Andrew
Pastor Patience Chigumira, a Zimbabwean-born gospel songstress who is based in Canada recently released a five-track Extended Play (EP) titled “Sweet Holy Spirit”. Popularly known as Minister Patience, the musician did a collaboration with South African gospel artiste Gundo “Gundo Gee” Ramavhoya, on one of the songs. Gundo Gee, who works with up-and-coming artistes, started an online competition which helps musicians who want to record. In 2021, Minister Patience released a four-track EP titled “Makanaka”, which had a four-track music video compilation. Songs on the project include “Ancient of Days”, “You are Holy” and “My Salvation”. Our Senior Reporter, Tendai Chara (TC), recently had a chat with Minister Patience (MP). Here are some excerpts from the interview. Read on . . .
TC: What have you been up to since you dropped your last project?
MP: I have been based in Nigeria for the past year, acquiring vocal lessons and working with the best producers behind some of our most loved gospel songs out of Africa.
TC: Can you tell us about the Nigerian experience?
MP: It has been invigorating and I am looking forward to integrating it more with the Zimbabwe music experience. I have been praying for that opportunity. In Nigeria, I have been taking singing lessons and meeting some of that country’s top gospel music producers. I met Eezee Conceptz, who produced for Nigerian superstars Mercy Chinwo and Judikay. I also met Sunny Pee, who produced Ekueme to name, but a few.
TC: Tell us about the five songs on ‘Sweet Holy Spirit’. What are you singing about?
MP: The Extended Play is dedicated to the Holy Spirit, hence the title “Sweet Holy Spirit”. I felt that this would be a great way of laying a solid foundation for a powerful and anointed worship experience that anyone can tap into while doing personal devotions. The EP is great to play when you really need to step into the throne room of grace.
“We Praise You” will usher you into the courts of heaven in thanksgiving and praise. The Holy Spirit gave me the melody on one of my morning devotions when I went out for a walk. “Tenzi Taungana” will call all the parts of your being to gather and focus on Jesus — body, mind and spirit. I grew up on this hymn at Inner-city United Methodist Church in Mutare. I loved our worship chants as they brought me a sense of calmness and peace in the presence of the Lord.
“Ndiye” will lead your body, mind and spirit to respect, bow down and worship the only righteous one, Jesus. We used to sing this song often at our morning devotionals at St David’s Girls High School Bonda.
This melody is part of my identity and it had to be part of my EP collection. “They That Wait” sums up my whole existence so far. All the battles and challenges of life find their solution in this melody. Whatever it is that you are going through, the answer lies in trusting the Lord and waiting on his time.
He will give the strength to endure while you wait on his time. “Sweet Holy Spirit” is about acknowledging the Holy Spirit, surrendering all to Him.
TC: When are you going to finally meet and interact with your Zimbabwean fans?
PM: I am waiting for the right opportunity and time.
Online Reporter