SOUTH AFRICA GOSPEL ARTISTS

Rebbeca Mlope

Rebecca Malope is a South African gospel singer who rose to international stardom in the late '90s. Malope was born on a tobacco farm in South Africa. As a child, she and her sisters sang hymns in a local church. She joined a gospel group in her teens, which led her to Johannesburg. She eventually was brought to the attention of producer Zizwe Zakho, who had Malope record a large variety of material, from disco and pop to love ballads and gospel. Her records became popular in South Africa and soon she recorded an entire album of gospel songs, to satiate the desire of both herself and her fans. The gospel record was so wellreceived; she decided to devote her career to South African gospel. In 1996, she released her first American record. The following year, she signed with the EMI subsidiary Hemisphere and released Free At Last: South African Gospel in November. She supported the album with a tour. (Source: Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide)

website at www.rebeccamalope.net

Debra Fraser

Ntokozo Mbambo

Reverend Benjamin Dube

Reverend Benjamin Dube is a music ministerial visionary, anointed songwriter and singer, musci producer, mentor/father and pastor to many musicians and an inspiration to secular artists in South Africa. A Gospel legend of Africa, Reverend benjamin Dube began the journey of his calling in ministry in 1986 when he recorded a single - HOLY SPIRIT which was a cross-over hit song and chart buster in local radio stations and sold over 25 000 units in the year of its release in RSA.
Thirteen years later, he cut a deal with Harmony Records in New york, USA, under Epic Record label and recorded his first live album - "I Feel Like Going On" which sold over a platinum in RSA only. His music ministry has briskly grown internationally, in USA, Sweden, Netherlands, Paris, Australia, Japan and has an office in London -UK.
Rev. Benjamin Dube was born in johannesburg, South Africa on January 23, 1962 -the last of five siblings. His parents, educators and evangelist Benjamin dube Snr and Grace (Singer) Dube in Assemblies of God Church (Back to God Crusade) under th late Bishop Nicholus Bhengu. Reverend Benjamin is the founder and CEO of High praise Centre in Boksburg, Johannesburg, a non-profit making organization that addresses the spiritual needs of men, women and children. HPC inagurated in 1994 is a family affair of over a 2000 membership.
With his musical background, he has fifteen albums to his name, eight which are still in the market. I feel like going on -album sold Platinum (Harmony Records/Spirit Music), Praise Explosion 2002 -album sold Gold (Spirit music/Dube Connection0, For every mountain ...thank you-album sold Platinum (Spirit music/Dube Connection), High Praise Explosion "Oh Bless Our God" -album sold Gold (Sony/Dube Connection).
Thrice he was nominated as a Finalist in the MTN-SAMA awards (2004/6) under the Best Contemporary Gospel category and received an award for Best Praise and Worship Album in 2007 and also recieved aCrown Gospel Music award for Best Praise and Worship Artist 2008. One gospel honored him with two awards, Gospel Legend Award and the Best Contemporary Artist.
In addition to his music ministry, Reverend Benjamin Dube is a sought after itinerary speaker. he spoke in former President nelson Mandela's "Freedom of the City" award presentation, sharing podiums on both Nelson mandela and Thabo Mbeki's Presidential Inaugurations. He is a well travelled preacher, and has shared the podium with Bishop TD Jakes, Bishop John Francis, Bishop Tudor Bismark, Kirk franklin, Andrae Crouch, Israel Houghton and many other renowned speakers and musicians. he is doing his Degree in Psychology with UNISA. As Senior pastor of high praise centre, he speaks to more than 1500 people every sunday, not counting the seven churches he associates with.
Reverend Dube is the Owner of a lable called Dube Connection cc. licencing to SonyBMG and Spirit Music. through the label he employs his other aptitudes as songwriter,

author, producer/arranger, discovering and developing young talent. Thus far, the label has produced five albums, two of which have sold Gold, and the other two more than Platinum. He has developed business partnership with Sony, Spirit Music, Gallo, EMI, BMG,SAMRO,SARRAL, and RISA.
He is the founder of Artist Hope Arise (AHA) in 2009 and also co-founded God's Worshipers Convocation (GWC) in 2009. the first Convocation was in September 2009 and is available on DVD. Secular and gospel Artists, and celebrities have frequently asked Rev. Benjamin for counselling and his wisdom. He has preaced in many of the musicians' memorial services.
Reverend Benjamin dube has been a guest of several national television and radio programmes, and has made news in every newspaper and magazine in South Africa. In december 2004, Sunday Sun -Newspaper named him the most influential celebrity of the month with integrity.
Reverend Benjamin with his wife Thabile and four sons live in the south of Johannesburg, RSA. Source: www.benjamindube.net

Keke Phoofolo

Gospel sensation Keke, real name Kekeletso Phoofolo, was born and raised in Pimville, Soweto. A 20-something singer once had a zeal to be in the military but music took over that aspiration and started his career with Zoe Gospel Music in 1994 as a backing vocalist and as a result competed at the “Shell Road to Fame” in Sun City 1997 as a soloist. Keke never limited himself; in 1998 he found a place in the kwaito industry with the group called Kom-Kom. He then got the opportunity to go on tour with Benjamin Dube 1999 before joining “Joyous Celebration 5” in 2000-2001 as one of the choirs lead singers. Doing the lead on the song ‘Jo Ke Mohlolo-Hlolo’ also gave him the opportunity to work with the male group Redeemed. While searching for his niche, he worked with various artists including Bheki Mseleku, Winston Mankunku and Umoja. This led to a call from the Queen of Swaziland to run and produce a “live” recording of Redemption Choir 2001-2004 giving him the chance to produce more projects in the neighbouring country. In 2006 he decided to pursue a solo career which dints go wrong.

The success of his first album called Restoration paved the way for his second album ‘Revival’ which was a ‘Live’ DVD recording at the “Vaal University of Technology”. On REVIVAL, Keke’s says ‘We all have the opportunity to have what we want, and what we need to revive our mind set. Emotions must be dealt with because we have our freedom and Africa has more than what it needs. We should come out of the beggar mentality. This is not the time to look back because if we do, we will not see tomorrow’. The DVD consists of church folks favourite songs; the award winning singer who has launched his third album has this to say “I am humbled by my musical success. I was also amazed by the success of my latest album Living Testimony, which has also received platinum status.” The DVD consists of my favourite songs such as Sefapano, I’m in love, I need your touch and Testimony to mention few of the best in his live album.

SIPHO MAKHABANE

LUNDI

SOLLY MAHLANGU

Biography of Pastor Solly Mahlangu

Pastor Solly Mahlangu was born in South Africa, Johannesburg in 1971. He was raised by a single mother, got saved at an early age and received his calling at an early age. He started ministering in song as early as age 10 years. He grew up in Johannesburg, and got married to his lovely wife Khosi Mahlangu for 18 years and they have three lovely daughters, namely Thando, Amani and Asante.
Pastor Solly Mahlangu served in ministry for over 20 years, as a worship leader and music director and ended up as a national music director at Victory Fellowship Church under the leadership of Dr M.A. Maphalala. He travelled extensively in the continent of Africa; training worship leaders and worshipers in the country.
He became a professional recording artist since 1991, with 4 albums under his sleeve. He established and founded a church in Johannesburg Tembisa called Word Praise Christian Centre International, which has become one of the fastest growing churches in the area. He is currently pastoring with his wife the above mentioned church. He is also enjoying in this season:
The top Gospel artist status in the country with his live DVD and CD recording Obrigado and Mwamba Mwamba, which have reached phenomenal strides in the gospel industry.

KENYA GOSPEL ARTISTS

Sarah Kiari

Sarah K, born Sarah Kiari, is unquestionably a resolute lady who was born forty two years ago and is a respected, well-known gospel singer who went from humble beginnings selling vegetables to blossoming into one of Kenya’s singing sensations. An inspiration to many, Sarah K has won numerous awards including the Groove and Liseme Awards. Sarah is married to a pastor, blessed with three amazing children who has come a long way from the tough beginnings of her early musical career where she worked tirelessly walking from door to door to sell her albums.

Her history and the impact she has had on the Kenyan Gospel Music Scene:

Her singing career started off when she at first borrowed money for fares to sell her music to studios literally going from door to door to market her talent.
Her first album was produced in 2000 and was called Wamtumainio Bwana.
In the year 2003 Sarah released her third album which was called Milele Daima and included the popular hit song Nasema Asante.
To date Sarah’s albums include Wamtumainio, Milele Daima, Adonai, Testimony, Liseme with another in the pipeline.

Sarah K attributes her success to her love of God who has blessed her ministry from the get-go plus she would love to continue ministering as this is where she gets her inspiration from. Her future plans include the continuation of ministering and encouraging people in their everyday lives.

Some of Sarah K’s awards and accolades include:

In June 2014 Sarah K emerged as the biggest winner of the Groove Awards which took place at KICC in Nairobi.
The three awards which she bagged included Female Artiste and Song Writer of the Year.
Her song Hakuna Silaha was voted as the top Worship Song of the Year.
Her son and producer received these accolades on her behalf due to her other commitments as she was away singing in The States.

Sarah Kiarie, best known as Sarah K is indeed a lady of faith who is undoubtedly esteemed by many and idolised – without question one of the most up and coming gospel singers in Kenya.

