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MUTARE-BASED based upcoming gospel singer, Jairos Mutambikwa, was inspired by by king of Zora music, Leonard Karikoga Zhakata to record his music. Mutambikwa who released his debut six-track album, Humambo, said he grew up listening to Zhakata’s music and was challenged by the gifted composer and lyricist when he became a born again and started singing gospel.
“I used to love Zhakata a lot before he became a Christian. I used to attend his shows in the early 90s and by that time I was not a Christian. When I saw him on the Judgement Night at UFIC singing gospel I was challenged so much and decided to record as well,” he said. “I started singing way back in 2001 at United Methodist Church Hilltop. I was a member of the choir there and we recorded two albums, Ndire Ndire and Nyika Yakanakisa,” he said.
In 2004 he joined Mutare District Choir and recorded three albums.
“From 2004 to 2012 I was just doing choral music with both Hilltop and Mutare District choirs. In 2013 I started developing an interest in contemporary music,” he said.
Mutambikwa then formed his own band, Victory Melodies comprising his wife, Mavis Hazvinei Chifamba and part time musicians. They recorded their album which is currently airplay on national radio stations.
The album was produced by Olin Anderson at Kunashe Studios. The keyboard was done by Olin Anderson and Benjamin Mataruse, drums by Durtchie Namate, bass guitar by renowned guitarist and one of Assegai Crew founding members, Joseph Makureya, while Tendai Muzimba was the sound engineer.
Some of the songs on the album include the title track, Humambo. In this song he encourages people to prioritise God in whatever they do.
The other tracks include Pasi Idandaro, Hakuna Chakanaka, Dzokai Tinamate, Naiwo Masimba and Nganditungamirwe. Mutambikwa is already doing live shows and is set to record a DVD next month. Mutambikwa was born 36 years ago in Mutare and attended Dangare Primary and Samutete Primary in Honde Valley before his secondary education at Nyamhingura High in Honde.He then enrolled at Mutare Polytechnic for a national certificate in Vehicle Body Repair.
Online Reporter