adminBrenda Phiri Entertainment Reporter
Zim dancehall and afro-fusion music continue to rule the roost on the local entertainment scene. The genres have become so popular that most joints across the country host a variety of secular artistes each week.
Where does this leave gospel music? one might ask.
Gospel musicians have been struggling to hold concerts and it was no surprise when diva Marbel Madondo combined forces with Dereck Mpofu and comedian Richard Uncle Ritchie for a show at Old Mutual Alliance Francaise Theatre over the weekend.
The surprise, however, was her playlist. She sang only secular songs. “I am happy with the outcome of the show (over the weekend) and people will definitely be seeing more of that,” said the bubbly musician.
The singer spoke on her “secular music” venture and said while her upcoming solo projects would feature love songs, she was a gospel musician to the core.
“My calling is to bring people closer to God and each other. This is reflected in the music.
The love songs are not vulgar and can be dedicated to loved ones like mothers or daughters.
In fact, one of my songs “Ndafunga Iwe” is a dedication to my lovely daughters. I know people will think I’m contradicting myself as a gospel musician but that is not it,” she said.
The musician spoke passionately about how she is inspired by love but could not be easily drawn to reveal the source of the inspiration. She, however, said some of the love songs from the performance where taken off her upcoming solo project.
“Ndafunga Iwe” was on her debut album from 2012.
“Ok, you got me. I am in love,” she giggled. Just like the late diva Whitney Houston, Madondo performed in church from a tender age. She then joined her sister Jacqueline in the gospel girl group Vessels of Honour.
When her sister “Jackie” passed on over a decade ago she formed the Thousand Voices and Heart of David choirs.
Besides collaborations with other musicians over the past few years, she was part of the ZAOGA Braeside Forward in Faith Choir that broke onto the music scene a few months ago.
On her Facebook page, she describes herself as an urban/contemporary/rock fusion artiste.
Could Marbel be the next best vocalist to hit the entertainment industry? Let’s wait and see.
Online Reporter