ESTHER WAHOME

Kenyan gospel singer Esther Wahome is riding high, having achieved what secular musicians in Kenya only dream about. Since teenage years, Esther knew her calling and all she has ever wanted to do was to sing praises to God. The gospel singer, who is in her late 20s, joined the super league of African music when her song, Furahia, from her solo CD by the same title, was selected together with a dozen others by some of the top musicians on the continent for a compilation CD titled, Best of Afropop Series. It has been issued internationally and is expected to chalk up high sales in various countries.
For an artiste seeking new horizons in her career, she has to work very hard and, like many other musicians, Esther has had her share of bad times and regrets, as well. She grew up in a musical family. Her father, William Wahome, is a hobby musician and was her first inspiration. It is through him that she got interested in music, first as a hobby, and later as a career. It all started in a church in Nyeri in 1988, when Kenya Broadcasting Corporation television producer Sammy Oyando spotted her and was so impressed by her singing that he arranged to have her appear on the "Sing and Shine" TV gospel music programme
Esther Wahome become the first Kenyan musician to be featured in such a compilation of songs by top contemporary African musicians. More importantly, her entry is through a gospel recording and not dance music, which commands more international

Vicky kitonga

Mario shako

Emmy Kosgei

Mukabwa

Esther Muthoni

Kambua Munundu

Mary Atieno

TANZANIA GOSPEL ARTISTS

WOMENS OR GIRLS

Rose Muhando

Rose Mhando ambaye hujulikana pia kwa jina la Rose Muhando;amezaliwa mwaka 1976 katika kijiji cha Dumila, Wilaya ya Kilosa, Mkoa wa Morogoro, nchini Tanzania) ni msanii maarufu wa muziki wa injili katika lugha ya swahili katika kanda ya Afrika Mashariki.

Rose,ambaye alikuwa muumini wa dini ya kiislamu,ni mama wa watoto watatu. Mama huyu alidai kuwa akiwa na umri wa miaka tisa alipata maono ya Yesu Kristo akiwa amelazwa. Aliteseka kwa muda wa miaka mitatu,na baada ya hapo alipona na kubadili dini(kuongoka) na kuwa mkristo.

Alianza fani yake ya muziki kama mwalimu wa kwaya inayoitwa Kwaya ya Mtakatifu Maria katika kanisa la kianglikana linaloitwa Chimuli mkoani Dodoma.

Mafanikio

Mnamo tarehe 31 mwezi Januari mwaka 2005, Rose Muhando alipata tuzo ya mtunzi bora, muimbaji bora, na tuzo ya msanii mwenye albamu bora ya mwaka wakati wa tamasha la tuzo za kiinjili, 2004.

Mnamo mwezi wa kumi na mbili, 2005, alishiriki katika tamasha la kiinjili ili kusaidia kutafuta fedha kwa ajili ya kituo cha watoto yatima cha Dar es salaam.

Baadhi ya albamu zake ni pamoja na:

1.Kitimutimu.

2.Uwe Macho, 2004.

3.Jipange Sawasawa, 2008.

Tuzo

Mnamo mwaka 2005 Tuzo ya muziki, Tanzania: Mwimbaji bora wa kike na wimbo bora wa dini ( "Mteule uwe macho"

( History from Wikipedia.org)

HISTORY OF ROSE MUHANDO

Rose Mhando who is also known by the name of Madonna, was born in 1976 in the village of DumilaDistrict Kilosa, District of Morogoro, in Tanzania) is a famous artist in gospel music of the Swahili language in the region of East Africa.

Rose, who was a believer of the religion of Islam, a mother of three children. This woman claimed that at the age of nine years he had a vision of Jesus Christ and his lying. He suffered for three years, and thereafter he was cured by changing religion (conversion) and a Christian.

He began his professional music career as a choir teacher called the Choir of St. Mary's Anglican church called Chimuli province Dodoma.

Jennifer Mgendi

Jennifer Mgendi(pichani) ni miongoni mwa wanamuziki wa muziki wa injili au kwa kiingereza Gospel nchini Tanzania ambao wamejijengea sifa na umaarufu mkubwa kutokana na kazi yake hiyo ya uimbaji na kumtukuza mola.

Lakini tofauti moja kubwa ya Jennifer na wanamuziki wengine wa muziki wa injili ni kwamba yeye pia ni mtunzi mzuri wa hadithi za filamu.Baadhi ya filamu alizowahi kutunga ni kama vile Pigo la Faraja, Joto la Roho na Teke la Mama.

Alianza rasmi kujishughulisha na kazi ya muziki wa injili mwaka 1995.Albam yake ya kwanza iliitwa ‘Nini?’. Baada ya hapo alitoka tena na albamu zake zilizokwenda kwa majina ‘Ukarimu wake’, ‘Yesu Nakupenda’,'Nikiona Fahari’ na ya hivi karibuni zaidi inayoitwa Mchimba Mashimo.

Hivi karibuni tulipata nafasi ya kufanya naye mahojiano ambayo utayasoma hivi punde. Katika mahojiano haya,Jennifer anakupa kwa undani kuhusu historia yake kimuziki na kibinafsi. Ni kweli kwamba muziki wa injili wa leo ni wa “kidunia” zaidi ya “kiroho”? Anasemaje kuhusiana na hoja hiyo? Je Jennifer anaongeleaje tofauti za muziki wa injili na ule wa Bongo Fleva?Unakubaliana naye?

Nini mipango yake kwa mwaka huu wa 2009 na ana ushauri gani kwa vijana?Fuatana nasi katika mahojiano yafuatayo;

BC: Karibu Jennifer ndani ya BC.Sijui nikuambie mambo vipi au bwana asifiwe?

JM:Asante sana ndugu yangu. Yote mema tu kwani mambo ni safi na Bwana anaendelea kusifiwa…

BC:Kwa kifupi tu unaweza kutueleza historia ya maisha yako?

JM:Nilizaliwa miaka karibu 37 iliyopita hapa hapa jijini Dar es Salaam katika familia ya watoto watatu nikiwa nimetanguliwa na kaka wawili. Nimepata elimu yangu katika mikoa ya Dar es salaam na Tanga. Nilianza uimbaji rasmi mwaka 1995 na hapo katikati nilifanya kazi kadhaa za kuajiriwa kama Ualimu na Ukutubi lakini tangu mwaka 2007 niliacha kazi za kuajiriwa na mpaka hivi leo ninafanya shughuli zangu binafsi.

BC:Mara nyingi wasanii huwa wanaanza kwa kufuata mfano wa mtu,watu au kitu fulani.Kwa upande wako nini kilikushawishi uingie kwenye muziki wa injili.Je kwenye muziki wa injili ndiko ulikoanzia au ulianzia kwingine halafu ndio ukahamia kwenye injili?

JM:Watu wengi walikuwa wakinivutia sana na kunihamasisha kwa habari ya uimbaji lakini miaka hiyo nilivutiwa zaidi na Jim Reeves na Yvonne Chakachaka ambao walikuwa wananivutia sana.

Nimeanza moja kwa moja kuimba muziki huu wa injili kwa sababu tayari injili (ambayo ni uweza wa Mungu uletao wokovu kwa kila aaminiye) ilikuwa imebadilisha maisha yangu. Kwa hiyo sina mwingine wa kumwimbia zaidi ya huyo mwenye Injili yaani Yesu Kristo.

BC:Kwa faida ya wale ambao hawajafuatilia kwa ukaribu kazi zako,mpaka hivi sasa umeshatoa albamu ngapi,zinapatikana wapi na wewe kama msanii wa muziki wa injili unafanyia wapi kazi zako?

JM:Mpaka sasa nina albam tano za kusikiliza ambazo ni Nini?, Ukarimu Wake, Nikiona Fahari, Yesu Nakupenda na Mchimba Mashimo. Pia nina video za nyimbo ambazo ni Yesu Nakupenda na Mchimba Mashimo. Hali kadhalika nina matoleo ya filamu ambayo ni Joto la Roho, Pigo la Faraja na Teke la Mama. Sina sehemu maalum ninayofanyia shughuli zangu kwani shughuli zangu sio za kukaa sehemu moja.

BC:Kumekuwepo na ukosoaji kwamba ninyi waimbaji wa muziki wa injili wa kizazi hiki mnapoteza kabisa uhalisia wa muziki huo.Wanaosema hivyo wanasema kwamba muziki wenu hauna vionjo vya “kiroho” bali umejaa vionjo vya “kidunia” kutokea kwenye midundo yake na wakati mwingine hata kwenye mashairi au ujumbe uliomo.Unasemaje kuhusu ukosoaji huo?

JM:Unajua ndugu yangu siwezi kukanusha wala kukubaliana na hoja yao hiyo. Inawezekana ni kweli wanavyosema na hii inatokea zaidi pale waimbaji tunapokosa kiasi. Hata hivyo “kiroho” kwa mtu mmoja kwa mwingine chaweza kuwa ni “kidunia”.

Kuna watu wengine hata kupiga makofi tu wakati unaimba kwao ni “kidunia”. La muhimu ni kwamba mradi mashairi na ujumbe unampa Mungu sifa na utukufu, binafsi sioni ubaya wowote wa nyimbo za injili kuwa na “midundo” na wala sijawahi kusoma kwenye biblia sehemu inayokataza kupiga midundo sanasana nimesoma Zaburi ikisema “….pigeni kwa ustadi…”.

Kuhusu ujumbe wa kidunia kwa kweli mimi sijasikia mwimbaji wa nyimbo za injili akiimba nyimbo za kidunia maneno yote tunayoimba yamo kwenye biblia au angalau hayapingani na mafundisho ya msingi ya biblia.

