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Ruth Butaumocho Entertainment Editor
Zimbabwe’s gospel landscape is set to change following the formation of a 50-member star-studded gospel choir, in addition to two others that are already in existence.
It joins the Celebration Choir and the Joseph Madziyire-led ZimPraise Choir, which recently recorded a live DVD. Running under the name, “Xtreme Afrique”, the inter-denominational choir will house some of the big names in the musical sector which include Mathias Mhere, Lyton Ngolomi, Innocent Shumbahuru, Bethany Pasinawako, Rumbidzai Zvirikuzhe and Agartha Murudzwa, who are renowned gospel musicians.
Moulded along the lines of big other regional choirs, like the South African Joyous Celebration, Xtreme Afrique will also incorporate raw talent from different social groups, with a strong passion for preaching the word through music.
In the last two weeks, representatives of the group have been on the road, scouting for talented artistes in different churches across Zimbabwe, and will continue to do so, until they are satisfied with the numbers as well as the quality of the artistes to fit in this highly ambitious project.
Spokesperson of Xtreme Afrique, Ngolomi who doubles as a producer and a musician, said the group was borne out of the need to widen the scope of gospel music, which at the moment was largely contemporary and did not include many variables available in music.
“We want to mould a product that our local people can identify with. We are saying yes, we are singing gospel music, but there is nothing that should stop us from creating an African beat, through the use of different instruments.
“At the end of the day, we are looking at a product that will appeal to different social groups and still be able to preach an effective message on God’s glory,” he said.
Ngolomi added that although they were still fine tuning the choir, they will soon embark on road shows to showcase the group.
Xtreme Afrique joins similar other local groups that include the ZimPraise Choir that has featured the likes of Sabastian Magacha, Lloyd Tevedzai, Tembalami and the Celebration Choir.
Online Reporter