JOHANNESBURG South African-based Zimbabwean singer, Kholiwe Mnungwana, has released a 10-track album which is likely to make waves in the gospel industry, both in Zimbabwe and neighbouring countries.The album, titled Makholwa Asambeni is the first under Mnungwanas name, but the experience he gained over the years while working with the now-late Zimbabwean gospel music singer, Rivonia Khumalo and Bulawayo maskandi music band, Isizukulwane, among others, seems to have rubbed off in the 26-year-old Gwanda-born singer.
Released in South Africa early this month, the album departs from what now seems to be the norm with most gospel singers, of merely translating bible verses into songs, or just recording sing-along choruses and claiming rights, as it is mostly made up of new lyrics seldom heard before.
Accompanied by a heavy beat that can be mistaken for that of South Africas gospel music gurus, Lundi Tyamara and Sifiso Ncwane, Mnungwanas unique voice captures the listeners imagination.
While most of the songs follow a live beat, it is the slow-paced Thuma Mina, which has made an instant impact in South Africa, where the album will be marketed before it will be released in Zimbabwe.
My aim is to bring diversity to Zimbabwean gospel music and I am very happy that I seem to have managed to do that with this album, said Mnungwana during an interview with The Zimbabwean early this week.
Other songs making up the album are the title track, Asambeni, Zube Nami, Indlela, Inqaba, Ngiyavuma, Ngithume, Ayikho Indlela and Ezulwinin, an instrumental.
Mnungwana does the lead and backing vocals, on which he is assisted by a South African upcoming artist, Dolly, who has previously recorded with gospel legends Rebecca Malope and Deborah Fraser.
The albums bold message is that people must leave their evil ways and return to Christ before it is too late, while also admitting that the world has been pervaded by a lot of evil that has seen it gradually drift away from what God commanded.
Post published in: News