BC: Mara kwa mara kumekuwepo watu ambao aidha wanajaribu kukufananisha na waimbaji wengine wa muziki wa injili kama Rose Mhando,Bahati Bukuku na wengineo.Wengine wamethubutu hata kuwapambanisha.Je uhusiano wako na wanamuziki wengine wa injili ukoje?Mnajiona kama washindani au washirika katika Bwana?

JM:Ni kweli mara zingine wanafanya hivyo lakini nadhani kimsingi tunatofautiana na kila mmoja ana uimbaji wake kwa kadiri ya kipawa au kipaji alichopewa na Bwana. Ila la kufurahisha ni kwamba hatuna tabia ya kushindana kwani kila mmoja kapewa karama kivyake na kubwa zaidi ni kwamba tunatambua kuwa wote lengo letu ni moja, yaani kuujenga ufalme wa Mungu hapa duniani. Kwa hiyo huwa tunashirikiana sio jukwaani tu bali mara nyingine hata katika mambo ya kawaida ya maisha.

BC: Kwa muda sasa umekuwa mwanamuziki.Unadhani ni mambo gani matatu ya msingi ambayo umejifunza kutokana na kazi yako ya muziki na ambayo unadhani usingeyajua kama usingekuwa mwanamuziki?

JM:1. Nimejifunza nchi yangu na kuifahamu zaidi kwani nimesafiri sana katika mikoa na wilaya nyingi ambazo nisingefika kama sio muziki.

2. Nimejifunza mambo mengi sana yaliyonijenga kiroho kutokana na kualikwa kuhudhuria mikutano, semina na makongamano ya kiroho.

3.Nimejifunza kuishi aina fulani ya maisha yenye kiasi fulani cha nidhamu kutokana na nafasi yangu katika jamii, maisha ambayo pengine nisingekuwa maarufu nisingeishi hivyo.

(Kutoka Bongo Celebrity)

Flora Mbasha

My name is Flora (Tanzanian gospel singer). My Fathers name is Henry Mayallah. My mother is Caroline Moses Kulola. I was born in Mwanza Tanzania and my tribe is Msukuma. I was born in a Christian family; my Father and Mother are both Christians.

My father died in 1998, during the time we were living in Arusha. He left behind three children who are Benjamin the first born, I Flora begin the second and Dorcus who is the third and last daughter to my father.

After the passing of my father my grandfather and grandmother on my mother side took the responsibility of taking care of us. Later on my mother was blessed with a wedding ring and two beautiful children who are Suzy and Esther, making a family of 5 children.

Later she yet again was blessed with another baby Girl who was given to her as an offering at Church; hence my Father and Mother took the responsibility of taking care of the child like their own child giving the family a number of 6 children.

My Mother and father are both Evangelists living in Mwanza. I thank god for my Father and Mother and my Grand mother who are Arc Bishop of Assemblies of God T( E. A. G. T) Moses Kulola and my Grandmother whom took care of me since my fathers death, they educated me until the time of my wedding. I started singing at an early age and I was singing with the Bugando Divine Singer in Mwanza town.

In 22/ 09/ 2002 I said my vows and got married to my one and only husband Emmanuel Mbasha at the E. A. G. T Church in Mwanza. God has blessed us with a beautiful baby daughter called Elizabeth who is three years of age.

My husband E. Mbasha has been of great assistance to my success, he has supported me by giving the right advice and guidance that has led to what I have today. We have song written together songs and performed in both albums that I hold.

Flora' Dreams: I have the dream of going around Tanzania on a tour spreading the Gospel through singing in public shows. I believe by doing that I will win the hearts of many especially for the masses who have no money to pay for get charges.I hope to buy live music equipments for performing for I fill complete when the music is played by a live band. Moreover I'm on the verge of recording video for the second album that already on the market.

Flora's Vision: My vision is to work for our lord Jesus Christ until the day of my calling. I have the desire of reaching out the to youth who have not found Christ so that they turn to God for their lives, for my heart burns when I see youth engaged in drugs immorality and other doing that are not of morality. In future I do hope to open my own studio for recording music.

Raising funds for the needy, on going activity includes in fund rising for orphan at the orphan centre in Mwanza region. Sensitizing leaders and decision makers on the need to help orphans when ever the chance arises. Mounting funds until they reach beneficiaries who are orphans.

Hobbies: Singing and chatting with friends.

Flora's Church: Currently I'm praying at mnazi Mmoja Evangelist Assemblies of God. The church has god's blessings because we witness this through the miracle experienced at the church such as healing that people get all the time.

This is done by Revered Bruno Mwakibolewa with the assistance of his wife Mrs. Mwakibolewa. Player days are on Wednesday & Sunday.

Some of her songs are Usife moyo, Aliteseka, Jipe moyo, Hakuna Tatizo Kuu, Yu Karibu, Tunaye Bwana, Ukimwi, Ashante Yesu, Majaribu, Maisha Ya Ndoa, etc

Upendo Kilahiro

Upendo Kilahiro is a Tanzanian International Gospel singer living in Dar-es-salaam, Tanzania. She is married to Pastor Amon Kilahiro and they are blessed with a daughter Gloria.

Upendo ministers the Gospel through music and has travelled to many nations touching hearts and drawing to the presence of God.

Upendo Nkone

UPENDO NKONE; Kutoka ukulima, kuuza nyanya na kuwa mkali wa nyimbo za injili

Upendo Nkone Muha kutoka Kigoma anayetumiwa na Mungu baada ya kupita kwenye shida na kila namna na sasa anakura pensheni ya kuwa na uvumilivu wa maombi ya haja zake kwa Mungu. Mwana mama huyu amezaliwa katika familia ya kichungaji na kushiriki katika huduma ya uimbaji wa kwaya za kanisani akiwa na umri wa miaka 10. Alipata elimu yake ya msingi katika shule ya Katumbuka mkoani Kigoma kabla ya kuja kuendelea na masomo yake ya sekondari jijini Dar es Salaam. Nyota yake ya kumuimbia Mungu ilianza kuonekana baada ya kujiunga na kwaya ya KWGC ya Kigoma ambako kila mmoja alipenda kumuona akiimba. Baada ya kutoka Kigoma na kuhamia Dar es Salaam, alijiunga na kwaya ya Dovya Gospel Singers ya Yombo Dovya jijini Dar es Salaam ambapo na aliiwezesha kwaya hiyo kuwika katika anga za muziki huo ndani na nje ya nchi. Upendo ambaye kwa sasa ni mjene, kabla ya hapa alipo alikuwa fundi cherehani ambaye alikuwa nashona nguo za watu mbalimbali. Hata hivyo biashara hiyo ilionekana kuwa ngumu kwake kutokana na kukosa wateja na kuamua kugeukia kilimo. Alianza kilimo kidogo cha nyanya na mchicha na kutembeza mitaani pindi zilipokuwa tayari. Fani ya ushonaji aliipata katika chuo cha ufundi Rufiji mkoani kwa muda wa miaka mitatu kabla ya kurejea tena Kigoma. Alifanikiwa kuolewa mwaka 1999 na kubahatika kuzaa watoto wawili Fadhili (14) na Zabron Erasto(9).

Hata hivyo maisha yake ya ndoa hakuyafurahia zaidi kutokana na mume wake kuwa na ugonjwa wa kifafa ambao alianza kuugua tangu akiwa na miaka minne na mara kwa mara alikuwa akianguka. Pamoja na mumewe kuwa na ugonjwa huo, Upendo kama lilivyo jina lake, alimpenda sana mumewe na muda mwingi aliutumia kumuuguza lakini kadri siku zilivyokuwa zinaenda ndivyo ugonjwa nao ulikuwa unamsumbua. Hata hivyo, baada ya ugonjwa kumuelemea mumewe alilazimika kumpeleka hospitali kwa ajili ya matibabu zaidi na daktari aliyekuwa anamshughulikia alimweleza kuwa, ili kupunguza kasi ya ugonjwa wa mumewe alitakiwa kutofanyanaye tendo la ndoa. Sharti hilo lilikuwa gumu kwake kwa sababu walikuwa wanalala kitanda kimoja kama mume na mke lakini pamoja na hayo hali ilionekana kuwa mbaya kabla ya umauti kumchukua. Baada ya kufariki mume, ndunguze mumewe walisema kuwa yeye ndiye aliyemuua licha ya kujitahidi kumuuguza kwa kipindi chote cha uhai wake.

Maneno hayo ya kusingiziwa kuwa amemuua mumewe yalimuumiza moyo huku akiangalia maisha ya ujane yanayomkabili akiwa na watoto hao wawili ambao hakujua watakula nini wala watasoma vipi. Hali hiyo ilimfanya Upendo kuwa mtu wa majonzi muda wote huku akiwaangalia watoto wake ambao walikuwa wakimwangalia yeye kwa kila kitu. Kutokana na kuishi maisha hayo magumu ndipo alipopata msukumo wa kumuimbia Mungu wake na mwaka 2009 alifanikiwa kutoa albamu ya kwanza aliyoipa jina la Mungu Baba. Albamu hiyo ilifanikiwa kumtambulisha katika muziki wa Injili kabla ya kuachia nyingi mwaka juzi iliyokwenda kwa jina la Hapa nilipo ambayo nayo iliendelea kumtangaza katika angaza za kiamtaifa. Albamu hiyo inanyimbo kama Hapa Nilipo, Unastahili Kuabudiwa, Iyomaana, Upendo wa Yesu, Usifurahi Juu yangu nk. Albamu yake ya tatu ambayo ina nyimbo kumi kwa sasa ipo sokoni ameipa jina la Zipo Faida Kukaa na Mungu ikiwa na nyimbo kama Zipo Faida Kukaa na Mungu, Unitetee, Sitarudi nyuma, Moyo Wangu, Usinipite Bwana, Inakuaje Huokoki na Uinuliwe.

