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Problem Masau Arts Correspondent
GOSPEL musicians should continue to spread the word through their music and not divert to secular music, a Cabinet minister has said.
Speaking at Jameson Hotel where Mathias Mhere was launching his album on Monday, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Walter Mzembi said he was disheartened by some musicians who start off as promising gospel artistes only to change halfway through their careers.
“Gospel musicians should remain in the church because there is a huge market among Christians. I have noted that some start to perform in bars and I think it is wrong. There are huge congregations in church than in nightclubs,” he said.
Minister Mzembi said what happened over the weekend was a clear testimony that the church was drawing more people than live shows.
“When you compare the crowd between the D’Banj concert and the Man World Convention, one can see where people want to be these days.
“At D’Banj, the ground was half empty and at the convention, the crowd was packed to the rafters,” he said.
He said the church was now attracting huge crowds. The Man World Convention was held over three days last week, hosted by Prophet Uebert Angel of Christ Embassy, Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa of United Family International Church and the two’s spiritual father Prophet Victor Kusi Boateng of Ghana.
About the eight-track album titled “Nguva YeNyasha”, Mhere said it would go a long way in promoting Christian values and morals.
“I hope the album will be well received,” he said.
The album, which is his third, follows the success of his 2011 album “Anoita Minana”.
“Every time I listen to my music, I pick out certain things I would love to improve, if I could do it over again.
“But I have since realised that I don’t have to keep thinking and looking back, but use the opportunity to release more songs and preach to the world,” he said.
The new album looks at different facets of Christianity and how people can enhance their relationship with God. There are also a number of praise and worship songs. It, however, remains to be seen if his third musical project would be better than his two previous albums, which have been well-received by his legion of fans across the country.
Born on June 13, 1988 in Gutu, Mhere made his grand entrance on the music scene with his first album “Tinoda Nyasha”. It is, however, his second album, “Anoita Minana”, that catapulted him to stardom. The album had sing-along tunes such as “Favour”, “Vimba NaJehova”, “Areka” and “Chipostora” that made him a household name.
Online Reporter