, encouragement and hope. Her return to the studio has given her an opportunity not only to create new material, but also to deepen the worship message that has defined her musical journey.
Her growing catalogue is accompanied by a number of music videos, including “Shumba YekwaJudha” and a video for “Makandirwira”, featuring Pastor Blessing Shumba.
For Mlambo, however, music is more than a recording career. It is an extension of her faith.
She said her inspiration comes from a life dedicated to praise and worship, with music providing a way of drawing closer to God and bringing hope and healing to families.
“Music is where my faith, purpose and life come together. I sing because worship draws me closer to God, but I also believe that a song can bring hope to someone going through a difficult season.
“Losing my little sister Mazvita has been deeply painful, but being back home has reminded me of the strength that comes from family, faith and community.
“I am using this season to worship, to minister and to honour her memory. My work in social work, and my music are connected because both are about people, healing and hope.
“I want every song I release to leave someone encouraged and closer to God,” she said.
Mlambo said the loss of her sister has made her current return to Zimbabwe particularly significant. While she is home to be with family during the bereavement, she is also taking the opportunity to conduct a few worship sessions and pour herself into ministry.
Her life outside music is equally demanding.
She holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Social Work from the University of Zimbabwe and is currently pursuing a PhD in Social Work through UNISA. Based in London since 2022, she works as a social worker while continuing to develop her music ministry.
Her professional interest in children has also influenced her broader vision. Through what she calls “Healing in Motion,” Mlambo hopes to combine her work in social work with advocacy for children while using music to minister to people across different communities.
She credits God, her parents and extended family, pastor and brother-in-law, Dr Domingo Pavolo, her former Scripture union mentors and her musical collaborators for helping shape her journey.
As she looks ahead, Mlambo sees herself becoming an international praise and worship minister and social work scholar, releasing more albums, leading worship across nations and using her platform to advocate for children.
From family singing sessions in Mutare, to school assemblies in Bulawayo, her first album in 2004 and the return to recording with Runyararo in 2022, Mlambo believes the journey has always been guided by faith.