Christina Matai

Christina Shusho

Christina Shusho, is an exemplary icon of ages in the gospel industry who has grown to be a renowned global artist in her self-nurtured and well groomed talent in singing inspirational music.

Once a church cleaner that enjoyed her job, until the day she recognized her talent in singing 10 years ago has made her rise in fame within East African borders and internationally through her vocals.

Born in Kigoma Tanzania mid days of November to a born again Christian family and had a religious upbringing. At the age of 15 years she gained her own salvation up to this day.

She went through Tanzanian education system, where she schooled at Kigoma for both primary and secondary schools.

Then got married in Dar es Salaam 20 years ago to John who is a practicing preacher and are blessed with 3 children- 2 girls and 1 boy.

Her career life started off in humble ways as a church cleaner then joined the church choir which later drove her to try and sing her own solo piece.

She then tried to sing out of choir, wrote her songs in trials with hope that she would release her own solo album someday.

“I used to sing in the church choir then I decided one day to try out singing on my own, that’s how I discovered that I had talent which I had never realized,” said Shusho.

Her first album ‘Kitu gani kinitenge na upendo wa Bwana’, which was mainly sold in her home country Tanzania, then ‘Unikumbuke’ and followed by ‘Nipe Macho’ totaling up to 34 songs that she has released so far.

“New level new devil, challenges become more and more each day as a Christian and every time you grow in Christianity the more the challenges,” says Shusho.

Besides singing, she is a model and owns a modeling agency and wonders why Christianity should not be equated to beauty.

“Where I come from they always equate Christianity to unkempt people and I wonder why not for Christians to also be clean in the inside and outside,” said Shusho.

She appreciates both Kenyan and Tanzanian gospel music but says Kenyan music is good, but more appealing to the youth as compared to Tanzanian music. Shusho reveals that youthful music is bound to die off since people grow out of their youthful stage and stop listening to them.

She has collaborated with other artists across East Africa in her music; many artists from her home country and in Kenya she is currently doing a collabo with Geraldine Odour.

Her vision is to make other upcoming artists to grow and develop through her; she is working on building other people’s talents.

“People fail because there are those who enter in the industry with the vision of getting money and fail to put strong foundation, confirm that the beats are clear and nurture their voice to be good,” said Shusho.

Her songs, God sent messages to her that she later turns it into songs to pass over the messages to other people. She goes ahead to defend his fellow gospel artists who have grown in the industry over the claims of not helping nurture upcoming artists as a way of helping them understand the musical career.

“The already made artist don’t harass upcoming artist, to be where I have reached needs good nurturing and advise and a lot of patience,” said Shusho.

Her inspiration in singing is from her pace setters’ lady Musicians from Tanzania, Rose Muhando and Bahati Bukuku.

“They have really inspired and encouraged me through their success and always leave me yearning to go further since in music industry there is no perfection but one has to learn from others to grow,” said Shusho.

The song ‘Unikumbuke’ that now hits in Tanzania close to a national anthem, she says developed from a prayer while calling upon God to always remember her in her times of need and challenges.

“God knows us right from our mother’s womb and therefore He knows us all through the situations in our lives and always remembers us,” said Shusho.

Her advice to other upcoming artist in music industry faced with the challenge of financial constraints is to have patience and continue saving until they would be in a position to produce their own music.

“It’s not easy to be a public figure and more so to be singing gospel songs, others go into it for fame and money but they don’t make it to go far because it’s not self-driven and easily fall off, “ said Shusho.

To her fans she says it’s only but the beginning of her journey in music and tells them to expect much more, since she has majored more in Swahili language, she now reveals that soon she will release an album in English, French, Swahili and Russian languages.

“There is no good thing in the world like knowing God, despite the challenges you go through never give up hope, hold on to your faith knowing that through Him you will always succeed,” said Shusho.

ATOSHA KISSAVA

HISTORIA YA MWIMBAJI WA NYIMBO ZA INILI ATOSHA KISSAVA

Blogger: Jina la huduma yako linaitwaje? Atosha Kissava:

Jina la huduma yangu ni jina langu mwenyewe, Atosha.

Blogger: Huduma yako ilianza lini? Atosha Kissava: Huduma yangu imeanza mwaka 2009, ndipo ambapo niliweza kuingia studio kwa mara ya kwanza, na kurekodi nyimbo za albamu ya kwanza.

Blogger; Nini kilikushawishi ukaanza huduma hii ya uimbaji wa nyimbo za Injili?

Atosha Kissava: Ni msukumu wa ndani, naweza nikasema ni msukumo wa Roho mtakatifu, kwa sababu nilikuwa nasukumwa kufanya hivyo toka zamani nikiwa mdogo, lakini kutokana na mazingira niliyokuwepo, kwa sababu mimi nimekulia mazingira ya kijijini na sikuweza kupata msaidizi mpaka nimekuwa, nikafika sehemu sasa naingia chuo nilipomaliza kidato cha sita, ndo nikaweza sasa kufanya kitu.

Blogger: Umesema kwamba umezaliwa kijijini, ni mkoa gani ambao umezaliwa?

Atosha Kissava: Mimi nimezaliwa Iringa, na nimekulia kule pia.

Blogger: Sababu zipi zilisababisha ukaanzisha huduma hii ya Atosha?

Atosha Kissava: Ni msukumo ule ambao ulikuwa ndani yangu, kwa hiyo nilijikuta ninasukumwa kufanya hicho kitu, nilisikia kipindi hicho Jenifa Mgendi alikuwa anafanya vizuri sana, na nilikuwa nasikia kwa kupita redio. Nilikuwa ni mdogo nikwa natafuta kujua, nikwa nashika nyimbo zote yaani sikosei hata neno moja.

Blogger: Kwa nini uliamua kuimba nyimbo za Injili, na sio nyingine?

Atosha Kisava; Kwa kweli mimi nililelewa katika familia ya Kanisani, ambayo ilikuwa inanifundisha katika maswala ya kumjua Mungu zaidi, kwa hiyo kitu ambacho niliweza kuimba ni kitu ambacho kinahusiana na Mungu, sikuweza kujikuta nafanya mambo mengine tofauti ya Kanisani .

Blogger: Kipindi upo Kanisani watu walikuwa wanakuchukuliaje, wakati jina bado halijawa kubwa kama sasa hivi tunavyolijua?

Atosha Kissava: Kwa kweli hicho ni kitu ambacho kilinifanya niweze kujitambua kwamba mimi ninakitu cha tofauti, kwa sababu watu walikuwa wanapokea kwa ukubwa zaidi kuliko mimi nilivyokuwa, sababu mimi nilikuwa bado ni mdogo. Naweza nikwa naimba tu kawaida lakini watu wanabarikiwa sana mpaka mimi mwenyewe nashangaa, ndipo nilipotambua kwamba kumbe mimi naweza kufanya hivi, naweza kuimba Dunia nzima, Tanzania nzima wakajua, kwa hiyo walinipokea kwa uzuri sana na hao ndio walionitia moyo.

Blogger: unaweza kutuambia wimbo wako mmoja uliouimba?

Atosha Kissava: moja ya wimbo ambao niliimba katika ile albamu ya kwanza ni “Yesu nainua macho yangu nikitazama ni wewe tu Aleluya”

Blogger: Wimbo wako umekuwa ukigusa watu wengi, na unnabarikiwa sana mimi nikiwepo mmoja wapo. Ni kitu gani kilikufanya mpaka ukaamua kuimba wimbo huu.

Atosha Kissava: kwa kweli ndugu mtangazaji ninweza nikasema ni maisha tu ambayo mtu unakuwa unayapitia, wakati mwingine kuna mambo ambayo yanakukatisha tama, na hakuna mtu mwingine wa kumueleza umeambua tu kumwachia Mungu, kwa hiyo nilikuwa katika kipindi hichi na sikuwa na mtu mwingine wa kumueleza shida zangu, nikaamua tu kumuachia Yesu, na nakumbuka siku naimba studio nililia kwa sababu nilikuwa namaanisha.

Blogger: Mtanzamaji wangu angependa kujua lile tatizo ambalo lilikufanya ukaimba huo wimbo, kwa sababu kuna watu ambao wanatatizo kama hilo, au walishapitia katika matatizo kama hayo, naomba utuelezee kwa ufupi.

Atosha Kissava: ni ugumu tu wa maisha, unakuta unataka hichi akiwezekani, pia unakuta unasoma kwa shida wazazi wanaangaika inafika mahali unawaonea huruma, unakuta hakuna jinsi kwa hiyo unakuta huko katika hali hizo za maisha, ndo nikaamua kumwachia Yesu kila kitu na kweli amefanya.

Blogger: Je, watu wanaupokeaje unavyoimba wimbo wako wenye upako wa ajabu?

Atosha Kissava: Kwa kweli watu wamekuwa wakiupokea tofauti, ambacho ni kitu sikutegemea, ndo maana huwa namshangaa Mungu na kila kitu ninachofanya najaribu kumtanguliza Mungu, na pale ambapo siwezi najiona kama ni mnyonge naona Mungu anafanya kitu cha tofauti. Kuna sehemu nilishawahi kuimba na kuna watu walitokwa na mapepo, kwahiyo namshukuru Mungu kwa kuwa anajitukuza na anashusha uwepo wake kwa kupitia wimbo wangu. Na watu wengine wananipigia simu wasanii wakubwa, kama Flora Mbasha, Christina Shusho wananiambia yaani wewe mtoto unakitu cha utofauti, kwa kweli namshukuru Mungu kwaajili ya hilo, maana anafanya vitu ambavyo mimi sikuvitegemea kwa maana nilikuwa najiona wa kawaida, lakini naona analeta kitu cha tofauti.

