My glory days are back: Shumba

Tawanda Marwizi Arts Correspondent
Mutare-based gospel musician Blessing Shumba is on cloud nine following the release of his latest album “NdiJesu”.
His 2012 release “Shongwe” had a lukewarm response following the emergence of another gospel musician Mathias Mhere.Shumba announced his return last month with the release of “NdiJesu”, which is fast gaining popularity on the airwaves.

The “Mufaro” singer said since the launch of the album he has been getting massive support including promoters who wanted him for shows.

“I have to be honest with you, the new album has received a warm welcome and we have some promoters who have called us to preach in different places,” he said.

The musician said he was not competing with anyone but to preach the word of God.

“In most cases people would want to compare artistes, especially gospel, but we are just preachers,” he said. The musician gave a well polished act at the show held over the weekend at Max Village where more than 400 people attended.

Songs from his new album including “Nyaradzai Vanhu”, “Kutenda Chii?”, “Chimwe ne Chimwe” and “Usachema-chema” are popular among his fans.

The musician almost turned the event into a church service as he preached before he performed the songs.

“The album will be accompanied by a DVD that is expected to be released in December, but we want to take our time when shooting the videos as we want to produce a quality project,” he said.

Shumba, who rose to stardom after the release of his debut album “Ishe Wazvose” in 2008, has four albums up his sleeve.

He became a force to reckon with on the local showbiz circuit in 2011 after his song “Mufaro” from the award-winning album “NdiMwari” that was number two on Radio Zimbabwe Coca-Cola Pimped Up and Ride Top 50.