The ManicaPost
Liberty Dube Entertainment Correspondent
SOUTH-AFRICAN-based gospel sensation, Reverend Togarepi Chivaviro believes his newly-released album Maranatha will surpass the unprecedented heights reached by the chartbuster and award-winning hit, Ebenezer.
In a wide-ranging interview recently, the clergyman said he was impressed by the response the album has received since its release and has promised to stage more promotional shows to market the new project.
The 13th album which was recorded at Artisans Studios in Harare and mastered at Kubashe BMK Studios in South Africa, carries the title track Maranatha which, just like Ebenezer, features an array of artistes who showcase their artistic prowess in the unique song.
These include his wife, Mother General Chivaviro, Leonard Zhakata, Munyaradzi Munodawafa, Mathias Mhere, Olinda Marowa and Baba Mechanic Manyeruke among others.
“Songs carried on the album have received rave reviews on various local radio stations and I am impressed by the response we have received so far. Maybe it is because people were yearning for new music from me but I strongly believe the song, Maranatha will surpass the heights reached by Ebenezer. It has made an instant impact that has actually shocked all of us,” said Chivaviro.
Although Rev Chivaviro won several accolades such as Best of Africa awards at the SABC Crown Gospel awards ceremony held at Durban International Conference Centre in South Africa as well as 2015 Prophets Emmanuel and Ruth Makandiwa Invitational Concert (Permican) Song of the year, Songwriter of the Year and Best Video Producer of the Year awards, the song, Ebenezer, also came with heartbreak.
“Our manager entered the song Ebenezer on the local gospel music awards contest.
“We really expected some recognition locally with the impact it had brought. We were shocked that another gospel song scooped the song of the year.
‘‘It was a bit unfair. It was unexpected. The awards I later received particularly out of the country were more like compensation and I feel greatly honoured,” he said.
Tariro, Wabaiwa, Dzokera Kwawabva, Sorry, Glory, Zvaitwa, Dondifemerai are some of the songs contained on the album. The title Maranatha is derived from a bible verse Revelations 22 vs 20.
“The main theme of the album is love and forgiveness. I urge people to invite Christ in their lives, have faith in God and pin their hopes and worries on him. Most of the tracks are worship songs.
Interestingly, this is Rev Chivaviro’s 13th album and Maranatha features 13 artistes and the album features 13 tracks.
Some of his previous albums include, among others, Peace Hope and Love, Power, Best of Rev TT Chivaviro, The return and Ishe Taungana.
Rev Chivaviro entered the music scene in 2009.