Blogger: Kuna mchango wowote umefanya kwa kupitia huduma yako ya Atosha Kissava? Atosha Kissava: kwa kupitia huduma yangu, nimekuwa karibu na jamii na ninaendelea kuwa karibu kwa kadiri Mungu anavyoendelea kunisaidia, kwa mfano naweza nikasema kuna watoto wanaishi katika mazingira magumu pale Iringa, ni mwezi mmoja tu umepita, walikuwa wanazindua albamu yako, walikwua wanakusanya mchango wa kuweza kuboresha yale mazingira. Nilijitolea kwenda nikashirikiana nao mpaka mwisho wa shughuli yao, na kunamchango kidogo kutokana na uwezo wangu niliokuwa nao niliweza kuwachangia, kwa hiyo ninajaribu kuwa karibu na jamii, naamini kupita hilo Mungu atakwenda kujitukuza na kuniinua toka utukufu hadi utukufu.

Blogger: Ni mialiko mingapi umepata tangia umeanzisha huduma yako?

Atosha Kissava: kwa kweli ni mingi sana siwezi kuitaja yote, ila kuna tamasha la Pasaka ambalo niliweza kushiriki mwaka 2012, ambapo kuliwa na wasaii wengi kutoka nje ya Tanzania, japo nilikuwa bado nasoma lakini niliweza kushiriki kwa sehemu, kwa sababu kesho yake nilikuwa narudi chuoni kwaajili ya mtihani kwa hiyo sikuweza tena kwenda kuimba.

Blogger: Wakati ukiimba katika lilel tamasha la Pasaka 2009 watu walikupokeaje baada ya kushuka jukwani na ukiwa jukwaani?

Atosha Kissava: kwa kweli pale ndipo niliposhangaa kumbe watu wameupokea vizuri wimbo wangu, kwa sababu watu wengi walikuwa wanaimba pamoja na mimi, kwa kweli namshukuru Mungu kwa hilo waliupokea vizuri sana.

Blogger: Ni matatizo gani ambayo unakumbana nayo katika huduma yako ya uimbaji?

Atosha Kissava: Matatizo ambayo tunakumbana nayo waimbaji wengi ni mengi, lakini kubwa ni swala la pesa, na support kutoka kwa Serikali kuhusu swala la muziki, kwa hiyo waimbaji wengi wanatamani kufanya vitu ambavyo ni vikubwa lakini changamoto kubwa ni pesa. Hata kama anataka kufanya muziki wa live, kama mimi napenda sana na pia naamini naweza zaidi muziki wa live kuliko huu wa kurekodi studio, unakuta sina pesa ya kuweza kufanya kitu hicho japokuwa ni kitu kizuri, lakini inabidi uendelee kujipanga kwa vile ambayo unafanya, mwisho wa siku utaweza kupata kipato ambacho kitakuwezesha kufanya mambo makubwa zaidi. Changamoto nyingine ni swala la soko la muziki kwa Tanzania, kwa kweli soko bado halijakaa vizuri sana, wapo watu wanapenda kweli muziki wa nyimbo za Injili na watu wengine wapo kwaajili ya kuvuruga, kwa hiyo sasa hivi soko limejichanganya changanya, nadhani pia tunaitaji Serikali itusaidie katika hilo. Kwamba unakuta wanaotoa kazi feki ni wengi na kila siku wanazidi kuzaliwa wapya, msanii unakuta anatoa wimbi, hata kabla hajamaliza kutoa albamu unakuta watu wananunua CD elfu moja, elfu mbili kwa zile sehemu ambazo wana burn, kwahiyo Serikali ikitusaidia katika hilo nadhani tunaweza tukafika mbali. Na unaweza ukakuta muimbaji wa nyimbo za Injili anajina kubwa, lakini ukiangalia maisha yake alisi ni vitu viwili tofauti, pia akienda kuimba sehemu inadidi uvae vizuri upendeze, watu kwa sababu wanajua anajina kubwa, lakini kiukweli hana kitu.

Blogger: Najua ni matatizo mengi ambayo mnapambana nayo, tukizungumzia ushirikiano wenu kati ya waimbaji na watumishi wa Mungu.

Atosha Kissava: Unajua mtu anaweza akawa amekuita sehemu ukahudumu, na ninaweza nikasema kwamba unaweza ukashindwa ku appreciate kwa kile ambacho umekifanya, inaweza ikawa ni changamoto ingawa ni vitu vidogo vidogo ambavyo kama mtumishi wa Mungu, muimbaji unaseza ukachukulia tu ni kawaida. Ila inaweza iakukatisha tama kwa namna moja hau nyingine, unakuta mtu amekuomba umsaidie na wewe umekubali kwa moyo mmoja kusaidiana naye, lakini mwisho wa siku anaona haukufanya kitu cha maana, inachangia kumkatisha muimbaji tama, au Mwinjilisti siku nyingine tena, kwa ujumla naweza nikasema kwamba tunaenda pamoja, tunasaidia watumishi mbali mbali kwa kiasi Fulani.

Blogger: Kuna baadhi ya waimbaji wamekuwa wakiwalalamikia wachungaji au viongozi waliowaalika kutoa huduma ya uimbaji. Utamkuta mwmbaji anaimba mara anatokea mchungaji na kumkatisha akiwa madhabahuni na kumwambia hatuna muda kutosha tuaomba uishie hapo. Kumbuka wakati huo mwimbaji yuko katika hisia kali ana ameshusha wingu la uwepo wa Bwana na watu wanabubujjika na uwepo huo wa Mungu. Wewe unaliongeleaje hilo?

Atosha Kissava: Kwa kweli imeshawahi kunitokea mara moja, ila inakuwa sio nzuri sana ingawa mchungaji anaweza kulazimika kufanya hivyo kutokana na muda, kwamba labda tulichelewa kuanza, au muimbaji umechelewa kufika kwa hiyo pale wanajaribu kukata kama wimbo wako ni mrefu sana. Lakini kufanya hivyo sio vizuri kwa sababu unaweza kukazuia kile kitu ambacho Mungu amepanga ukishusha kwa wakati huo alafu wewe unakikatisha kwa hiyo sio nzuri sana, lakini na sisi pia waimbaji tukialikwa sehemu tujitahidi kuwahi, ili tuweze kupata muda wa kutosha kuhudumia watu.

Blogger: Kumetokea waimbaji kushindana katika huduma ya Mungu. Utakuta mwimbaji anamwambia mwenzake kuwa mimi nikipanda jukwaani naenda kumfunika mwimbaji huyu aliyetangulia. Je, wewe kama Kissava unaona hii hali ya kutapiana ni nzuri au mbaya?

Atosha Kissava: Kwa ujumla naweza nikasema nimesikia kuna vitu kama hivyo, lakini naweza nikawasihi waimbaji wenzangu kwamba, pale tunakuwa tunafanya kazi ya Mungu kwa hiyo kila mtu yupo kwa sehemu, sisi wote tunaujenga ufalme wa Mungu kwa hiyousifanye kitu kwa mashindano, kwa hiyo usije ukasema unafanya hivi kwaajili ya kumfunika mtu Fulani, au nafanya hivi ili Fulani anione kwamba mimi nimetisha zaidi. Tunataikwa tuwe tunamsikiliza Mungu, tukienda hivyo tunakuwa tunaenda kibinadamu zaidi, hapana hiyo ni kwaajili ya ufalme wa Mungu kila mtu yupo kwa sehemu yake, inawezekana Mungu alikusudia uhudumie kwa styli Fulani, napenda kusema ni vizuri tukamsikiliza Mungu wa wakati huo, inakuwa inapendeza zaidi na utamuona Mungu katika huduma yako.

Blogger: Ni njia zipi umekuwa ukitumia kutatua matatizo yanayokukumba katika huduma yako ya uimbaji?

Atosha Kissava: Kwa matatizo ambayo nimeyaongelea, kwa swala la finance , pesa hiyo ni changamoto, tatizo lingine ni kutokuwa na ushirikiano. Kwa mimi ambavyo nimejaribu kufikiria kuweza kutatua matatizo haya; pesa na huduma pia vinaenda pamoja, japokuwa unamtumikia Mungu lakini unatakiwa ufanye kazi, au utafute kitu chochote ambacho kitakusaidia kupata pesa, hata kama unapata huku kwenye muziki pia itakusaidia kuweza kufanya kazi yako katika level zile ambazo unazitaka, na viwango vile ambavyo vitakuwa ni vizuri. Kwa sababu mtu ukitegemea muziki tu inakuwa kama unabahatisha, lakini ikiwa unaenda na sehemu nyingine, labda kama unabiashara inakuwa inasaidia katika kusukuma huduma yako, na pia unakuta wengi wanaanza alafu kuna sehemu nyingine anakwama, unakuta alikuwa anategemea muzika basi unakuta maisha yake yanaishia hapo na ndoto zake zinaishia hapo. Lakini ukiwa na kitu kingine haukati tama unaendelea hivyo hivyo, pole pole Mungu anaweza akajitukuza kwa njia hiyo, ukaweza kumtumikia kwa viwango vizuri na watu wakakuelewa. Na swala la muzika Tanzania labda serikali ingetusaidia na kuboresha zaidi ulinzi na usalama, katika hati miliki na usambazaji kwa ujumla, na pia kwa swala la ushirikiano kwa sisi waimbaji, tunatakiwa tuwe mstari wa mbeli katika kushirikiana ili tuweze kuwasaidia waliopo chini, ili waweze kufikia kwa sababu Mungu anatumia watu. Tukisaidiana tutaweza kuwafikisha na wengine katika sehemu ambayo itamdhihirishia Mungu utukufu, na sana sana ni kumtanguliza Mungu na maombi kwa ujulma, haya mambo ni Mungu mwenyeweanaongoza na sio akili zetu.

