POPULAR apostolic choral group Vabati VaJehovha has released their 15th album in 16 years despite the waning of the once popular genre.
BY JAIROS SAUNYAMA
The eight-track album titled Ndimi Baba released last week is already receiving massive airplay on local radio stations with the title track proving to be a hit this year.
Mamrod Magaya, one of the group’s founding members, told NewsDay yesterday that the new album shows that the group is not deterred by the scourge of piracy.
“Vabati VaJehovha has been loyal to their fans as well as to our mission, that is to preach the word through music. This new album shows that we are not looking back in our mission. We are aware of the ruthless effects of piracy but the truth is that Vabati VaJehovah doesn’t sing for money, but we are just messengers of God who preach through music,” he said, adding that their genre of music was still popular.
The new album has a song Mazuva Okupedzisira that was penned by local gospel music godfather Charles Charamba.
The 12-member ensemble mainly comprising of the Magaya family, is undoubtedly the pioneers of apostolic choral music since their inception on the music radar in 1999.
The new millennium saw the birth of a new version of apostolic choral music which won the hearts of many at the expense of instrumental gospel.
But like any other musician the group has fallen victim to the disastrous effects of piracy which saw them raising money through live shows instead of sales.
Apostolic choral gospel music is just simple acapella and at times coupled with the clapping of hands and shaking of rattles.
The emergence of Vabati VaJehovha was followed by several groups like Vaparidzi Veshoko, Vabati Vevhangeri and Chiedza Chevatendi who successfully advocated for the rise of the popular genre.
