Zimpapers Logo

By Ruth Butaumocho
Once narrowly defined as religious, gospel music has transcended expected limits to become a profound force not only in the Zimbabwean music sector but also in the region, if not the whole world.
The smooth sounds of the American gospel singer, Ron Kenoly, to dancing, acrobatic vocals of our own Sebastian Magacha’s gospel music has done more than just sounding sweet – it has literally moved listeners, and recorded good sales.
In the last few years, the genre has leaped over its traditional religious walls and is now more than just church music.
It is being packaged in such a way that it no longer appeals only to the converted, nor has it been limited to the confines of the church, but also to anyone who has got a good ear for music.
Even it’s sales are even far exceeding those of secular music.
Internationally, the genre has rapidly grown and gospel artistes have clinched world acclaimed awards on various forums. American born gospel artiste Shirley Caesar has 11 Grammy awards to her name.
Locally, several similar feats have been achieved by local gospel artistes. They can attest their fortunes – spiritually and financially – are steadily growing.
One of the country’s upcoming gospel musicians, Mabvuku-based Innocent Shumbahuru said the genre was steadily growing. This development has seen an increase in fans who now attend live shows.
Gospel music is fast moving. A lot more people than before are spending part of their income on gospel music.
“The attendance on shows has been quite good as well,” he said.
Shumbahuru himself expanded his gospel exposure when he started holding live shows and has not been disappointed.
The musician, who will soon release his third album titled “Garai Munashe” said, having seen the growing interest among fans, he was planning on holding several shows in and around Harare in the next few weeks.
“I know gospel, like any other genre has gone commercial, but I know the spiritual base is growing – souls are also being converted,” he added.
From the days of the late Jordan Chataika – one of the first Zimbabweans to sing gospel, the genre has grown in leaps and bounds, especially in the last 10 years.
But of course, the sound and beat has not remained static. If anything, gospel artistes have experimented with all sorts of beats including rhumba, sungura, jazz and recently urban contemporary beat.
Another upcoming gospel musician, Kudakwashe Muzanenhamo, revealed that although the musical style of gospel has changed over the years, the core beliefs, strengths and values of gospel music are still intact.
“Gospel music remains one of the effective tools in spreading the word of God. Of course fusing different beats, makes the message more palatable than just spreading the word, but the development has been good,” he said.
Muzanenhamo applauded local recording companies for creating opportunities for gospel artistes.