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IT seems the award-winning gospel giant Blessing Shumba did his homework right this year and produced a sterling, flawless and top- drawer album that is arguably his best ever composition since venturing into music in 2008.
Various music critics and gospel lovers have described his new 11-track album titled Holy Psalms Volume 1 Ndi Jesu as a masterpiece and a collection of soul-lifting songs that blend well with instruments and vocals.
Shumba’s wife Pauline’s backing vocals as well as her composing prowess add a fresh dimension to the album. Mai Shumba composed two songs which are Mwari Wangu and Chikuru Rudo.
Other songs on the project are Mwana Wagu, Mapisarema, Kutenda Chii, Mwari Wangu, Usachema Chema, Nyaradzai Vanhu, Ndine Chipikirwa, Jesu Ndiye Mambo and Kuchengeta Murawo.
The adroitness and original touch of Olin Anderson of Kunashe Studios and Charles Ayibeki who co-produced the album makes Shumba’s fourth album a success.
The album’s instant success and rapturous response has pleasantly shocked not just his critics but Shumba himself.
“The response is stunning and overwhelming. It is actually unbelievable. God did wonders. I am grateful and would like to thank our fans and promoters for the support. This album has received tremendous response, much more than my previous works and I thank God for that,” he said.
Shumba paid tribute to a new set of band members who were original and came up with a unique product especially after the infamous departure of Bethany Pasinawako, Lyton and Brian Ngolomi.
“When I lost them, I looked at the capabilities of my new players and saw the potential in them. I told them not to copy anyone but be original. I looked at their talents and told them to explore their talents. The results can speak for themselves, wonderful!” Shumba said.
Joseph Makureya, Confidence Muchafuruka, Dumisani Manyange, Joseph Makiwa are some of the new band members who deserve a share of credit to the success of the album.
Various listeners interviewed by The Weekender described the album as inspiring and an emblem of hope in the face of adversity.
“I listen to the album on a daily basis. It is full of inspiring messages,” said one fan, Cliff Tatenda.
Another gospel fan, Kim, said Shumba was a shining gospel ambassador to the country.
“He makes me feel proud to be a Mutarean. He is such a humble and wonderful musician and his music and lyrics are unique and soul lifting,” she said.
The humble musician rose to fame after releasing his ground-breaking debut album Ishe Wazvose in 2008.
Online Reporter