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FORGET Mathias Mhere’s controversies for a while, even his latest tiff with rising music producer Munya Viya of Vialy Studios, and focus on his latest release.
The gospel musician’s most recent offering “Double Double” comes as a bold statement of intent. The 10-track album, whose beats range from jit, Afro-jazz and sungura is not only instrumentally captivating but also lyrically rich.
The project easily puts to cot doubts on the “Favour” hit-maker’s longevity in the cut-throat music industry.
Already, songs like “Double Double”, “Kesari” “Makorokoza muChurch” and “Nhava Yebebenzi” are getting good airplay and generating healthy interest around the country. His previous offering “Glory to Glory” was equally good but was thwarted somehow by a domestic scandal that the musician may or may have not deliberately created. Hate him or like him, Mhere is proving that his future in the industry is bright, his songs are easy to the ear.
The musician has a placid way of narrating and relating day-to-day issues in different parables. His superb use of poignant vernacular idioms further helps the message to appeal to the soul. However, Mhere’s major shortcoming is evident in two of his songs on the album.
In trying to create a distinct sound, the musician borrows resonance from his previous projects. Though every artiste has a signature timbre, that should not smother creativity. lngenuity must never be limited to a particular sound. Lessons can easily be learnt from veterans Dr Oliver Mtukudzi and Dr Thomas Mapfumo, who have shown how this can be done over the decades.
However despite that shortcoming, “Double Double” is a decent effort that deserves attention. The album opens with the title track “Double Double”. In the song, the musician preaches the message of hope, perseverance and the importance of prayer in life. Mhere aptly reveals that through faith, even the tightest of predicaments can easily be turned to glory.
According to the musician, the album title was inspired by the need to reveal that when the Almighty rewards, he does so abundantly, “kaviri kaviri”.
Track number two “Makorokoza muChurch”, is a follow-up to the opening song. In the track, Mhere warns those who are in the habit of praying for divine intervention but abandons and disregards God’s commandments as soon as they strike big.
While going through the ten-track album, one will discover another interesting aspect of Mhere’s art. The artiste is vocally gifted. His intonation is on point and is appositely supported by backing vocalists that include Talent Chigwana, Martha Anibal and Sharon Manyonganise.
Mhere has the rare ability of switching from low to high notes in the same song without any strain as evidenced on the song “Elijah naMwari”.
His use of diverse beats has also guaranteed that he caters for different tastes with ease.
“Jatrofa” is a danceable but laid back track that dwells on the tenets of the 10 commandments. In the song, Mhere highlights that it is important for people to work hard in creating a good relationship with the creator than focusing on building earthly material that is not eternal.
He also sings on the importance of tolerance in the song “Nhava Yebenzi”. The track advocates for people to accept and pray for solutions to life’s predicaments. The song notes that some evil comes disguised as blessings thus caution and due diligence is crucial in every circumstance regardless of the perceived glitter.
On the last track “Zimbabwe”, Mhere displays the epitome of creativity. The composition is a gospel and or tourism song that focuses on the country’s various attractions. ln the refreshing song, the artiste sings of the various natural resources. He says their allure is good enough to guarantee smiles despite the nation’s myriad of challenges.
The other tracks on the album include “Nhau yaNoah”, “Chanza” and “Simba”.
In an interview with this publication last week, Mhere said his music is inspired by the day-to-day life of an ordinary man on the street.
“I look for the Bible verse that can address current situations. For example in the song “Nhau yaNoah”, I talk of issues that happened some years back but still relating to the present situation.
“Some feel I put too many songs on the album but I think it’s good. All the tracks are related in a way. I have much to spread to the people, which I cannot do in a single or few songs. But if my fans want me to reduce the tracks, I will comply,” he said.
Mhere added that he is not into gospel music for fame.
“The idea is to minister through music and not to look for fame. I wish that my music will be able to change or help transform lives,” said the musician, adding, “… that is why we adopt different styles on each project. We want to gratify every taste.”
Mhere’s discography also includes “Tinoda Nyasha” (2008), “Anoita Minana” (2012) and “Nguva Yenyasha” (2013).
Online Reporter