Blogger: Katika albamu zako ambazo umezitengeneza, ni nyimbo gani ambayo unaipenda zaidi kuliko nyimbo zingine? Atosha

Kissava: Nyimbo zote nazipenda, lakini wimbo ambao nimeupa albamu ndio naupenda zaidi ndio maana nimeupa nafasi ya kwanza.

Blogger: Kazi yako imetengenezwa katika studio zipi?

Atosha Kissava: Nyimbo zangu zote nimetengeneza katika studio ya Amba….. MUNGU AKUBARIKI SANA

MIRIAM JACKSON

Sarah Shilla

Debora Shabani

(Marehemu)

Jane Misso

Sara Mvungi

Angela Chibalonza

(Marehemu)

Angela Chibalonza Runiga was born on November 26, 1976 in Bukavu, eastern Congo-Kinshasa. She enjoyed music right from childhood. After completing secondary school in 1996, Chibalonza moved to Kenya the following year in what she described as her responce to a call from God to serve Him in the 35-million East African nation and also to pursue her music career.

Though she had sang in the choir and even rose to choir leadership since 1992 when she got saved aged 15 years, Chibalonza had not recorded any music in her native Congo.

In Kenya, the budding musician released her maiden album, Nikuabudu. She followed it up with Jina la Yesu the following year, in 1998. In 1999, she

Thus her travel to Nairobi to embark on a music career was appreciated and encouraged by her Christian parents and 10 siblings. released Mwisho wa Dunia and thereafter Ninapotembea.

Angela's popular albums sold well across the Kiswahili-speaking eastern and central Africa. She endeared herself and warmed her way into the hearts of hundreds of music lovers - even among those that do not profess Christianity - in her rich vocals that she delivered through live performances in churches and at open-air public Christian meetings. Her music albums have sold in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Congo, Zambia, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and in other parts of the world where Kiswahili, Lingala and French are spoken.

"I am famous in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Congo but I have no money to show for it. I am content serving God," Chibalonza often used to say.

In 2004, Kora All Africa Music Awards nominated Chibalonza for Best Gospel Female Artist award for Jubilee, off Yahwe Uhimidiwe album. She did not win but it was clear that her talent was now in the public domain.

In her Kora nomination profile, the musician says, "Jina la Yesu made history in my musical career; it made me the Angela I am today. I got to be known in Kenya and in East and Central Africa. I have released other albums like Ninapotembea, Nzambe Papa, and Nakuabudu. Yahwe Uhimidiwe is the new album I release in January this year. It contains the song Jubilee, which is the song I have submitted for the Kora All Africa Music Awards 2004."

Singing mainly in Lingala and Kiswahili and at times in French, Runiga, was set to release her latest album, Nimekutana na Yesu (I have Met With Jesus), at Nairobi Cinema in Nairobi, on September 29, 2007. This was never to be. On September 22, 2007, Angela, her driver, Kennedy Aluoch, and vocalist, Nimrod Makori, perished in a ghastly morning road accident at Kinale, on the Naivasha-Nairobi highway while they were returning to Nairobi from a performance at Egerton University in Njoro.

The shocking news of her death filtered across Kenya via radio and television Some said that Chibalonza, whose first name means angel, "has been called to go and lend her voice to the angels in praise of God up in heaven. Runiga also sang in languages like Luganda to cut across language barriers. Oh Yesu Wange off her Ninapotembea (Whenever I Walk) album, for instance, is in Luganda.

Runiga, leaves behind her husband and pastor of four years, Elisha Muliri.

Bahati Bukuku

Upendo Nkone

UPENDO NKONE; Kutoka ukulima, kuuza nyanya na kuwa mkali wa nyimbo za injili

JESCA BM

MENs/ BOYS

Goodluck Gozbert

A Gospel artist, Song writer and singer from Tanzania. He is best known for his hit song “Acha Waambiane”and IPO SIKU, Xtreem Award Winner 2015 as Tanzanian Best Gospel Artist/Song of The Year. He is said to be an inspiration to a number of Youth Generation in Churches within Tanzania and outside.

Paul clement

Paul Clement is a Tanzanian gospel artiste behind the hit song, ‘Amenifanyia amani’. He has clearly changed the game from the normal dance hall gospel that has been trending, introducing his own style which he has successfully managed to capture a huge following.

The Tanzanian artiste has other hits like; ‘Jina La Yesu’, ‘Namba Moja’, Mwaminifu and a few more collabos.

John Shabani

( Tanzanian Gospel singer, song writer, Evangelist and Vocal trainer of Christian worship music)

JOHN SHABANI BIOGRAPHY

About John Shabani

John Shabani Graduate at ( Graduated at INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF MINISTRY and CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP UNIVERSITY) and also owner and director of SJ STUDIO (Audio and video production) is a Tanzanian Gospel singer, song writer, Evangelist and Vocal trainer of Christian worship music.

John has been in the gospel singing ministry for a long time; currently. Besides, He’s a cofounder of the Tanzania Gospel Music Association (CHAMUITA in Swahili) and has been leading different gospel music groups here in Tanzania. On top of that, I have had a burden of visiting refugees in their camps whenever resources allow together with the service of helping orphans and other disadvantaged groups.

John shabani was born in Kigoma Tanzania. He was born in a Muslim family, just after receiving Jesus Christ as his personal savior, he has been totally segregated by my family, which caused almost his whole life to be in the hands of spiritual parents and some of the maternal relatives who were already saved.

John says:
I am currently called to work for the Lord, especially through Praise and Worship. For a long time I have been conducting different praise and worship sessions in various churches both locally and even in some of the Eastern & Central African Countries. I serve as a one of church leader and also praise and worship leader with the community of the Assemblies of God based at Dar es salaam Tanzania. Also I am a Gospel singer, song writer, Evangelist and Vocal trainer of Christian worship music. My aim is spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ. On top of that, I have had a burden of visiting refugees in their camps whenever resources allow together with the service of helping orphans and other disadvantaged groups

By the grace of the Lord, I’ve got a chance to attend ISOM program and received my diploma, then at CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP UNIVERSITY and received my degree of Biblical studies. I believe this training is going to help me to achieve my dream and vision of creating and effectively leading a center for teachings and worship God.

John Shabani started her journey from humble back grounds, once a church choir member then later on a choir master then church usher that enjoyed her job.

She went through Tanzanian education system, where she schooled at Kigoma for both primary and secondary schools. Then got married in Dar es Salaam to Debora Shabani who was also a gospel singer but after 6 years of marriage, her wife passed away (died)

John got a chance to study a little bit, also he learned the subject of music somehow. He worked with various places such as Estate agency which deals with sales and rent of house and land, Promotions company and now publicity secretary at Tanzania Gospel Music Association etc.

He was trained musically by Some Congolese teachers at Bible school where she developed to become a strong lead singer and Gospel Music teacher.
He has been a gospel teacher and choir master to many groups and solo artists in east and central Africa.

Some of the groups: Mwanga glorious choir – Kigoma, The Joy bringers choir – Mikocheni B' Assemblies of God – Dar es salaam, Women in Gospel – Nairobi Kenya, Ngurumu choir – Drc Kongo, The worshipers – Burundi, Dorcas wonders group – Dar es salaam etc. More than 20 groups and 15 solo artists has been trained with John.

John as gospel singer has already released some Gospel albums, He use to sing in his national language (Swahili), the language which is mostly spoken in East & Central Africa and it units more than 8 countries of Africa), but few songs in English and French. The second video will be under Msama Promotion company ltd. Also john was awarded for supporting gospel music in east Africa

Also John has collaborated with other artists across East Africa in her music; many artists from her home country and in Kenya she recently did Kwa Yesu kuna Raha With Cosmas Chidumule, Upendo kilahiro, Jane Misso, Bishop John Komanya, Faraja Ntaboba, Christina Mwang'onda, Tina Marego and many more.

John says:
I like singing, dancing, traveling, visiting different countries, watching movies, swimming, going to church, . I always offer moral support to the underprivileged . I want them to feel like worthy human beings, they are sometimes deprived and marginalized of their basic needs and rights. that’s why I composed a song named Never ever give up which contains an inspiring message encouraging people not to give up. I’ve also recorded a song against stigmatization of HIV/Aids victims as they are most often isolated and neglected right from the family level. They die early, not because of sickness but just because of living in a state of hopelessness. Currently I’m working on the production of a film about “life” and writing a book. I like to put on suits, Jeans and cold clothes when visiting the cold places.

JOHN LISU

John Lisu ni mwimbaji wa nyimbo za Injili Tanzania, na hasa ni mwimbaji ambaye humuimbia Mungu kwa kutumia gitaa lake ambalo limefanyika kama ICON yake duniani. Na amebahatika kumpata mke wake ambaye naye anapiga gitaa la base, kwahiyo chemistry yao iko poa sana. Hivi karibuni Mungu amemjalia kupata mapacha ya watoto watatu. Swali: Tupe historia yako Ametoka kijijini Singida ambako leo hii ukiambiwa uende utatamani kurudi kutokana maisha magumu. Mimi nilikuwa nalala na wanyama ndani ya nyumba yetu na baadae Mungu alinitoa huko na sasa niko ambako niko.

