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Talent Chimutambgi
In African culture, a funeral wake is sacred.
It takes moral support from friends and relatives to help mourning families go through their bereavement.
In the Shona culture, a close family friend known as a sahwira, plays a major role in comforting mourners.
The sahwira mimics the antics of the departed, which made them popular during their lifetime to ease the pain of mourners.
A lot of singing, dancing and drum-beating characterises most funerals.
However, there seems to be a departure from the past at modern-day funerals.
Churches have literally taken over the show at most funerals.
In some cases, bereaved families are relegated to peripheral roles as churches take full control of funerals.
Some families are now hiring church groups to perform at funerals.
Such high-profile funerals have become money spinners for some musical groups.
This was the case at the recent burial of national hero Retired Brigadier General Romeo Daniel Mutsvunguma where twin brothers Raymond and Matthew Madzivanyika wowed mourners with a polished performance.
The brothers also perform at weddings, church services, memorial services and tombstone unveiling ceremonies.
Born in 1993, they are part of Anglican Trinity Singers based in Chikwaka, Goromonzi.
In an interview with The Herald on Saturday Lifestyle, Raymond said they had a special calling in music and dancing.
Their journey started in 2005 at St Jude’s Anglican Church in Goromonzi, Mashonaland East.
“We started dancing at parties when we were still young, not knowing we would one day become successful,” said Raymond.
“We then formed a group when we were at secondary school with Taipwa Maleti and Emmanuel Mkondya.
“In 2010, we formed a dance group called Magnetic Force and the group it’s still there. Later on, we were part of a lifestyle dance company by Joshua Saunyama that was mainly into theatre.
“The group took us as far as South Africa for dance workshops and performances. We started doing dance classes and choreography before we joined Elysium dance theatres under the leadership of Hillary Gregory Indi.”
Raymond said their Christian background shaped their careers.
“We were born and baptised into the Anglican Church by our grandfather, Reverend Cannon Madzivanyika, who is now late.
“Our grandmother is a also member of St Michael’s Anglican Church in Mbare where we used to go.”
Apart from being devout Anglican congregants, Raymond and Matthew earn a living through dance-related activities.
“We are choreographers and Zumba fitness instructors. We do wedding choreography, performances, brand advertising and dance classes.
“We teach dancing in schools and also work at Tianze Tobacco Company and Zolofied Packaging,” he said.
Raymond and Matthew announced their arrival on the big stage six years ago.
“Our first official performance with Trinity Singers was during the album launch in 2018. We felt blessed to express our talent through singing and dancing to God. The group motivated us to always remain Christians and stay closer to God,” he said.
Outlining their vision, Raymond said: “One of our expectations in this profession is to assist young people to improve their standards of living, educate them to quit drugs and invest in their education,.
Trinity Singers music director, Richmore Mavaza, said the group was assembled as part of their ministry unaware that they would become popular.
Mavaza said they identified the talents of the twin brothers at the church and engaged them to be part of the group.
“We liked their type of dance and realised that with the change in music, we had to incorporate them so that our group could have its own style of music and performance.
“We noticed them when they were very young at the age of 17 when they were performing at youth gatherings in our church, but we did not know God had other plans.”
Mavaza also said the name Trinity came from the Bible as they believe in the Holy Trinity of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
The group, which started from humble beginnings, is made up of 16 members all determined to conquer the world.
Mavaza lauded the President Mnangagwa and Government for giving them exposure to perform at high-profile events.
“I would like to thank the Government of Zimbabwe for allowing us to perform at big events like the heroes’ burials in front of His Excellency Mnangagwa. It was quite an honour for us,” said Mavaza.
However, he bemoaned lack of instruments as one of their challenges.
“One of the challenges we face is that our type of music is underrated in Zimbabwe, yet it’s one of the most powerful genres as it incorporates our cultural sound.
“The other challenge we are facing as a group is lack of transport as it is difficult for us to move around.
“We are also appealing to the Government to help us go on international cultural exchange programmes so that other countries can learn about our music, while we also learn from them.
“We believe that our music is not just confined to the church, it’s music that can be played anywhere and touch everyone, no matter their background,” he said.
Despite being given the platform to perform at big events, Mavaza said they would not rest on their laurels.
“Of course, we have performed at major events, but we feel there is still room for us to grow internationally. We want to put choral music in the spotlight and create a platform for other choral groups to be recognised,” said Mavaza.
Online Reporter