Moffat Mungazi
Liberty Dube
Entertainment Correspondent
WHEN he started singing in church at a tender age of nine, local based upcoming gospel artiste, Elshaddai Mafuratidze, never thought that one day he would shake the mainstream gospel musical scene with well-crafted soulful songs.
So passionate was the youthful musician, now 23, that he became popular then in church for aptly leading the church choir and blessing congregants with his silky voice.
His recent Heaven on Earth live recording and concert event held at Mutare Hall was enough testimony that with determination, focus and hard work, especially in the arts industry, one can move mountains and inspire many.
The event which lived up to its billing, saw over 400 people attending and getting to be part of the electrifying atmosphere.
Elshaddai and his entourage captivated the crowd with classic sound and powerful voices that got everyone moving.
The pounding instruments drove the performance. He put up a mind-blowing performance as he dropped his growing discography which included the newly-released soulful tracks, Ngarinamatwe and Muguruva.
This was the third edition of the concert, which is an annual fete meant to uplift local gospel artistes as well as putting Mutare on the gospel map.
Other artistes who supported the youthful musicians through performing live were Tinashe Murigo, Prince Jacha, Kuda Mandizvidza, Minister Kush, Denzel Malakai and Thulani Dete, among others.
Elshaddai told Weekender Entertainment that he will unleash an Extended Play (EP) next year that will contain four songs, Shongwe YeGore, NdiMweya, Way of Escape and My Sacrifice.
“I am glad that the editions of the live recording and concerts are getting better each year. I have been hosting these events’ annually, and I am happy that it has managed to attract hundreds of people each year. We are expecting a bigger and better edition next year, and we have already started working on it. I am seeing the grace of God as He is continuing to bless my career as a gospel musician. I can say I am still learning the ropes, and with the assistance of established gospel musicians from Mutare and beyond, I am becoming better each day,” he said.
He added: “I started ministering through music when I was nine. From a tender age, I just loved doing this, from the school choir, church choir till I decided to stand as an individual and start recording my own music.”
He said he has over 50 songs ready for recording, but financial constraints are the major hindrance.
“I have written so many uplifting songs, but because of lack of resources, I am failing to record all of them. I, however, believe working hard will one day pay off. I am already back in the studio to work on an EP which I believe will be ready early next year. I wish to reach a wider audience through recording and releasing songs with visuals and circulate them on my YouTube as well as on other social media handles,” said the talented singer who was born and bred in Mutare.
