Online Reporter
Langalihle Mhiti
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
IT takes courage, conviction and confidence for praise and worship singers to collaborate with artists often viewed as part of the secular world.
Only a few are willing to take that risk, especially during special events such as weddings, birthday anniversaries and graduations.
One such gospel star, who effortlessly bridges this divide is Evangelist Timothy Timothy, a former footballer-turned-musician.
Despite his strong Christian background, he has no qualms about working with artists perceived to be from the secular realm.
Tomorrow marks a defining moment for him as he celebrates a decade as a recording gospel artist at New Fantasyland Cinema 4 Hall in Harare, where several secular musicians are part of his line-up.
He will share the stage with trap musician Donator Calvins, known for “Dho Ratovharwa,” rising sungura artist Takesure Chari, and popular comedian and host Taurai Boora, also known as Gringo Junior.
Only seasoned praise and worship singer Bethen Pasinawako will represent the gospel community at the event, dubbed the “Muridzi weBhuku Festival,” named after his latest album.
This celebration coincides with his 38th birthday, making it a double occasion.
In an interview with Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub, Timothy expressed his desire to make history. “The concert is a celebration of my 10-year musical journey, and I wanted to do it in March, my birthday month,” he said.
“I have never hosted an event like this before and am excited to celebrate my 38th birthday through dance and song. It will be the first time I celebrate my birthday this way.
“I couldn’t have done this without Bethen Pasinawako Ngolomi, who has been there since day one along with her husband, the talented producer Lyton Ngolomi.
“They have been my pillars of support, and I celebrate with them, my fans, and not forgetting the man who encouraged me the most to pursue my dreams, Dr. BMC, a resident pastor at Star FM for nearly a decade now.”
When asked how he convinced some musicians from the secular world to be part of his celebration, he said: “I came up with a mixed bag of stars to cater to everyone, since I have fans who love sungura, trap music and, of course, comedy.
“Donator Calvins is one of the finest musicians appealing to the current generation, known as Ama2K, while Chari is one of the best sungura musician we have in the land.
“As for Gringo, we all know what he is capable of, and fans can only brace themselves for something they have never watched or seen before.
“With Bethen, she is a gospel singer but can sing to any beat, which makes our gathering unique. In my case, I always hang around with the so-called secular musicians, and some of these guys are actually prayer warriors when you think they are not born again.”
He added:
“In my case, it is advisable to collaborate with artists from other genres for the sake of variety.
“After all, we sing for the fans, and variety is what they need for their personal growth. I am glad that I am simply doing that for the sake of the industry.”
