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THE Blessing Shumba-Mathias Mhere war rages on. This time it’s not the artistes who are warring but their fans and other music pundits who believe someone among the two renowned gospel artistes is not original but a copycat.
Shumba himself has proved beyond doubt, through his chart-buster album Holy Psalms Volume One, that without the controversial producer Lyton Ngolomi, he can be a better musician, music arranger and composer. His new album reveals Shumba’s artistic prowess, lyrical ingenuity and versatility.
On the other hand, Mathias Mhere, who was once branded Shumba’s copycat after his voice and beat on his two albums Anoita Minana and Nguva Yenyasha, is in March next year set to release a new eight-track album which will feature Oliver Mtukudzi.
Mhere reportedly dumped Ngolomi in October this year after the latter allegedly produced another artiste, Justice Chiware, with a similar voice, beat and instrument arrangement.
While some school of thought believes Mhere is not an original artiste but copies Blessing Shumba’s vocals and beats, Mhere, in an interview, said gospel music cannot be copied.
“It is like comparing two different Bible verses and criticising them against another. Yes, criticism has come and will always come, but I will remain focused because the biblical Paul and Peter faced it left, right and centre but they remained steadfast.
“We will continue singing for the Lord,” said Mhere.
His counterpart Shumba, as evasive as always, said although they rarely perform alongside each other because of distance, they were both musicians with one common cause — preaching the word of God.
“I don’t have a problem with him. I can’t comment on that issue. It might end up being sensitive. I am however overwhelmed by the listeners’ responses.
“It’s too good,” said the award-winning musician.
Olin Anderson, who co-produced Shumba’s album, said Shumba chose to be the main man in the making of the album, and the results came out perfectly.
“He had a different thinking on Holy Psalms. He took his time. He put his touch, artistic ingenuity and effort. He was spot-on. It was unlike on his previous albums where he would leave the producer to do most of the work,” said the seasoned producer.
One gospel fan from Dangamvura said Mathias Mhere’s potential and originality will be assessed on his forthcoming album, not from his previous works which were not original.
“We are yet to see Mhere’s artistic qualities. He rode on Shumba’s back using Ngolomi on his previous album, Nguva yeNyasha.
“The vocals and beats were the same and it was pretty difficult for most fans to really classify their music. We are anxiously waiting to see if he will come up with his own style just like Shumba did,” said Lynnet Chirunga.
A Sakubva fan, Taurai Mamvosha, said originality is a virtue most artistes are lacking.
He blamed most producers for prioritising money instead of working on producing unique products that help develop an artiste.
“Some musicians have signature beats that make every artiste who engages them victims. Mhere and Shumba had similar beats because they shared one producer who had a particular conventional beat.
“That Shumba started engaging Ngolomi first does not mean Mhere is a copycat. Producers and musicians must be versatile and creative,” he said.
Interestingly, veteran producers Bothwell Nyamhondera and the late Tymon Mabaleka, who recorded hoards of artistes for over two decades, rarely courted controversy regarding striking resemblance of beats and vocals.
“It creates competition. Mhere is a great composer who has a great voice and has never copied Shumba. Both artistes’ music is wonderful.
“We are happy that Shumba engaged fresh producers with fresh ideas and released a rather unique album with unique beats and voices.
“Now we are waiting to see what Mhere’s project will be like,” said Lona Saburi from Chigodora.
“Mhere should be original,” said an elderly music pundit, Cleopas Chiromo.
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Online Reporter