Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu , [email protected]
AFTER spending the last two years building a strong following in Bulawayo, Gweru-based gospel vocal ensemble Inspired Music Acappella is finally bringing the spotlight back home as it prepares to launch its extended play (EP), #RoadTo10.
The launch marks a significant milestone for the vocal group as it reflects on nearly a decade of ministry, growth, challenges and triumphs.
The project serves as a musical summary of the ensemble’s journey ahead of its 10th anniversary celebrations in 2027.
For many followers of the group, the return to Gweru carries special significance.
Inspired Music Acappella had effectively made Bulawayo its second home in recent years, frequently hosting performances and major events in the City of Kings.
Their relationship with Bulawayo was cemented when they chose the city as the launchpad for their debut album, a move that helped broaden their audience and establish a loyal fan base in the country’s second-largest city.
Now, with #RoadTo10, the group is coming full circle by taking the celebrations back to where much of their story began.
Speaking about the project, the ensemble’s executive director and baritone singer, Lionel Zifungo, described the EP as a reflection of their collective experiences over the years.
“Based on our experiences during the road to 10 years of ministry, 2027 we’ll be celebrating our 10th anniversary, therefore #RoadTo10 EP is the journey in summary leading us to 10 years,” said Zifungo.
The five-track offering features songs that touch on themes of faith, perseverance, prayer, grief, hope and God’s sovereignty.
The tracks are “Mweya Mutsvene,” “Pfugama Unamate,” “Vuma,” “Kozowa Riini,” and “Uyinkosi.”
According to Zifungo, the songs are deeply personal and rooted in real-life experiences encountered by members of the group throughout their ministry.
“During our ten years in ministry as individuals we faced challenges at a personal level and also witnessed God’s blessings at a personal level as well. It then inspired the writing of our songs. You will find that the songs are experience-based, from a person at a point of trauma and grief, such as ‘Kozowa Riini’ and ‘Pfugama Unamate’ , to a person proclaiming God’s supreme power in ‘Uyinkosi,” he explained.
Among the tracks, ‘Pfugama Unamate’ holds particular emotional significance for Zifungo, who revealed the song was born during one of the most distressing moments of his life.
“One personal experience I can share is Pfugama Unamate. It is a song I wrote when my dad had been involved in an accident. The phones were off and there was no one to update me on his wellbeing. I was stressed while at work. I knelt down and the only thing I could do was sing a tune in my head and write down the words. That’s where the line, ‘Zveupenyu kana zvaoma, pfugama unamate’ came from,” he said.
The story behind the song is likely to resonate with many listeners who have experienced moments of uncertainty and helplessness, reinforcing the group’s reputation for creating music that speaks to everyday struggles through a faith-centred lens.
The EP launch will coincide with Inspired Music Acappella’s annual winter concert, an event that has become one of the ensemble’s signature fixtures. Interestingly, the winter concert has been hosted in Bulawayo for the past two years, making this year’s edition another symbolic homecoming for the group.
Over the years, Inspired Music Acappella has distinguished itself through rich harmonies, powerful vocal arrangements and a commitment to spreading messages of hope and spiritual encouragement. Their music blends contemporary gospel influences with traditional acappella elements, creating a sound that appeals to audiences across generations.
The ensemble boasts a talented lineup comprising Lionel Zifungo (baritone), Solace Mugwira (lead), Blessing Nhika (second tenor), Alpha Nyathi (second tenor), Emmanuel Matambo (lead), Chrispen Nyamapfeni (bass), Yenzilenkosi Kwenda (second tenor), Lawrence Gamana (first tenor), Tanaka Mashowa (bass), Uzile Mkwananzi (lead), Lowson Makwanya (first tenor) and Kudzaishe Sibanda (baritone).
As the group edges closer to its 10-year milestone, #RoadTo10 serves as both a celebration and a testimony. It chronicles a decade of personal and spiritual growth while offering listeners an intimate glimpse into the experiences that have shaped the ensemble’s music and ministry.
For Inspired Music Acappella, the journey to a decade in ministry is not merely about longevity but about faith, resilience and purpose. And as they return to their home city to unveil their latest project, the ensemble appears poised to enter its next chapter with renewed gratitude, reflection and anticipation for what lies ahead. – Follow on X @MbuleloMpofu
