adminEdgar Moyana Christian Entertainment
There are many factors that work together in moulding musicians to play their role effectively as teachers, entertainers and role models in society. In the case of upcoming Zimbabwean gospel artiste Kudakwashe Chiwamira, his interest in music began when he became a Christian in 2008.
The 21-year-old has set his eyes on influencing society through music.
How he became an artiste is what makes an inspiring reading as it shows the power of the gospel in changing lifestyles, tastes and interests. It also shows how artistes can preach and entertain through song and dance.
Speaking during an interview, Kudakwashe said his interest in music manifested itself during his high school days from 2005 to 2009 when he enjoyed secular entertainment.
During that time he composed only dancehall music.
“I used to write dancehall when I was at school. Because I didn’t have money, I couldn’t record. I gave my life to Christ in 2008 and by 2009 I decided to change my music to gospel,” said Kudakwashe.
His conversion to Christianity propelled him to realise his potential as a minister of the Word through music. To this end, he decided to use music to preach the gospel of salvation.
The decision to continue with his conscious reggae beat was influenced by his love for the genre and also his knowledge that the crowd which supported him when he still wrote secular dancehall songs could see the light of God which had shone into his life.
Kudakwashe said he also drew inspiration and motivation from his family, particularly his father and mother who both loved and supported his music.
“I get so much support from my family. Since I started recording last year, my dad takes my music for his ringtones. When my album ‘Inyasha’ was out he took the sleeve, enlarged it and put it in a frame.
“My mum also supports me. I love it when visitors come home and she gives them my CDs. They all support me and I thank God for such parents,” he said.
He said he gained additional support from established artistes such as Alexio Kawara who gave his music career an early push.
“When I became a Christian, it was difficult for me to write a single gospel song, but this changed when I met and spoke with Alexio at a business forum at HICC. He told me that I was a musician and that switching my music to gospel needed not be a problem. That gave the strength and encouragement I needed.”
He added that he was also inspired by Zimbabwean gospel musician Fungisai Zvakavapano-Mashavave while on the international scene he derived inspiration from Jamaican reggae artiste Richie Spice.
Titled “Inyasha”, Kudakwashe’s first album was recorded last and boats 12 praise and worship songs.
Among these tracks are “Inyasha” (the title track), Ndakachengetwa”, “Mufudzi Wangu”, “Lets Praise”, “Zita Renyu”, “More than Conquer” and “From the Dust”.
His forthcoming album, set for release this month, is titled “Ndinovimba Nemi” and carries tracks such as “Mbiri Nerukudzo”, “Ndovimba Nemi”, “Musipo” and “Mabasa Angu”.
“As gospel artistes we sing the word of God and we inspire the world to give thanks and praise to God. The Word is sharper than any double-edged sword and to those who listen, understand and do what it says their lives are changed for the better,” said Kudakwashe.
He said music played a huge role in people’s lives and that explained why anything said by popular artistes usually melted quickly into people’s daily conversations. He said this indicated how the message in gospel music can bring positive change among people.
All in all, Kudakwashe’s music is a result of many different motivating and inspiring factors which have helped produce the artiste that he is today.
To explain this idea, he said the lyrics on his song “Ndakachengetwa” spoke about the difficulties he experienced and how God helped his family.
“Things were tough for my family, but God heard our prayers. I am one living testimony of God’s power. By now I could be blind on my left eye had it not been for God’s power which saved me.
“In 2009, I needed an eye operation but the problem was that we had no money to have it done. But to my surprise, one morning I just woke up to discover that my left eye had been healed. After my recovery no operation was needed,” said Kudakwashe.
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