Prophet turns to sungura music

Fungai Lupande 

Mash Central Bureau 

A prophet with Johanne Masowe eChishanu Nyeredzi Nomwe Apostolic sect has turned to sungura music to preach the gospel of humility and love. 

While sungura may seem an unconventional genre for Apostolic sect members, Tafadzwa Saidi (38), said his church and family were supportive of his venture into music. 

Saidi, a powerful vocalist at church, recounts having a series of dreams in 2011 where he would perform on stage to the delight of fans. 

“I am a powerful singer and when I start singing at church, congregants enter into a higher realm. When the dreams started, I had no idea that one day I would be a musician,” he said. 

In 2013, during a visit to Mabelreign, he attended Sulumani Chimbetu’s rehearsals and was encouraged by the Dendera  musician, who recognised his talent and directed him to Gramma Studios. 

At Gramma, he met producer Tymon Mabaleka, who was impressed with his voice and invited him for a recording session. 

Despite the studio’s busy schedule, Saidi, along with his band Zvarema Squad, recorded their first six-track album, Zvaremarema, at Diamond Studios. 

Admitting to his lack of experience in the music industry, Saidi composed the album as an amateu 

His husky voice sounds like the late Tongai Moyo “Dhewa” on some of the songs. 

Although he emulated Dhewa’s music, Saidi said it was merely a similarity of voices. 

The first album had several songs that included “Mwari Anotida”, “Baba Vangu”, and “Zvaremarema”. However, the album “Mazuva Ekurarama” did not do well due to poor marketing.  

He also composed a song, “Akutsvinyira Akupa Makomborero” for his sister, Mary, who was going through a divorce. 

“The journey was not easy because I did not have instruments and I had to borrow.  The experience became the title of the first album. 

“However, due to poor marketing, my first album did not do well,” he said. 

Undeterred by the initial setback, he released his second six-track album in 2021 title “Vanondigara Dare”, followed by another six-track album, “Rudo Haruchemberi”, the following year. 

These releases prompted him to explore social media platforms such as TikTok to promote his work, which was well-received by fans. 

Having last performed live in 2017, Saidi wants to buy new instruments before resuming shows. 

This year, he released a single track, “Kufa Kunongouya”, focusing on themes of compassion and humility. 

His wish is to collaborate with Sulu Chimbetu. 

“Sulumani identified my talent and guided my first steps.  He invites me to his shows so that I can learn more,” he said. 

“Paradzai Mesi, Aleck Macheso and Mark Ngwazi are some of the artistes I wish to work with.”