GROWING UP AS AN ORPHAN INSPIRES GOSPEL ARTIST’S CAREER

Maria Chiguvari

Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub

GOSPEL musician, Liberty Phiri, said the struggles of growing up as an orphan became the driving force behind his first song titled “Hupenyu Hwenherera.”

Phiri said the track narrates the emotional and social challenges faced by children without parental support.

In an interview with Zimpapers, Phiri said growing up in a rural area, and the hardships he encountered, became the foundation of his musical journey.

“Firstly, hardships and challenges in life can lead someone to compose a song or a poem.

“Even better times in life can lead someone to create something unique, especially in music industry.

“But in most cases, situations will drive a person to create something that he or she always remember and teach others about the disadvantages and advantages of facing those situations.

“In other words, I have a strong rural back ground because I grew up in a rural area and I finished my education in Chikomba District Chivhu as an orphan and I created a song called ‘Hupenyu Hwenherera’ explaining the hardships of being an orphan.”

In 2024, he recorded his debut album titled ‘‘Namata,’’ a six-track project which featured fellow gospel musician Trymore Bande on the song ‘‘Jesu Vauya’’.

Last year the musician released his second album ‘‘Dzisiri Nyasha.’’

The album featured collaborations with Mathias Mhere on the song ‘Unstoppable’ and Kudzi Nyakudya on the song ‘Mutichengete.’

“That album with six tracks paved the way for me to become a full time gospel and in 2025 I recorded my second album ‘Dzisiri Nyasha,’ featuring Mathias Mhere on the song ‘Unstoppable.’ which reached over 10k views on YouTube and Kudzi Nyakudya on the song ‘Mutichengete.’

“I recorded two single tracks last year namely ‘Mai Nodza’ featuring Sir Gono, a jiti gospel song, and ‘Mundiwone’ a gospel song.

“This year I am expecting to release a new album titled ‘Mhinduro Hainonoke’ featuring Obert Chari, Tindo Ngwazi and Castor Vhengere.”

Phiri said balancing life and his calling has required discipline and sacrifice.

“I always try to make a balance in both my music and my life through hardworking.

“I wake up early every morning going to work and working for my survival and my career also.

“I take half of my salary and I used it for music and the other half I use it for basic needs.

“That is how I manage my life as an artist.”