admin“Music is something which was in me since childhood, it’s something which is more of a calling than a career,” he said.
Israel said his passion for music began in the 1980s and he continued to pursue his interest by learning to play different musical instruments.
“I was brought up in a Christian home with the values I got from my family and I decided to channel my talent to gospel music, which was a fusion of mbira and conventional instruments to produce a unique type of music,” he said.
Israel said growing up performing in church boosted his confidence to perform in front of huge crowds.
“The exposure I got actually encouraged me to learn mbira for professional performances as I felt that I had the potential to introduce a different type of music,” he said.
Israel said before he enrolled for the mbira lessons, he never enjoyed listening to mbira music as it was associated with traditional ceremonies only.
“When I grew up, I never enjoyed listening to mbira music as we associated it with traditional ceremonies but my passion for music later changed that belief,” he said.
Israel said he drew his inspiration from music icons Chiwoniso Maraire and Thomas Mapfumo.
“I felt it was necessary to introduce mbira into the gospel music and a lot of Christians are slowly accepting that mbira is also an instrument that can be used in any religion,” he said.
Israel said it took him less than six months to be able to play two types of mbira and these are nhare and nyunganyunga.
“I was able to play mbira in less than six months because I was thirsty for the instrument and I wanted to know everything within a short space of time.”
Israel said Umfazo was his first recorded project in 2003 and his song Qha was an instant hit on radio.
“Qha was a hit from Umfazo and a lot of people think that was my first and last album. I managed to record the second album which was called
Umhaso,” he said.
Israel said his two albums were failed by poor marketing as his music was not taken to all the record bars countrywide.
“The challenges I faced in the music industry forced me to do music part- time as I am also a visual artist.
“I have approached big artistes for assistance in marketing my works, but they were not willing to help,” he said.
Israel said most of his shows are held in different churches that have overwhelmingly embraced his music.
“I have been getting some invites to perform in different churches and I am pleased as a lot of people are slowly embracing my afro gospel music,” he said.
Online Reporter