The ManicaPost
Liberty Duben Entertainment Correspondent
A LOCAL talented visually-impaired gospel musician has proved that disability is not inability after he recently released a soulful debut album titled Chitonga which encourages listeners to pin their hope on God in the face of adversities.
Onias Mangatu, who was born blind, leads a 25-member group called MuGreek Zion Apostolic Church Choir. The group also comprises Onias siblings Tendai, Philemon and Tobit. Mangatu is set to surprise many gospel music followers with his artistic prowess composed all songs.
Chitonga carries eight tracks which include title track Chitonga, Ngatinamate, Tarirai muone, chiripo, Zvinoitika mumusha and Tauya nenyaya. He tackles a contentious issue of rituals among families through the song Zvinoitika mumisha.
“I castigate people who seek wealth enhancing charms while sacrificing loved ones including family members. This will have long term detrimental effects on innocent people especially children. Others social issues I tackle on the album include love, betrayal, deception,” said Onias.
Mangatu said he nurtured his music career in Gweru when he underwent music tutorials. He pays tribute to his mentor called Guvakuva who was also blind but encouraged him to pursue music career. He assembled MuGreek Zion Apostolic Church Choir three years and released Chitonga.
“We are glad that we have started off well despite a myriad of challenges such as lack of sponsorship. We only held one gig last year but we intend to do more shows to commercialise our brand. We would like to thank our producer Olin Anderson for the support he has given us. We are appealing for financial support from stakeholders to enable us produce more cds for radio and distribution,” said Onias whose music is inspired by gospel veterans Mechanic Manyeruke and Blessing Shumba.
It was recorded at Kunashe Studios by talented local producer and keyboardist Olin Anderson.
