Last Saturday night we made our way down to 99 Parklane in Harare where the fast-growing multi-lingual gospel diva, Kebualemang Kee Hove was launching her sophomore album Eternal Worship Oblation in a grand worship concert.
To those who haven’t heard of Kee till now, she grabbed the limelight with her debut album Kudzoyashe two years ago, an album with tracks featuring Mathias Mhere and Alvern Zhou of the Lutheran Church Choir.
Her passion for music dates back to her childhood where the influence of her prayerful grandmother rubbed onto her as prayer sessions were held every evening and all children had to sing in the family choir from the Lutheran hymn book. At least that what you may need to hear for now.
Back to the concert…we got there bright and early. The three-hour session was hosted by Maimba Mapuranga, one of the city’s best Masters’ of Ceremony and it felt like a satellite radio on automatic search, and we mean that positively. With him keeping track of our precious time and proclaiming the next dazzling act or announcing the Guest of honour, it got unpredictably entertaining and thrillingly serious.
For a venue as big as 99 Parklane and a fairly-known Kee with a sizeable fanbase, we are thankful that a considerable number of people chose to attend the concert. The night was an eclectic mix of acoustic jams, traditional and contemporary gospel songs, hymns with some soul and deep-to-mid tempo worship tunes. Warming up for Kee were a handful of local gospel outfits, including Emma, Vavandudzi Veshoko, The Peace Gospel Choir and Munyaradzi Munodawafa. It was our first time seeing these mixed outfits in concert as we became familiar with a good bit of their music.
Emma opened the night with her solo acoustic set, performing Because He lives and Usacheme (Gogodza). Her set really sets the tone for the night, blending with the smoke machines. Slowly looming, her silky voice sounded so soulful and almost effortless. Her performance was met with a positive response.
Taking on the stage after the gorgeous songstress were Vavandudzi Veshoko, a male choral group that performs with a hand-drum, shakers as well as the audience’s nice hand-clapping beats. They performed two popular traditional songs and got an encore after they closed with their effervescent dance moves.
Succinctly, the gig made its pitch with the arrival of the Peace Gospel Choir who with just their invasion plunged the audience into an ecstasy. A blend of young men and women, the Choir whose main purpose is to praise God for the talent while helping those whose spirits are low through music, registered our fondest memories of the night as they turned the concert from traditional hymns and acoustic ambience into a contemporary climate.
Opening with Nhume, the band’s performance was with rare fervour and virtuosity. They followed up with Ndinokutungamirira which was led by a lady with a very strong vocal before delivering Tinofamba Mufavour, a fast-tempo song with a Rhumba feel. We were impressed particularly by their voices and great lighting that matched songs and displayed the beautiful costumes.
The choir hung it up with Josefa, their well-known song with dancer Alice showcasing her rare knack and bassist doing his ultra arpeggio antics.
Speaking of antics, it wasn’t until singer and keyboardist Munyaradzi Munodawafa took on stage with his five-piece band that we witness an out of this world experience.
The keyboardist whose span in music dates back since he was ten brought the audience to its feet in a joyful, affirmative experience for all. His performance breathed life into the music and had boundless energy while he delivered songs with passion, integrity and heart.
Kicking off the set with Mbiri he moved on to perform Chikwata Chinokunda, later turning it into a popular Berria song Chisungo Chekutenda. He closed the performance with his current hit Zodzo, which he started as a dancehall version, later changing it to its original version.
The uncontested highlight of the night wasn’t really the man who did the dance moves with very fast footwork and breakdance style moves: it was Munodawafa playing the keys with his elbow, mouth, forehead, back and shoes. With that, he declared himself the gospel keyboard maestro of our time.
In due course, Kee made her appearance arrayed in a long creamy-ceremonious dress, having been heralded by a quartet girl outfit who amazed us with their ballet moves. The quartet’s costumes were as colourful as were their personalities.
The coyish diva welcomed the audience by performing Shumba YaJudah off Eternal Worship Oblation album, with help from her twelve-piece band comprising of two guitarists, drummer, two key players, and six backing vocalists.
Her quite stellar performance soon came to a hiatus after performing her second song, then giving in to the Guest of honour Rev/Dr Moyo to officiate the new album.
In the process, the Rev emphasized young people to realise their talents and applauded Kee’s husband Mr Donald Hove for being supportive. She also warned Kee on withering criticism and pride, admonishing her to remain a devoted wife and a prayerful woman.
The Rev made a $100 bid on the album.
After the big talk, Kee made a major return to the stage performing more four tracks off her new album, including Humambo HwaMwari.
The night concluded with the eager and appreciative audience on their feet – singing, clapping, moving and enjoying the rhythms and the unique brand that Kee is.
