Zoe Music pushes gospel ahead

Religion Reporter

FOR many artists, piracy has been the greatest enemy, robbing them of monetary rewards.

This is not the case for Zoe Music, a 25-member gospel group whose song ‘Vhangeri’ is currently featuring on the Star FM Gospel Greats top 20 show that is aired every Sunday evening.

Where piracy is working against others in the music industry, representatives of the group said it is assisting them push the gospel of Jesus Christ.

“Whichever way the message is relayed to the people, we do not mind. For now we are not affected by piracy,” Simba Chavhunduka, co-director of the group said.

‘‘The brains behind Zoe Music, Apostle Florence Kanyati, said the project’s mandate is not to make profits but to preach the word of God.

“God is giving us unlimited grace. It is so amazing that God is raising the Charambas of our time; we thank him for that. We also appreciate Zimbabweans for voting for our song ‘Vhangeri’ and for accepting our music.

“Our gospel has been trapped in the church. But now one can listen to the word without much ado, in the prison or driving. We thank God for that,” added Apostle Kanyati.

Founded in 2004 as a praise and worship team, Zoe Music has over the years been concentrating on grooming young people to worship the Lord.

In the process it has produced many artistes that include Bethany Pasinawako-Ngolomi, Kuda Mutsvene and Pastor Josh Kays, among others.

Last year, the group released its debut seven track album ‘This is the day.’ Female Jazz sensation, Rute Mbangwa was the co-director responsible for the vocals. Vice chair-person of the group, Chichie Nyoka said their debut album is a fusion of different genres.

“In a bid to attract a wider audience, we fused lot of genres; from Chikede to pure jazz and some Chimurenga flavour, we tried to attract people of different tastes,” said Nyoka. Zoe Music is confident that by the grace of God, their brand will be a force to reckon with internationally. The group has already been invited to perform in Uganda. Meanwhile, the second album is set to be released on September 18 this year.