A month after announcing that he would no longer be doing secular music, Tanto Wavie has made his gospel debut. The singer released a two track EP, titled Xari Magitari. A title inspired by his daughter’s name.
Although shifting in genre, Tanto has not changed his sound. His first gospel offering features his now recognisable alternative sound, created by multiple elements from sungura, trap and Afrobeats. However the music easily fits into Zimbabwe’s contemporary gospel scene, where such artists as Cleo Arie are flourishing.
Long identified with the chant “Young boy with the keys, munhu wese angori makey,” Xari Magitari has seen the arrival of a new tag line from Tanto Wavie: “Dai asiri Mwari, pasina Xari, pasina inini, pasina magitari.”
The two songs that make up the project are Mawone and Omegandiye. The former is a song that revolves around heaven and living on the path to make there, while the latter exalts God and is almost a Shona flip of the well known hymn Alpha & Omega.
While Xari Magitari is short, it certainly gives a great example of what this new direction means for Tanto Wavie. His subject matter might be different but his artistry is just as vibrant as before.
Xari Magitari is now available across all major streaming platforms.
