Entitled Makholwa Asambeni, the album is the first under Mnungwana’s 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, seems to have rubbed off on the 27-year-old Gwanda-born singer.
Released in the sprawling suburb of Hillbrow last month, the album departs from what now seems to be the norm with most gospel singers of merely translating bible verses into songs.
Accompanied by a heavy beat that can be mistaken for that of South Africa’s gospel music gurus, Lundi Tyamara and Rebecca Malope, Mnungwana’s unique voice captures the listener’s imagination.
While most of the songs follow a live beat, it is the slow-paced Thuma Mina, which has made an instant impact in Southern Africa.
“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. I composed all the songs in the album, except one (Ongiholayo), which is a traditional gospel chorus that I have loved since my childhood,” said Mnungwana.
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.
Post published in: Entertainment