adminThe five-member group, which was formed in 2007 by Dzago Chatsama, has recorded three albums in the space of two years with its 10-track album titled “Many Things to Thank You”, which was recorded in 2010, being their first successful album launch.
Chatsama, who is the manager of Innovators, said his group – which began singing gospel music in church – was able to realise its dream of ministering the word of God through music after taking part in a NuG talent show of the New Life Covenant Church, which exposed their talent and resulted in their winning a recording contract from Sani Makhalima’s recording company.
“We started off just singing in church at the Harare Inner City United Methodist Church but our talent was identified at a talent show that was hosted by the NuG, a youth group of the New Life Covenant Church. I believe that was our first breakthrough in music because we came out first and consequently received a recording contract from Makhalima, although that was not even part of the prizes.
“‘With Makhalima’s recording studio we managed to record our first album ‘Many Things to Come’ which I believe is the CD album that opened more avenues for us and that also that gave us entry into the United States of America,” said Chatsama.
Members of Innovators include Chatsama, who doubles as the group manager, Tatenda Raymond Sithole, Knowledge Radyo, Tatenda and Michael Sithole
Having sunk roots in professional gospel music, Innovators received numerous invitations to entertain and minister to different people who enjoyed their music.
According to Chatsama, Innovators has sung in such places as the Inner City United Methodist Church in Harare, all-day revivals, memorial services, weddings, gospel concerts and live jazz outings and the Africa University Fellowship of Christian Union.
“We were invited to perform at Inner City United Methodist Church in Harare. We have also sung at all day revivals, memorial services, weddings, gospel concerts and live jazz outings and the Africa University Fellowship of Christian Union Students (Focus) Deep Conference, spreading the word of God through music and testimonials,” said Chatsama.
Last year the group recorded its second album “Rukariro”, which means “my hope is built”. The album which was recorded by MFDT Studios was produced by Tamie Bimha and features their song “Ndendende”, which is one of the top ranking songs on the US charts.
As good fortunes continued availing themselves for this acapella side, Chatsama said his group received financial assistance from Stefany Simmons, who is an office manager of the Connectional table of the United Methodist Church which they used to embark on their first three-week tour of the United States of America.
While in America the group performed at church annual conferences, shelters for the homeless, boys and girls’ fellowship centres, restaurants in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Corpus Christi, Beeville, Alice and Sandio.
Upon their return from the US last year, Innovators received a sponsorship from a lady only identified as Tanya which they used to record two singles, namely “It’s You” and “Jesus is Number One” which are two of the songs from their third album titled “Jesus is Number One” which was recorded in 2011 and will be released later this month.
Besides music Innovators is involved in charitable work where 44 underprivileged children at Fairfield Children’s Home in Mutare are benefiting through its fund-raising initiatives.
Chatsama said his group owes its success in music to the mentorship of Mr and Mrs Happyton Bonyongwe, while additional support was received from Mr Dennis Zaranyika of Seed Co, David Dzumbira, Mrs Chikwanda, Tendai Chakanyuka and their their church.
Currently, Innovators is based in USA where according to Dzago, the group is making waves in gospel music while at the same time lifting high Zimbabwe’s flag.
l Feedback:[email protected]
Online Reporter