The ManicaPost
Liberty Dube Entertainment Correspondent
IN a bid to inspire more souls and popularise her brand, budding gospel artiste, Winnie Makoni, has partnered revered singer, Blessing Shumba in her newly-released album, Arise and Shine.
This time, the Honde Valley-based musician who has never hidden her admiration for the award-winning gospel muso’s brand of music, dropped a well-arranged 10-track album which is pregnant with soulful and inspiring lyrics.
Shumba, who also released his new album, “My Season” early this month, features on the song, ‘‘Moyo Wangu’’.
Although the potential hit, ‘‘Moyo Wangu’’ carries Shumba’s distinct and trademark sound, Makoni’s silky voice makes the opening song a sublime and exceptional piece.
Unlike in her previous albums where most of her songs would carry almost similar beats, the musician this time managed to diversify the sound and make it a refreshing project.
Credit should also be given to prolific producer, Olin Anderson, whose recording and producing prowess continues to improve with age and time. The album, if well marketed well, will be one of the finest albums ever to be released by a female musician in the eastern border city.
‘‘Moyo Wangu’’ is Makoni’s plea to listeners to pin their hope in God and pray fervently. She urges people not to lose hope when in depressing situations.
“Most Christians tend to falter whenever they are in depressing circumstances. Some pin their hope on individuals instead of turning to God. We should pray and believe in God wholeheartedly.
‘‘I am glad that my source of inspiration musically, Blessing Shumba featured on the song. He has been my pillar of strength in our gospel music journey. In other songs, I seek to encourage listeners to live exemplary lives and abide by God’s rules as written in the bible,” said Makoni.
Other songs on the album are ‘‘Simuka Uvheneke’’, ‘‘Chenjerai, Buruka Nehemiah’’, ‘‘Ndonamatira Huwepo’’, ‘‘Jehovah Ndimwari’’, ‘‘Ruponeso’’, ‘‘Shamwari Yangu’’ and ‘‘Ndawana Jehovah’’.
Makoni, who is backed by Towers of Grace, believes the album will propel her to greater heights.
“I believe this is my best album so far. I took my time to come up with this project after making some amends. We will soon hold promotional shows in Mutare and beyond,” she said.
The talented singer has three albums to date as well as a six-track DVD album, ‘‘Mwari Munoraira’’ which carries videos for ‘‘Munoraira Zuva’’, ‘‘VaIsraeri’’, ‘‘Vandisimudza Jesu’’, ‘‘Jesu Munorwira, Zvivi Zvedu’’ and ‘‘Kana Ndirini’’.
