Mhere and Bhebhe in collabo

Desire Ncube —
Popular gospel musician Mathias Mhere has roped in South African based Joyous Celebration choir member Mkhululi Bhebhe and music legend Zexie Manatsa for his forthcoming 12-track album — ‘Old Testament’. The album is set to be launched on March 4, 2017 at the 7 Arts Theatre in Avondale, Harare.

The South African-based Bhebhe added his midas touch on the song ‘Vana VaJesu’, which according to Mhere, tells the story of God’s children who always triumph in every situation because with God all things are possible.

The ‘Favour’ hit-maker told The Sunday Mail Religion that it was joyous to work with Bhebhe on the song which promises to be a gospel hit.

“I rate the forthcoming album as one of my best. When you have travelled a long journey you should look back and reflect on what you have done and how you have done it. That’s how one can realise his or her mistakes and correct them, that is what I have done on this project.

“I can admit that we were losing track but we went back patakarasikira (where we went astray) and now we are moving forward.

“We finished recording the song and I am happy that I had an opportunity to work with Bhebhe, a renowned artiste. I am confident that by working with him, more Zimbabwean songs will penetrate the international market.”

Speaking from his South Africa base, the 32-year-old Bhebhe said he was honoured to collaborate with Mhere, whom he described as a respected gospel musician.

“It is always an honour working with other artistes and Mathias is one of the artistes I respect in the music industry.

“I have a great feeling that this is going to be one of the most successful collaborations I have done so far,” he said. Mhere said his sixth album would be put to bed in the following days ahead of the official launch.

“We are now putting final touches on the forthcoming album, we are progressing well. My producer Lyton Ngolomi created a new beat called “Lingo” which has the potential to add diversity to my songs.

“The launch will feature artists that include Sebastian Magacha, Baba Mechanic Manyeruke, Bethany Pasinawako-Ngolomi, Fungisai Zvakavapano-Mashavave, Timothy Ngwenya from England and Vabati VaJehova,” he said.

‘Old Testament’ will feature songs titled ‘Era’, ‘Dhindindi Full Time’, ‘Kudada Naye’, ‘Chizoro’, ‘Judas Iscariot’ and ‘Munyaradzi’, among others.

Albums under Mhere’s sleeve are ‘Tinoda Nyasha’, ‘Anoita Minana’, ‘Nguva YeNyasha’, ‘Glory to Glory’ and ‘Double Double’.