By Tafadzwa Muranganwa
The long-awaited Nada PaChiputukezi album by contemporary gospel musician Mambo Dhuterere, born Darlington Mutseta, was launched yesterday amid pomp and fanfare.
The event was graced by notable guests including Baba naMai Charamba, flamboyant businessman Phillip Chiyangwa, late Oliver Mtukudzi’s wife, Daisy, deputy minister of youth, sports, and Arts, Tinomuda Machakaire, and St John Apostolic Church of the Whole World founder, Dr. Bishop Sydney Mabhiza.
Speaking at the executive album launch held at the HICC, Pastor Charles Charamba praised Mambo Dhuterere for shrugging off stereotypes by coming up with a unique type of gospel music.
“When I look at the journey, Mambo Dhuterere it reminds me of the days Vabati vaJehovah burst on the music scene. They were met with stereotypes.
“It is the same predicament that Mambo found himself in as people were judgemental but I salute you for remaining focused,” said Baba Charamba.
The guest of honour, deputy minister of youths, sports, and arts Tinomuda Machakaire had loads of advice for the Guruve-raised artiste.
“I urge you to be grounded in principles that include being accountable and to work cordially with others,” the youthful politician said.
Advocate Charles Maunga, who represented the St John Apostolic Church of the Whole World founder, Dr. Bishop Mabhiza, revealed how the church has been challenging stereotypes associated with the apostolic churches hence their immense support to Mambo Dhuterere.
“Mambo Dhuterere is our son and we are delighted to back him at this album launch. We have been challenging a lot of negative things accustomed to the apostolic churches. This is why recently we donated an ambulance in Mhondoro as we allow our congregants to seek medical treatment.
“There are plans to establish a Richard Mariga Medical Centre in Mhondoro. We already have St John Primary and High Schools and a place has been secured to build a University in Chiredzi,” revealed Advocate Maunga.
Popular Star FM presenter Owen Madondo, who co-hosted the glamorous occasion with fellow presenter, Yvonne Tivatye, auctioned the CD. Transport operator, Mr Rimbi bought the disc for US$2 500, and business owners and individuals donated various amounts.
Flamboyant businessman and former music promoter, Dr. Phillip Chiyangwa, pledged a residential stand for Mambo Dhuterere and another stand for the church. Deputy minister Machakaire pledged to buy bricks and provide logistics for everything towards the construction of the house of the ‘Mweya Ndisesekedze’ hitmaker.
There was also another initiative to buy a special wheelchair for one of Mambo Dhuterere’s band members who have a disability that was spearheaded by deputy minister Machakaire and close to U$ 3000 was raised.
The highlight of the day was the donation of a whopping US$30 000 dollars by the St John Apostolic Church of the Whole World which caught many by surprise.
The money which was in a big envelope showed it was no fluke but a giant demonstration that the church was firmly behind Mambo Dhuterere whom it has bestowed with the ambassadorial role.
Earlier on, people had a feel of the songs on the new offering, and the song Mupe Mukana which advocates for girls’ rights and empowerment wowed the sizeable crowd. Vabati VaJehovah also put up a splendid show.
To wind off the grand album launch were electrifying performances from collaborations of Mambo Dhuterere with Mbeu and Zolasko while Gringoldinho (son to late actor Gringo) kept the crowd enchanted with his pulsating dances.
Upcoming musicians Booster and Followers of Christ acapella group also gave a good account of themselves.