‘It’s good for us’

Entertainment Editor
Is it a coincidence that Diva Mafunga and Leonard Zhakata both chose the title “Zvangu Zvaita” for their first albums after joining the same church, United Family International? Mafunga released his album early this year and it became his first release after joining the church.

Zhakata, who joined the church this year released his new album last week and gave it the same title.

While Mafunga says the title of his album was a celebration of success that he was enjoying in life since joining UFIC, Zhakata says he just chose a title from a song that had become popular with fans.

It seems both musicians have something to celebrate about their new faith since the title “Zvangu Zvaita” reflects someone happy about getting something important after a long search.

Although the musicians work together on various church projects including a birthday song for their church leader Emmanuel Makandiwa that was released recently, Zhakata says he did not know Mafunga had an album with the title “Zvangu Zvaita”.

However, it is not an offence under copyright law to have an album with the same name with a previous release.

The fascinating irony is the striking similarity of the musicians’ situations and messages.

Zhakata says it was a coincidence that the albums have the same title.

“One of the songs on the album has some lyrics with that phrase. The song was popular when we sampled it to our fans and we decided to take the title from that phrase,” said Zhakata.

However, on the song in question, the musician sings of how he has found new light and life that have brought success to his life.

Although it is not purely gospel, Zhakata’s album is laden with fruitful message and has indications the musician has been influenced by the gospel of prosperity usually preached at his church.

He also encourages love and hard work. Zhakata made headlines after Makandiwa told him that he would become a pastor in the church.

Some traits of preaching are evident in the new release.

On the other hand, Mafunga who joined the church before Zhakata says his version of “Zvangu Zvaita” was inspired by developments in his life.

Mafunga leads the music department in the church and is a section leader of the church’s sect in Chitungwiza.

Mafunga was given a car by Makandiwa as a blessing to facilitate the work of God that he was assigned to do.

“I sang ‘Zvangu Zvaita’ because God has blessed me in a big way. I have achieved a lot since I got blessings from the man of God and I am not ashamed to say I am now successful because of a religious choice that I made,” said Mafunga.

“I have been busy with many church assignments since I am now fully into church ministry work. I do not regret making that decision because it has brought many changes in my life.”

Mafunga’s eight-track album carries tracks like “Usafunganya”, “Makorokoto”, “Ndatenda” and “Ngoni Dzerwendo”.

Zhakata’s seven-track album has songs that include “Ishe Anesu”, “Dhonza Makomborero”, “Rutendo Kunashe” and “Wakamirira Vamwe”.