Zimbabwe: Popular Mass Choral Groups to Share Stage

Zimbabwe: Popular Mass Choral Groups to Share Stage

The Herald (Harare)

10 October 2008
Posted to the web 10 October 2008

Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
Harare

An epic battle looms when top mass choral groups perform for the first time on one stage.

The show scheduled for the Harare Gardens on October 25, will start at 11am under the theme: "Ngoma Dzechipositori".

At least 15 most popular groups are expected to take part including International Apostolic Faith Mission, Vabati VaJehovha, Vabati VeVhangeri, Chiedza Chevatendi and Vashumiri VeDenga.

Topping the bill is International Apostolic Faith Mission, a group that is riding high with their second album Dzika Mutumwa.

The album features the scorcher -- Jehovha Ndibatsireiwo popularly known to the masses as Pandimire Pakaoma.

The once little known group has become a household name with the release of Pandimire Pakaoma, a number that rides on people's problems.

According to one music critic not only does the song capture the agonies, the hopelessness, the bleakness, the torment and the slow death both individuals and the nation are going through but also touches on how spiritually dry, people have become.

"The use of chikwambo is largely symbolic because it's a power that no human being can control once it's unleashed.

"Although Pandimire Pakaoma has taken over the identity of the whole album, there are other equally great songs among them Dzika Mutumwa which also talks about the loss of identity and the folly of being spiritually ignorant."

There is no doubt that the group will be up for nomination at this year's ZIMA awards scheduled for Bulawayo.

Another crowd favourite is Vabati VaJehovha which although it lost its key member Wiseman Magaya, it still possesses charm and verve to thrill fans.

The award winning Vabati VaJehovha has a laundry list of hits such as Anouya Chete, Ndomudana, Wauya Mucheki, Ndanzwisisa Shoko and Mutumwa akauya.

In fact, Vabati VaJehovha was credited for putting mass choral music on the mainstream.

Their career started off like a fairytale having released their debut for charity but due to public demand their music because a hit.

But another strong contender is Vabati VeVhangeri a group which admittedly was largely inspired by Vabati VaJehovha.

Vabati VeVhangeri took the genre to greater heights as it introduced some sing-along tunes that cut across the denominational divide.

Apparently, the group was the first to take mass choral music beyond our borders with their debut performances in Sweden.

Their hits Jobo, Handimbochema and Samson became anthems on our local radio stations.

The album Nzira Yashe that features the songs Maikoro, Mazwi Amambo, Kuna Mwari Kudenga, Ndiyeyu Jesu and Usangane Naye made it big on our local charts.

Also another notable is Chiedza Chavatendi famed for the Ivhu Kuvhu hit. Over the years the group popularised by Record Tape Promotions (RTP) has been well known for its high-energy performances.

The Chegutu-based group has won the ZIMA award for Best Mass Choral group.

Their follow up album Kubva Pamakatisika was also nominated for NAMA award for Best Outstanding Mass Choral group while Uchanotaura Chokwadi was a success on the charts.

There is yet another group called Chiedza Chenyika, which is currently making heat waves on the airwaves.

Other groups that are taking part at the event include Vatumwa VaMwari, Vashumiri Vedenga, Shoko RaJehovha, Mapisarema eDenga, Vashingi Gospel and Vatendi Pakutenda to mention but a few.

Red Rose Entertainment, the organisers of the event encouraged all to come and attend.