admin
Jonathan Mbiriyamveka Entertainment Reporter
Saiwe Chimbetu hopes to make her way up the music ladder without clinging to her late father’s coat tail. The 26-year-old daughter of the late dendera maestro Simon Chimbetu has released a new album titled “Simba Rekutenda” and says she started a career in music in search of salvation.
“I’ve got a new album out and it is my second. I want to be a standalone artiste and create my own brand of music although I still sing dendera music fused with a bit of rhumba,” Saiwe said.
Still learning music instruments, Saiwe prides herself in having one of the unmistakable voices in Dendera music. She smiles, talks and yes, ululates just like the late veteran singer.
“I don’t want to take anything away from my late father but he did his part and now its my turn to show my spirituality through music. The other guys (family members) can go ahead with my father’s dendera but I’m for gospel,” she said.
Asked if she would sing in pubs and nightclubs, Saiwe said her music was not for the world but the Kingdom of God.
“There is always something good in Christ and if the Lord says yes, I will perform anywhere but for now those who want to hear my music should come to my shows or to church. God saved me and now I want to minister his word through music,” she said.
Her debut album is titled “Shoko RaJehovah”, produced with help from her church – Christ Embassy in Harare and it features six tracks. However, the album was mostly sold among the churchgoers but fell far short of breaking into mainstream charts. And now with the seven-track album “Simba Rekutenda”, Saiwe hopes that her music will resonate well with gospel and Dendera music lovers alike.
“The new album is about the power of faith. It is for those who are seeking salvation, those who already celebrating salvation and success as well as those who are still looking for victory in all things.
“The Bible says faith is one of the important things you need to understand Christ,” she said.
On the album one of the tracks called “Sesemeri” was sung in KiSwahili something which her father used to do on most albums.
The album will be launched at Kingston House in Harare on Friday starting at 5.30pm.
Online Reporter