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Prince Mushawevato
TOP South African singer Rebecca Malope’s participation at the Gospel Divas Concert at Harare Gardens on May 28 is expected to boost the fortunes of budding and established local female gospel musicians.
The fifth edition of the Gospel Divas Concert will double as a belated Mother’s Day celebration as Malope marks her remarkable 30-year music career.
Malope headlined the last edition in 2009.
Gospel musicians have not had a proper podium to market their art following the demise of similar crowd-pulling events like the “Nguva Yakwana” and “Ngaavongwe Music Explosion” concerts.
Less exposure is the reason why rising talents in the mould of Janet Manyowa, Jennifer Maneni and Sharon Manyonganise have taken longer than expected to be fully appreciated despite being vastly talented.
Manyowa early this year won two awards for Best Female Artiste and Best Newcomer out of the eight nominations she got at the revamped Zimbabwe Music Awards. However, because has not been visible on the live gigs front, many people questioned whether she made that much impact during the period in question.
Some big names that had gone into hibernation are expected to resurface.
Only a handful of established brands, among them Baba naMai Charamba, presently enjoy healthy crowds at their live shows. The rest have either had to play for miserable crowds or have completely stopped doing live gigs outside church events.
But things are expected to change on May 28 following the revival of the Gospel Divas Concert by veteran music promoter Barbara Chikosi aka Mai Red Rose.
Some of the artistes taking part in the Harare Gardens show, that will also be held in Bulawayo at Queens Sports Club on May 29, expressed their delight over the resurrection of the concert.
“It is a great honour to share the stage with the African queen of gospel music, Mai Charamba and every sister scheduled to perform on the day. This is indeed a big platform for me and I’m grateful to the promoter for including me on the line up. I believe this concert, which dedicated to mothers will help unlock many doors in my career,” said Maneni.
Manyonganise, who helped popularise Mathias Mhere’s album “Glory to Glory” through the duet “Ephiziba”, said gigs of this nature were a rare blessing.
“I’m one of the youngest if not the youngest on the roster and that means a lot for me. I’m currently not holding a lot of shows, thus I’m hoping my performance at the event will help boost my career. I used to play for big crowds during my days at Zimpraise but I’m sure the Gospel Divas Concert will have a much bigger crowd,” she said.
Apart from introducing fresh talent, the event will also jolt gospel enthusiasts’ memories by linking them with performers that had gone under the radar.
One such character is Joice Simeti.
“We had missed the show. It unites us as artistes and also helps us connect with our fans. I was out of the country for long and don’t even know some of the people scheduled to perform. Thus I hope to meet and exchange notes with them. Thanks to the promoter for her efforts in reviving our careers,” said Simeti.
Apart from Malope, the concert will feature Mai Charamba, Amanda Sagonda, Agatha Murudzwa, Carol Mujokoro, Irene Tigere, Olinda Marova-Ziwenga, Bethany Pasinawako-Ngolomi, Manyonganise, Simeti, Hannah Chikosi-Mapepeta, Maneni, Barbara Chivaura and Rumbi Zvirikuzhe.
In Bulawayo, Malope will share the stage with Mai Charamba, Lady Tshwane, Lorraine Stotombe, Tholekele Ngoma Yabo, Rudo Amor Nyoni and Thobekile Nleya.
“Both gigs will start early in the morning so that fans get value for money. We want everyone to enjoy their favourite artistes,” explained Mai Red Rose, adding, “The Bulawayo gig came in later after popular demand from Matabeleland residents that felt left out.”
Online Reporter