ZimPraise protégé attempts solo influence

Desire Ncube

BUDDING gospel musician Patience Masiyambiri-Mandizha whose single “Mirira” is currently on the Star FM Gospel Greats top 20 chart hopes to become a household name in the highly competitive genre.

Producer MacDonald Chidavaenzi recorded the track.

The song is part of a 10 track compilation album titled “New Generation” which also features Pastor Stanley Gwanzura and Thembalami.

Mandizha said that her mother, gospel musician Mai (Beath) Masiyambiri of the “Zvamaronga” fame, motivated her to venture into gospel music.

She highlighted that most of her experience has come from working as a member of the ZimPraise gospel group. She has also backed Pastor Olinda Marowa, Kudzi Nyakudya and Bethany Pasinawako–Ngolomi since 200.

In 2010, she recorded her debut album “Nguva Yareba” before “Mumoyo Mangu” came two years later. While she believed “Mirira” had the potential to open opportunity doors for her, Mandizha did not fathom the rate at which the song has gained popularity on radio.

“Last week, I could not believe my ears when l heard my song being played at number seven. The last time I listened to Star FM Gospel Greats top 20 chart, my song was on number 19 and I feared it was making its way out of the game. But now my confidence is back,” said the 25-year-old artiste.

Patience said that life experiences influenced the composition of the song which encourages people to wait upon the Lord, even in difficult circumstances.

“When people are desperate they can do anything, others consult n’angas and false prophets. The saying ‘desperate times call for desperate measures’ is very true and in the song we encourage people to be patient,” she explained.

Managed by her husband Farai Mandizha, the couple has had to ensure that they handle their professional and personal issues separately.

Farai said he has no problem with his wife’s late performances and accompanies her to live shows.

“I am a professional and I support my wife emotionally and financially. I make sure that I am awake with her, especially during night performances, knowing the temptations in the industry,” said her husband-cum-manager.

The couple is blessed with a two-month-old baby girl.