Online Reporter
H-Metro Reporters
WHAT really is influencing Baba Harare to make another career U-turn?
His dramatic return to Jiti music, after a year of gospel music, has triggered suspicion that his marriage might be on the rocks amid dwindling income levels.
Despite the musician’s public denial, his associates suggested that Baba Harare’s wife influenced the decision to choose a “cleaner” path, away from secular music.
However, Baba Harare attributed the switch to a spiritual calling received during a sold-out show in Australia last year.
But, those within his circle insisted the main reason was that his wife wanted a better image of Baba Harare, as a married man, given the way his Jiti stage work and lyrics had heavy sexual connotations.
The riches of secular music were outweighed by what the wife expected of her husband and this forced his hand in his decision to turn to the gospel genre.
Baba Harare has, in recent days, been using his Facebook page to subtly ridicule the decisions made over the past year.
And, to some analysts, this suggests that his marriage could be on the rocks.
It all started with a bombshell statement.
“Good morning Jiti family. Shoko rakasvika. I am coming back to assume my rightful throne. Hazviite kuti musare musina baba. Album loading…,” he said.
The recent posts are being viewed as a public denouncement of his decisions to take a career U-turn in the first place.
In one such post, Baba Harare said:
“Maindisiya ndichipfeka madish towel? Jiti family hamusi right kana tazogara.”
He was jokingly saying that the move to gospel music was not a smart one, mocking the clothes he wore for gospel videos.
Some analysts say this sounds like an veiled attack on his wife who has been the person closest to him and had a ringside seat, and possibly influence, in the kind of clothes Baba Harare was wearing.
Amid a flurry of comments from the audience, Baba Harare then wrote a longer post highlighting the problems he faced as a gospel musician.
“This might sound controversial but it comes from my heart and from my own experience.
“For the past year, I’ve been on hiatus from secular shows and performing exclusively at gospel events.
“As a Christian, as someone who is part of this community, I feel I have every right to speak on this.
“I’ve been blessed to experience both worlds − the secular stage and the gospel stage. From a ministerial perspective, gospel concerts are powerful. They spread the Word, they win souls, and they glorify God.
“But from a business perspective, it’s a different story, and I would not advise any upcoming artist to rely exclusively on gospel shows.
“Here’s why: too many times I’ve been booked to minister at church events and conferences, only to struggle afterwards to recover even my basic expenses.
“Often, people hide under the idea that because you’re ministering for the Kingdom, payment ‘shouldn’t matter.’ But let’s be honest.
“I am not only a Christian, I am also a human being and an artist. This is my work, my livelihood, and I need to survive beyond the stage.
“In the secular industry, I’ve never once had an issue with payment. In the gospel industry, it happens far too often.
‘If we really want the gospel genre to grow, to travel, and to stand strong, we need to treat gospel artists with dignity and fairness. This is not just ‘singing.’ It is ministry, but it is also a business.”
He added:
“Let me give you a recent example. On Friday, I went to minister at a church (see flyer attached). I didn’t charge them a performance fee. All I asked for was a token of US$200 to cover my fuel and expenses.
“Instead of being met with understanding, I was met with rudeness. Suddenly, I was no longer a ‘brother in Christ,’ but mocked and called a ‘comrade.’
“This is not Kingdom behaviour. This is not how we build each other. And it’s one of the reasons the gospel industry struggles to move forward − lack of respect, lack of accountability, and non-payment of artists.
“I’m not posting this to attack anyone, but to spark a real conversation. We don’t talk about this enough. If you’re a promoter, a church, or an organizer, please − do better. Honour your word. Respect the artist. Support the ministry in every sense.
“Chandisvota is the lying and giving me the run-around. Since Saturday, kwakuzotaura chando today. Shame on those who exploit others in the name of Christ. Let’s do better as a community.”
In the ensuing discussions, Baba Harare added:
“P.S. ma artist eku gospel mazhinji vanofira yekunzi muKristu haadaro. But kuno tinodaro manje…”
And when someone asked Baba Harare to remain focused on gospel, the musician was brutal.
“Ralph Nleya huya ubhadhare mabills angu inini ndoita focus nezvekunamata.”
