Story by Tamuka Charakupa
Rising Chegutu-based choral gospel group, Chiedza cheVatsvene has released a seven-track album titled ‘Nzira Dzedu’ as the newly formed group battles for a share in the musical arena after a bitter split from the Chiedza cheVatendi.
Group leader, Gift Chikarara is impressed with the album’s performance on the local radio chats amid competition from popular genres such as Zim Dancehall.
“Choral gospel music is a genre pioneered by groups like Vabati vaJehovah and since then, it has been on an upward trajectory in terms of listenership. We are now working on releasing videos so that the album reaches many.” He said.
Chikarara says they have since integrated the anti-drug and substance abuse messages in their songs following the menace of the scourge.
“We are advocating against drug and substance abuse which is destroying our communities. We are cascading that message through our songs with the hope that they will contribute to stopping the scourge.”
Meanwhile, the Vapostori-themed musical style continues to receive a fair share of airplay with the likes of artists like Mambo Dhuterere promoting the genre through modifying the sound in line with current musical trends.
