Online Reporter
Laura Maposa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
THE Charambas are celebrating 30 years of recording gospel music with the release of three albums featuring 30 songs.
Aptly titled “Fara Nevanofara” and “Chema Nevanochema”, the projects reflect their musical journey and spiritual growth over the decades.
For three decades, the Charambas − Charles and Olivia − have served audiences with a rare musical delicacy − a sumptuous gospel feast that has touched hearts, healed souls, and crossed boundaries of faith and belief.
Their sound has become a trusted companion for both believers and non-believers in search of hope and light.
One cannot talk about Zimbabwean gospel music without mentioning Charles Charamba, that would be a glaring omission.
Since bursting onto the scene in the ‘90s, he and his wife Olivia have shaped the soundscape of local worship music with their unique voices, lyrical richness and spiritual depth.
In an exclusive interview with Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub, Charles Charamba said the new albums were a tribute to their loyal fans, a celebration of years of dedication, and a way of giving back.
“This comes after a long time since we released anything as a couple. Chikwereti to my fans, I had not forgotten about you guys,” said Charamba.
“Fara Nevanofara and Chema Nevanochema are the first two albums we have released to celebrate 30 years of recording.
“That’s 30 songs for 30 years, three albums in total. These albums talk about our life experiences as gospel artists.”
With ‘Fara Nevanofara’, ‘Chema Nevanochema’, and a third album still under wraps, the Charambas are not just celebrating their legacy.
They are planting seeds for the next generation of gospel worshippers.
And if you are wondering who penned the songs, it is none other than Charles Charamba himself.
“I wrote and composed all 30 tracks, and it’s all possible because of God,” Charamba said.
The Charambas’ journey in music started back in 1995, when Charles released his debut album, ‘Tinashe Akatendeka, on February 1.
It marked the beginning of what would become one of the most influential gospel careers in the region.
“We’ve come a very long way. Thirty years is a long time, especially when you’re a musician. But we are very grateful to God,” said Charles.
The recent loss of friends and family has also influenced the emotional tone of the albums, with tracks that offer both celebration and consolation.
“If God permits, we’re going to have 30 music videos as well. But the fans have to be patient with us. We have a few shows lined up for album promotion, but we’ve scaled down a bit because we have to balance the Church and being artists,” Charles said.
Despite their longevity, the Charambas remain humble and deeply connected to their supporters.
“In 30 years, we need to celebrate with our fans because for us to still be this relevant, it’s because of their unwavering support and love.”
While many gospel artists focus on church audiences, the Charambas say their music is for everyone, with a message of love, acceptance, and unity.
“We sing for everyone, and we don’t focus on just the people who go to church. Our music is inclusive of everyone.
“The most important verse in the Bible is John 3:16. It speaks about how God loved everyone with everything they come with. Jesus was crucified with his arms open for a reason; it meant everyone, come as you are.
“Same goes for our music. We’re not leaving anyone behind. We have no target audience; we want to bring everyone closer to Christ.”
