adminLaura Maposa and Faith Mandizha
MINISTER Micheal Mahendere wants to set up a recording studio for gospel artists and a radio station which only plays this genre.
He is set to launch a global fundraising campaign for the projects as part of the celebrations for his 40th birthday.
“In the next three months, my fans and friends in Zimbabwe, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States of America, Canada, Australia and other countries in the world have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to participate in an impactful celebration-cum-fundraising campaign,” he told a media conference in Harare yesterday.
“Gospel programmes are only played on Sunday.
“We do not have enough air play and this is what pushed me into launching a gospel radio station.
“The establishment of a recording studio at Michael House in the heart of Harare shall inspire up-and-coming local, regional and international artists to strive for higher and original forms of artistic achievement through quality recordings,” he said.
He said the gospel radio station would also provide an opportunity for the publicity and marketing of music and the arts locally and internationally.
He said he was inspired by the late Oliver Mutukudzi, who conquered the music industry, at home and abroad.
Mahendere said he had an opportunity to visit Pakare Paye, which Mutukudzi built in Norton, and said he sometimes imagines himself as the late superstar.
“The Direct Worship live equipment which covers stage equipment, sound system and LED screens shall enhance local touring events to world-class status and enable the hiring of this equipment to generate revenue to fund recordings for budding artists.
“The campaign for the three major projects for 2023, running under the theme ‘Building a Heritage of Excellence’, is being carried out in partnership with Urbane Create as the official campaign agency.
“In addition, the successful implementation of the projects shall increase the appreciation, consumption and enjoyment of Zimbabwean and African music locally and internationally,” he added.
Fans, friends, leaders, corporates, churches and the public are invited to contribute to one of the biggest campaigns of this year to be hosted as a dinner and celebration event at the Golden Conifer in Harare on May 27.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter