adminCourage Musariri Entertainment Reporter
WHEN one of the Mahendere Brothers, Michael, released his worship album, reports of family divisions surfaced.
The brothers stood and watched, as the rumour mill went into overdrive. With people expecting to see Michael alone on stage at his album launch two weeks ago, fans were shocked to see his elder brother Amos backing him.
“People came to the launch expecting to see Michael alone, but when they saw me doing the backing, they were shocked,” said Amos.
Contrary to media reports, the brothers are still together and are set to release a new album by the end of this month. The album is titled Rebirth.
Amos said the brothers have similar talents, but different callings.
“We all do vocals, we can sing, but above that we have different talents and calling. I sing and dance, Michael sings and plays the drums. Misheck can not only sing, but is also a talented guitarist. He started playing the guitar at the age of nine.
“My calling is singing praise songs, while Michael does worship songs, amazingly. That is why he did a worship CD and we supported him,” he said.
Amos also said they were now back to music business full time, as they had stopped doing shows in 2009 because they were tied up with other projects.
“We had a contract with binding contractual obligations and the contract has since expired and now our full attention is back to our music. We are doing finishing touches to our latest album due any time from now,” Amos said.
Misheck is said to be in South Africa where he is helping in the praise and worship team of Spirit Word Ministries which Prophet Kobus Van Rensburg runs.
Misheck, like his brother Amos, is a talented producer and musician. He also has to run his contract with the church and as soon as he is done, he will rejoin his brothers.
Amos has nurtured the talents of his young brothers from a tender age. He taught them how to play instruments and even booked classes for them under a number of great guitar players.
“I used to go to shows and ask for favours from prominent musicians to help my brothers,” he said.
The brothers were in Bulawayo last Saturday where they gave a powerful show at a Gospel Extravaganza held at Textile Mills.
They made up for the four-year absence, by giving their fans an exceptional show with old and new songs.
Amos said the album Rebirth talks of the group’s come back on the music scene. It is a 10-track album, which features gospel rhumba songs. It brings out the best of Amos and company as they dance for the Lord.
On the album, the brothers hired the services of a Democratic Republic of Congo musician to give their music a rhumba flair.
One song that will entice fans is Mukadzi waPortifa, which was sung at the extravaganza and had fans screaming.
The album is not for sale but will be given to churches. The group hopes to make money from live shows.
“We won’t be selling the CDs, but will give them to fans and churches for free. I am sure some churches will sell and benefit from proceeds, which is not bad compared to having someone pirating our music,” said Amos.
He encouraged gospel musicians to be original with their music and stop imitating gurus such as Baba Charles Charamba or foreign artistes.
Online Reporter