Phitso does it again

Jonathan Mbiriyamveka Entertainment Reporter
South African-based Zimbabwean Philani “Phitso” Mhlanga has released his second album titled “Dream Again Zvinoita”. The eight-track gospel album is a follow up to his first album titled “NaJesu Tinosvika Chete” which did not do well due to poor marketing. “I want my music to reach out to as many people as possible. This is why I have done some sungura songs as well as praise and worship songs with a jazzy feel. My mission is to preach not to the converted only but also to the unconverted and at times it means giving people what they want for as long as the message is gospel,” Phitso said.

The 28-year-old singer is back home to market his latest album which he says is doing well across the Limpopo.
“So far the reception has been good in Cape Town from where I operate from. People seem to be enjoying my music and it’s been wonderful because that wasn’t the case with my first album,” he said.

A devout member of ZAOGA FIF church, Phitso said he sings gospel since he was brought up in church.
“I get inspiration from the church and I believe in the God of Baba (Ezekiel) Guti. So my aim is to reach out to people so that they can too can be blessed,” he said.

One of the themes on “Dream Again Zvinoita” is a call to Zimbabweans to remain united and also a reminder to those living in the diaspora not to forget their roots.

On the song “Matiregerera” Phitso asks God to forgive his people during times of famine and diseases. The song has a Tuku Music feel.
“Zvamunoona” has a mbira vibe and it talks about prayer. On the song Phitso says with God all things are possible while on “Zvinoita” which is the title track he suggests that people shouldn’t give up but have faith in the Lord.

Perhaps as a fan of the late sungura maestro Tongai Moyo, there is a song which he dedicates to teh “Naye” hitmaker.
Titled “Ibva Muroad”, the song is a typical sungura number which in a way remembers the late Dhewa who was one of the finest sungura musicians of our time.

But somehow Phitso does not forget those who suffer from such chronic diseases as cancer.
He says cancer was killing more people than HIV and that there was need to raise the awareness against the disease on the song “Chirwere”.
He also asks God to reveal the cure for cancer.

Phitso who is backed by a 13-member band has held shows in Cape Town alongside some of Zimbabwe top gospel artistes among them Pastor Charles Charamba and his wife as well as Blessing Shumba.