Liberty Dube
Entertainment Correspondent
AFTER overcoming a series of misfortunes that include spending months on a wheelchair, and struggling to sit and walk after his legs were burnt a few years ago, gospel artiste, Paul Samupindi, is ready to roar again.
The Dangamvura-based artiste is on the verge of releasing his second album, Takaona Mwari, a title inspired by his past experiences.
The album was produced by a number of producers, among them Olin Anderson, Lyton Ngolomi and Gibson Makumbe.
Songs contained on the album are Anotida, Kuna Mwari Kudenga, Handina Bakatwa, Wakatendeka and Chakatipa Shungu, among others. The song also carries a remix for the song, He Took My Pains.
Speaking on the sidelines of a Sunny Day Institute’s speech and graduation day in Dangamvura last week, Samupindi, who is the institution’s director, said music inspired him to draw closer to God, and work harder as a Christian and family man.
Samupindi has risen to become one of Mutare’s consistent artistes as far as holding live shows is concerned, and he is happy that his new offering is ready to hit the streets.
“It has been a journey full of highs and lows. Yes, setbacks were there, but I managed to soldier on through the grace of God. I am also happy that my music was able to reach out to scores of followers. This December, we have lined up a series of shows where we will be thanking our followers for being our pillars of strength. My new album is ready, and I expect to drop it to my fans as a Christmas present. On the education side, we are excited that parents are entrusting me with their children. It means a lot,” he said.
It was the institution’s 15th graduation ceremony.
Samupindi’s institution opened doors in 2008, and boasts of over 500 learners. It started as an Early Childhood Development (ECD) centre, and it has grown in leaps and bounds to offer primary and secondary school classes.
The ceremony was held under theme: “Children are like computers: You install, update, upgrade and download.”
The silky-voiced singer started singing at a tender age of 13 at Rujeko Primary in Dangamvura.
He nurtured his musical career through joining musical groups such as Amen Gospel Crusade praise team, AFM Dangamvura Central Choral Group and Vessels of Honour Choral Group, among others.
He marked his entrance into the mainstream gospel music industry with the Zvakandiwira album, which carried songs such as Gore, Tinotenda, Zvakandiwira and He Took My Pain Away.