adminWHEN Mafriq came on the urban grooves scene with their hit track, Ndizvo Chete, they soon became one of the popular groups that represented the new genre born on the local music scene.
Comprising Pauline Gundidza, Discord and Tunga T real name Tungamirai Mavi, the group was part of the hot compilation Chamhembe Vol 1 which rocked local airwaves.
They, however, disintegrated with Tunga T having his Damascus moment where he decided to go solo and pursue music with a gospel-centric flair abandoning secular music. This move was thought by some as a joke or even just a temporary detour by the dancehall/hip-hop musician yet in essence, something had happened to Tunga and since then he hasn’t turned back.
Sunday Leisure had an exclusive interview with the Harare based musician who revealed that he was poised on pursuing his path as a gospel musician. He had participated in the production of two Mafriq albums titled Chizevezeve (2006) and Shungu Dzemoyo (2009) before his move.
“I decided to sing for God in 2011. I did have a consciousness of God before and I was pretty much on-and-off with my faith. I, however, made a decision to say I am now fully using my music to share the gospel,” said Tunga T.
Last year, Tunga bounced back on the music scene with a new 17-track album titled Approved Workman, which is a reflection of his Christian lifestyle.
Interestingly, the album features a song titled Little by Little, which features Mafriq’s Pauline. The up-tempo track talks of how he is pursuing God step by step.
“The lifestyle that came with me singing in the secular circles was just not consistent with my faith. I was no longer comfortable with things like performing in bars and everything that comes with it. When I decided to take this path, I told my crew and we agreed that we had different visions so I went a separate way.
“I am quite content with where I am now although there is still friction sometimes with some of the people I worked with in the past. They call me and ask me to come over to the studio to do such and such, or to record such and such a song and because of the lane that I am on now in I have been failing to do it,” added the Southside Evangelical Church member.
Added Tunga T to other artistes: “People need to put their lives in order and turn to Jesus. These are the last days. I see there is a lot of fun that they are having but Jesus is coming soon and people need to know that. I want my life to be a light that will point them to him.”
Tunga T has continued to pursue his music career, video production as well as his clothing label Tumaz.
As a fashion designer, he has designed for various artistes and local companies — he started designing around the same time he began his music career. The former Mafriq singer has also designed for church choirs, artistes and companies who want unique uniforms and for individuals.
Some of his designs have been showcased at Rubies of Africa in South Africa, Miss Global Zimbabwe, Miss Universities and Miss Rural.
He also works with a movement called Tora Guta which is led by Pastor Rudolf Masanga of Jesus is the Way Ministries.
Online Reporter