Swali: Tupe siri ya mafanikio yako Siri ya mafanikio yangu ni kujituma na hakuna kitu kingine. Hapa duniani Mungu amempa kila mtu kipaji chake na unapaswa kukitambua na kukifanyia kazi. Toka mdogo wazazi wangu walipogundua kipaji change waliniendeleza na mimi baadae nikajitambua kuwa nina kipaji na ndio maana mpaka leo ninakitumia.

Swali: Ni amekuvutia mpaka ukawa hivi ulivyo katika kipaji chako cha upigaji gitaa. Mtu aliyenivutia ni juhudi za baba yangu ambaye alijibidiisha kuchoche kipaji change pale alipogundua nina kitu ndani yangu. Baba yangu hakuwa mwanamuziki alikuwa mchungaji. Marehemu baba yangu alikuwa ananipeleka mikutanoni nap engine kunipandisha katika stuli ili kuwapigia watu gitaa na kuimba. Swali: Tupe historia fupi ya gitaa lako? Gitaa langu la kwanza lilikuwa limetengezwa kwa mti, galoni na nyuzi. Na baadaye nikawa mchongaji wa gitaa na baadae nikawa nauza magitaa.

Masanja Mkandamizaji

CHRISTOPHER MWAHANGILA

Bony Mwaitege

Efrahim Mwansasu

jina la Ephraim Mwasansu ni miongoni mwa majina ya waimbaji wa muziki wa injili nchini ambao hawachuji kila itwapo leo, na hiyo ni kutokana na umahiri wake wa kutunga nyimbo zenye mvuto na ujumbe mzito wa neno la Mungu na zisizochuja haraka.
Mwimbaji huyo ambaye huduma yake ya uimbaji ilianza tangu akiwa mtoto, alifanikiwa kurekodi albamu yake ya kwanza mwaka 1998 iliyojulikana kwa jina la Tutatesa milele ambayo ilionekana kuwashika watu wengi hali iliyomshawishi aingie tena studio mwaka 2001 na kufyatua albamu iliyojulikana kwa jina la Umepoteza namba.
Albamu hiyo nayo ilitikisa anga la muziki wa injili na kumpa moyo tena wa kuingia studio na kurekod albamu ya tatu aliyoipa jina la Msigombane ambayo bado inatesa katika anga la muziki ndani na nje ya nchi.
Hata hiyo Mwansasu ameamua kuifumua albamu yake ya pili inayojulikana kwa jina la Umepoteza namba baada ya kuonekana haina ubora wa kutosha na ametunga nyimbo nyingine tano ambazo zitakuwemo katika albamu ambayo ameipa jina la Wosia wa Baba.
Mwansasu ambaye sasa ni Mchungaji wa Kanisa la Evangelistic Assemblies of God Tanzania lililopo Riverside jijini Dar es Salaam, alisema katika albamu hiyo atabakiza nyimbo tatu, ambazo ni Watoto wachanga, Umepoteza namba na Yumwema, ambapo nyimbo mpya ni pamoja na Wosia wa Baba unaobeba jina la albamu, Sitasahamu, Dunia ya sasa, Nakushukuru Mungu na Haleluya ulioimbwa kwa lugha ya kinyakwisa.
Safu hii ilitaka kujua ni kwa nini ameamua kuita Wosia wa Baba, Mwansasu alisema, kuna wosia ambao Mungu amempa kwa ajili ya kuwafikishia wanadamu ujumbe huo, ina inatarajia kukamilika mwezi April 2009.
Akielezea juu ya nyimbo zake kuendelea kuonekana kuwa ni mpya kila itwapo leo, Mwansasu alisema, siri kubwa ni kukaa katika unyenyekevu wa Mungu na kutobeza huduma za watu wengine.
Akielezea juu ya waimbaji wanaomkuna katika fani hiyo ya muziki wa injili, Mwansasu alisema anafurahishwa sana na huduma ya David Masaga Nyanda, David Robert na Fenuel Sedekia kutoka na miziki yao isiyoyumbishwa na kizazi cha sasa.
Mwansasu alisema kuwa si kwamba waimbaji wengine hawapendi isipokuwa hao aliowataja wanamvutia zaidi katika utunzi wa tungo zao nzuri na pamoja na staili yao ya uimbaji kuikubali wao wenyewe na nyimbo zao zikitoka huwa zinakubalika katika jamii.

Lyanga George

Paul Clement

Steven Wambura

Victor Aron

VICTOR ARON:

Muimbaji mahiri wa muziki wa Injili nchini anayekwenda kwa jina la Victor Aron Dickson ambaye masikani yake yapo maeneo ya Kimara Rombo ni miongoni mwa waimbaji wenye historia ndefu za maisha yao ambao wamepita katika misuko suko ya hapa na pale mpaka alipofanikiwa kumpata mwanandani wake Lucy. Tayari mtumishi huyo wa Mungu amefanikiwa kuzaa mtoto mmoja na kumpa jina la Chriss. Website hii kama kawaida huwa inatabia ya kuwatembelea waimbaji wa muziki wa Injili nyumbani kwao na kuzungumza nao mawili matau kuhusu maisha yao. Ungana nami kuyajua maisha halisi ya Victor ambaye pia ni mtangazaji mahiri wa kituo cha Praise Power Radio ya jijini Dar es Salaam.

MSWALI NA MAJIBU

JOHN: Unapokuwa nyumbani unapenda kufanya nini?

Victor: Mimi napenda sana kuangalia ‘muvi’ na kupiga gitaa langu.

JOHN: Kwa upande wa kifungua kinywa unapoamka asubuhi, unapendelea nini na vipi mlo wa mchana na usiku?

Victor: Mimi mara nyingi narudi nyumbani asubuhi kutoka kazini. Ninapofika nyumbani huwa napendelea maziwa na vitafunwa vyovyote kwani hata mama watoto wangu anafahamu hilo na ifikapo mchana napenda kula ugali na mboga yoyote unayokuwepo. Usiku huwa nakula chochote Mungu anachokuwa ametupa.

JOHN: Umesema mara nyingi unarudi nyumbani asubuhi, unafanya kazi gani?

Victor: Mimi nafanya kazi Praise Power Radio nikiwa kama matangazaji wa kipindi cha Faraja Time kinachorushwa usiku.

JOHN: Ni kitu gani ambacho kinakuboa?

Victor: Kufuatilia maisha ya watu na kuyaelezea tofauti na mtu alivyo.

JOHN: Katika familia yenu kuna mtu mwingine ambaye ana kipaji kama chako?

Victor: Ndiyo, kuna mdogo wangu mwenye kipaji cha kuimba vizuri sana kuliko mimi.

JOHN: Unavyoonekana ungeimba Bongo Flava ungefiti zaidi, unalizungumziaje hilo?

Victor: Ni kweli, zamani watu walijua nitakuja kuimba nyimbo za kidunia lakini familia yangu ni ya kidini hivyo nilishindwa kuingia huko.

JOHN: Kitu gani ambacho kiliwahi kukuumiza sana na kukufurahisha katika familia yako?

Victor: Kitu ambacho kiliwahi kuniumiza ni kwamba niliwahi kusingiziwa kitu kibaya wakati nikiwa mwalimu wa kwaya, kitendo ambacho kilinifedhehesha sana na nilifurahi sana siku ambayo nilifunga ndoa.

JOHN: Nini matarajio yako ya baadaye?

Victor: Mimi natarajia kufanya albamu moja, alafu nitasitisha shughuli zote za muziki, nitakuwa na studio yangu kwa ajili ya kuwasaidia wengine.

JOHN: Nakushuru sana.

