adminBrenda Phiri Entertainment Reporter
Local gospel choir Purple Pride Family will feature in a country music track “Country Roads” by United Kingdom-based artiste Warren Mandy that is set for release this week.
The collaboration has kept both artistes busy for the past three weeks as worked on it online.
“The artiste needed an African choir for his project and we were his choice after he heard our music. He wrote the song and sent it to us so that we could record our part.
“We completed our part on last Sunday and have since sent the recording for mastering. We are particularly excited about the release because it will be something new and exciting on the market,” said choir director Albert Mtengwa.
The song “Country Roads” explores the wonders of Zimbabwe while appealing for those in the Diaspora to remember their relatives back home. A Zimbabwean by birth, Mandy said he was impressed by the Purple Pride Choir’s music quality hence the idea for a collaboration.
“I have always loved Zimbabwe as my home country as I was born in a great nation. ‘Country Roads’ is a song that will not just bring me into the radios and rooms of Zimbabwe but (also) make people feel that their true home is Zimbabwe and want to be there,” said Mandy.
Mandy was born in Harare in 1964 and went overseas in 1986. Now an established country musician, writer, guitar and pipe player, he has worked with big names in the industry like producer Martin Smith who was the guitarist for 70s pop group ELO.
This will not be the first time that the 37 member choir’s music has had a hit on international platforms. UK radio station “Africa Calling” that is hosted by Cindy Barker has featured their music several times on their programmes.
Speaking on their success the choir director gave credit to hard work.
“We do not limit ourselves to specific styles since our vision is to reach to all groups of people including those beyond our borders. We use various genres and various voices but with one heart,” he said.
Online Reporter