adminIn an interview recently, the 35-year-old Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) church elder said his music was a reflection of how he was brought up and he got his inspiration from Don Williams.
“My music although it is gospel, reflects my background, but I am inspired by Don Williams. My music is a fusion of gospel and country. I have started with a single just to test the waters, but I am working on a 21-track album which should be out before the end of this year,” said Rimayi.
He attributed the delay of his entry into full time music to challenges that he faced in life, but said he was into the industry to stay.
“It took me time to record my single due to a number of challenges that I faced. The problems range from funding to a lack of exposure. I have done shows before a huge crowd outside Zimbabwe and that has given the motivation to record my first project,” he said.
At first I had no instruments, but other church members helped me because they believed I was supposed to take my music to another level. I used to be in the church choir directing all the proceedings to do with music. I would often compose songs that the choir sang and many church members including pastors used to tell me that I should take music seriously.”
Rimayi said he decided to pursue music as a career after he met Rebecca Malope during one of his shows in South Africa.
“I went to South Africa in 2010 and held a musical show in Johannesburg where I met Rebecca Malope. The talented songbird encouraged me to take music as a career and from there I never looked back. I have been doing other things but I have since decided to concentrate on music. I was privileged to meet professional people who pledged to help me in my projects and I can say so far I have a strong backing. I have also obtained a diploma in musicology with a local college here,” he said.
He, however, noted that many gospel fans had become accustomed to music with danceable tunes, a situation that could leave artistes who sing soft gospel music at a disadvantage.
“Most songs that Adventists sing are normally of the choral type and not danceable tunes, which is a major challenge. However, we are starting to see both youth and elderly people accepting soft and worship songs ahead of secular or danceable gospel music. Here, some of us have found a niche and our survival is certain in the industry,” he said.
The single is entitled, Nobody’s Fault But Mine, which is the title track followed by Mhiri Kwerwizi.
Online Reporter