adminLiberty Dube Entertainment Correspondent
GOSPEL artiste, Blessing Shumba’s newly-released album Calvary, could be the artiste’s best ever project in terms of composition and originality if the response and appreciation at his official album launch at a local hotel last Friday is anything to go by. Shumba’s consistent biblical allusion on all songs makes the 12-track project a sublime and complete gospel package that many of his followers would fall in love with.
Prior to the album launch, which was his first ever, Shumba faced incessant obstacles that he could not shed more light on but rather motivated himself through the track, Move Mountains (Nokutenda) which he composed exactly a week before the release.
On the track, he sings with a deep booming voice, soulfully and passionately encouraging listeners to submit their hopes, troubles and fears unto the Lord.
“I composed the song (Move Mountains) after experiencing a plethora of challenges in a bid to have a successful launch. A lot of challenges hampered the smooth flow of the preparations. We should always believe in God and pray fervently.
Faith worked for us and we would like to thank everyone who made this launch a success.
I believe the album will bless our listeners,” said Shumba who now calls himself The Psalmist.
Another potential hit, Step by Step, is Shumba’s encouragement to listeners to endure hardship and challenges by putting God first. Other soulful tracks on the album are Kuparidza Jesu, Mukoma wazaruka, ZvaMwari, Mwari munodeiko, Zvapera (Simba nemuchinjikwa), Matatenda, Chikomborero, Anoziva chakanaka, Move Mountains (Nokutenda), Eli Hosanna (Save us) and Rajesu idzvene.
The Buhera-born musician and his elegantly dressed troupe performed live most of the songs carried on the album. Scores of invited guests jostled to acquire copies of the new album which was auctioned and one of the highest bidders was Tinmac Motors proprietor, Tino Machakaire who bought a copy at a whooping $250. Credit, however, should be given to lads and laces behind Shumba’s success, who include wife, Pauline, youthful and multi-talented producer and keyboardist Olin Anderson, Patrick Nyanzenza and bassist Confidence Muchafuruka who collectively came up with a distinct sound that makes Calvary a piece of sublime skill and sheer brilliance.
The Chimwe nechimwe hit-maker will soon hold a series of shows across the country to market the new album.
Notable artistes who attended the event include Pastor Joseph and Ellen Anderson, Anthony Masuka, Winnie Makoni, Brian Samaita, Jairos Mutambikwa and Brian Makomeya.
Online Reporter