Award-winning gospel superstar and songwriter Reverend Togarirepi Chivaviro treated his fans to a vibrant performance at the launch of his 15th Studio album Matishamisa Jireh at the Ambassador Hotel in Harare, on Monday night.
Other artists who blessed the audience with their talents included Sister Hannah Chikwese, Chiredzi-born singer Mharidzo, gospel veteran and the Rev’s in-law McDonald Kachingwe, Tekina, Pastor Alpha and Pastor Olinda.
Radio personality Jabulani Ncube was the host.
The thronged red carpet event was graced by high-profile guests the likes of Minister of State for Harare Metropolitan Province Miriam Chikukwa, who officiated the album, MDC-T Vice President Nelson Chamisa, Baba Mechanic Manyeruke and Apostle Phiri, among others.
Fellow gospel artists also came through to support the Rev. Notably present were Takunda, Vadzidzi Vekutanga, Gamuchirai, producer Laiton Ngolomi, and Janet Manyowa and hubby Munyaradzi.
The Rev and his band took on stage around eight, opening their performance with Mhepo and followed it with Handinyarare, a collaboration with legendary Oliver Mutukudzi who, unfortunately, couldn’t be present at the launch-slash-birthday party.
Attendees were plunged into great amusement when Ebenezer was performed, featuring Baba Manyeruke. The climax came when an energetic young chanter appeared and flared the song with a dance-hall flavour, leading many to visibly exude their vigour.
Rev TT. then went on to sample new songs from the new album and was timeously supported by collaborators Trymore Bande, Mother General, Mai Muparutsa, Patience Mandizha, Lorraine Stot (Bulawayo), Nicholas Chirunga, Innocent, and Mai Muhomba.
Midway the listening session the Rev had an emotional moment when he introduced Mwari Havanganyadzisi, a song which he claimed is personal to him and has been longing to do since time immemorial. After he asked his auntie to stood, he went on to open up about his health complications and a near-death experience he had as a kid and thanked her auntie for taking good care of him.
Honourable Chamisa and Apostle Musa both purchased the CD for $100.
In a career spanning nineteen years and fifteen recordings, the Ebenezer hit-maker takes his cutting-edge style of music to new heights with Matishamisa Jireh. The highly anticipated eight-track album showcases the always unexpected, hit-making force of the Rev’s all-time and wide-ranging voice with outstanding vocals and a unique style that have garnered him accolades as a gospel leader and music innovator.
Recorded in South Africa and Zimbabwe, the gospel superstar, will soon hit the road for the release of the new album, including upcoming appearances in Birmingham UK (Saturday 3 Feb), Dubai UAE (Friday 9 Feb) and Germiston South Africa on Saturday 10 February.
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