Victor: Asante, karibu sana

Bro Joshua

Edson Mwasabite

Sailas Mbise

Emma Mpesa

MAGIDA TOMOTHEO

Joseph Nyuki

David Robert

DAVID ROBERT
ANAYETARAJIA KUFANYA MAPINDUZI MAKUBWA KATIKA MUZIKI WA INJILI TANZANIA
“ Miaka ya nyuma muziki wa injili ulidharaulika sana na mtu alipoonekana akiimba muziki huo alionekana kama kituko fulani hivi kwa sababu hakuna aliyekuwa anaguswa na nyimbo hizo.
Sio kwamba kipindi hicho hapakuwa na waimbaji wazuri wa muziki huo, la hasha! Walikuwepo tena wakali pengine kuliko waimbaji wa leo wanao mwimbia Mungu nyimbo za injili. Miaka hiyo kulikuwa na waimbaji kama Epharaem Mwansasu, Faustini Munishi, Mungu Four, Ency Mwalukasa, Jenifa Mgendi na miaka ya hivi karibuni alijitokeza Cosmas Chidumule aliyekuwa anapiga muziki wa dunia.
Na miaka hiyo ilikuwa ni mara moja sana kusikia muziki wa injili kukipingwa katika kumbi za starehe kama bar, kwenye harus nk. Lakini leo hii upepo umebadilika,”. Ndivyo alivyoanza kusema nami mwanamuziki mahiri wa muziki wa injili nchini David Robert aliyeibuka katika anga la muziki huo mwaka 2002 na albamu ya Baba.
Katika albamu hiyo Robert ambaye ana sauti nzito alishilikiana vema na Godwin Gondwe ambaye naye anasauti ya zege na kuifanya albamu hiyo kuwa na muvuto wa pekee na kuweka imara katika anga la muziki huo.
Albamu hiyo iliyokuwa ni nyimbo kumi iliwashika wengi na kila mmoja kupenda kuzisikiliza. Nyimbo zilikokuwa katika albamu hiyo ni Baba, Niongoze, Ngulujangu (kinyakyusa), Nakupenda, Hosana, Tufani, Mimi nani?, Bwana atafanya njia na We njoo.
Kufanya vizuri sokoni kwa albamu hiyo kulikuwa kama kumemtoa tongotongo machoni Robert. Kwani mwaka 2003 alilazimika tena kuingia studio na kufyatua albamu ya pili inayojulikana kwa jina la Kiganjani pa Mungu.
Albamu hiyo nayo imewakamata vema wapenzi wa muziki huo na kuanza kumtaka arekodi mkanda wa video ili iwe rahisi kwao kuwa wanamuona kwa njia hiyo japo wako naye mbali.
Albamu ya Kiganjani pa Mungu ilikuwa na nyimbo 8 ambao ni Neema, Sema nami, Shukurani, Nitakumbuka, E Yesu, Yesu ni Mungu na Kiganjani pa Mungu unaobeba albamu.
Hakuna asiyeelewa kila kitu kinachotengezwa kwa ubora, hutumia gharama kubwa kukikamilisha. Mwimbaji huyo alilitambua hilo baada ya kuona wapenzi wa muziki wake kumtaka arekodi hizo katika mtindo wa video.
Hata hivyo Robert alikaa na kutafari, kwa makini jinsi gani anaweza kurekodi video ambayo inaweza kuwa tofauti na video zilizotangulia. Jibu lake lilionekana kuwa ni kujiweka sawa katika fungu la fedha.
Robert aliamua kuzichambua nyimbo zilizo katika albamu hizo mbili na kufanikiwa kurekodi albau moja aliyoipa jina la The Best Of David Robert ambayo tayari iko sokoni kuanzia wiki iliyopita na inapatikana kwa njia ya HVS, DVD, na VCD.
Mwanamuziki huyo alisema kuwa albamu hiyo imerokodiwa katika madhari nzuri na mtaalam wa masuala ya filamu kutoka nchini Ujerumani Daniel Uphaus kwa kushirikiana na Sye ambaye ni mtaalamu wa kuongoza filamu.
Wataalu hao wameirekodi kwa makini albamu hiyo hali iliyopelekea kukubalika katika soko la kimataifa, ambapo tayari vituo vya Chanel O na Mtv Base wameiomba kwa ajili ya kuirusha katika runinga zao.
Ubora wa albamu hiyo ya Th

e Best of David Robert umetokana na maandalizi ya miaka mitatu aliyoyafanya kabla ya kuchukua uamuzi wa kuingia studio na kutoa kitu hicho ambacho kinamvuto mkubwa.
Kukamilika kwa albamu hiyo kulichukua miezi minne na baada ya kurekodiwa aliipeleka kwa wataalam wengine kabla ya kuingia sokoni. Katika kuhakikisha albamu hiyo inakuwa tofauti na albamu nyingine hasa za muziki wa injili nchini, Robert alisafiri mikoa mbalimbali kwa ajili ya kupata picha nzuri kutokana na ujumbe wa nyimbo husika.
Mikoa aliyofanikiwa kwenda kurekodi albamu hiyo ni Morogoro, Iringa, Arusha, Moshi, Pwani na Dar es Salaam.
Aliyemvutia katika anga la muziki wa injili
Robert alisema kuwa huduma ya uimbaji alikuwa nayo tangu akiwa mtoto, ana alipokuwa shuleni huduma hiyo aliifanya kwa nguvu zote kwa kutembelea shule mbalimbali kwa lengo la kutoa injili ya njia ya nyimbo mwaka 1998 na kipindi hicho alikuwa akisoma shule ya sekondali Jitegemee ya jijini Dar es Salaam.
Pamoja na kuipenda huduma hiyo, Mhungaji Elpham Mwansasu, Mchungaji Daniel Richard Mwansumbi na Cosmas Chidumule ndiyo waliompa hamasa kubwa Robert kujikita katika anga la muziki huo wa injili. Waimbaji hao ndio walikuwa wakimvutia kutokana na sauti zao kuwa nzuri pamoja na ujumbe wa nyimbo uliokuwemo ndani ya nyimbo hizo.
Mafanikio aliyoyapata kutoka na huduma ya uimbaji wa muziki huo
Kupitia muziki huo wa injili Robert amefaniki kujenga nyumba nzuri ya kisasa, ana gari nzuri. Mafaniko mengine alisema ni pamoja na kupata mtandao mzuri wa marafiki ndani na nje ya nchi na ana miradi mbalimbali inayomsaidia kuendesha maisha yake ya kila siku.
Matatizo anayokumbana nayo
Kuwa na mtaji mdogo wa kuitangaza huduma ya Mungu ndani na nje ya nchi, kutumia gharama kubwa katika kurekodi albamu na mwisho wa siku anajikuta mfukoni hana kitu.
Wito kwa wanamuziki wa injili hapa nchini
Anakerwa na waimbaji wanao kukimbilia katika muziki huyo kwa kuangalia pesa zaidi kuliko huduma. Ambapo watu wengi wamekuwa wakijikuta wanashindwa kufanya vema kazi ya Mungu pindi wanachokitarajia wanapokikosa.
Mwanamuziki anayemzimikia zaidi
Bila kificho David Robert alisema kuwa muimbaji mwenzake anayetamba na albamu ya Unikumbe Christina Shusho, ndiye anayemzimikia zaidi kutokana na nyimbo zake kuwa na ujumbe muzito ambao mara nyingi nyimbo hizo hugusa maisha anayopitia.
Matarajio yake ya baadaye
Ni kufanya mapinduzi makubwa katika muziki wa injili kwa siku za usoni. Mbali na hilo anatarajia kufanya uzinduzi wa albamu hiyo mwishoni mwa mwaka ujao. Je unamaoni gani kuhusu huduma ya David Robert? Usisite kunitumia maoni yako.

Addo November

Cosmas Chidumule

Charles Jangalason

Ambwene Mwasongwe

Munishi

UGANDA GOSPEL ARTISTS

Betty Namaganda

Dr.Hilderman

Hindu Asha

Fiona Mukasa

Exodus

Iryn-Namibiru

Judith Babirye

Lara-George

Princes Mabel Kamukaka

Lisa skin

Omega Bugembe

Pastor-Wilson-Bugembe

BURUNDI GOSPEL ARTISTS

Dudu T. Niyukuri

Dudu T. Niyukuri

Born on September 27th 1981 in Bujumbura, the main town of a very small country right in the heart of Africa called Burundi, Dudu T. NIYUKURI grew up loving music from his younger age.

He started to sing when he was 10 years old in a church where Daddy was the pastor; from whom he even got his first chords on guitar. Growing more passionate in music, he went, in 1995 to a music youth center to search for more. And that’s when he started to properly get involved into music.

In 1998 Dudu surrendered his life to Christ and started to walk closely with Him. From that relationship with God was born a compassionate heart for all the people who haven’t come to meet the Lord yet and a strong desire to be a witness of the life changing power of the Gospel.

In 2001, after his church leaders recognized the undeniable anointing upon his life, they entrusted him with the charge of the praise and worship department where he couldn’t help but be effective. The evidence came along that in the time when the country was going through tough civil war, the praise and worship ministry which Dudu was exercising in his church became like an oasis for his desperate fellows and began to build up hope that would actually impact their relationship with God and change their destiny.

As the ministry grew bigger in impact, the need of a professional training in music became obvious because of the limitations he was facing as far as music production was concerned. So God opened a door and he packed his bags and headed for Johannesburg, S.A. in a 2-years period in the « Academy of Sound engineering » College.

He came out with an operating sound engineering diploma and began to promote Gospel music in Burundi with different artist like Fabrice Nzeyimana, David Nduwimana, Peace-Nadine Ningabire, Fortrant Bigirimana, the GMP team, the Redemption Voice and so on since 2008.

Recently in 2011, he settled to work on his album Jubilee, a collection of Dudu’s hits which is now available.

David Nduwimana

David Nduwimana was born November 5th, 1984 in a Christian family at Kinama.He grew in the fear of the Lord within the Emmanuel church where since his young age he exercised his talent at the Sunday school.

At 12 years, he finished his primary studies and joined his high school studies at Lycee municipal de Kinama but he followed his studies at Lycee Municipal de Cibitoke where for the first time he led a praise and worship team in the biblical group.

It is during the same year that he began to be interested deeply in his favorite instrument: the guitar.He often hears speaking of Apollinaire Habonimana, but has never met him, his dream was fulfilled in 2001, surprisingly, he met Apollinaire after Sunday Service at “Palais des Arts et de la Culture”( the Palace of Arts and the Culture) at Bujumbura, this meeting made David to be integrated in Shemeza Music Ministry, he gives thanks to God for Apollinaire because he could discover a hidden talentin him.

Then, his talents and artistic spirit began to emerge. In June 2005, he met the Mauritians and Kenyans pastors who proposed him to be going to teach principles of praise and worship to Nairobi. 6 months after, in December 2005 He came back to Bujumbura and continued his dream and vision in the ministry till now.

Because of Apollinaire, David continued to grow and to blossom in the musical domain. Apollinaire helped him and guided his first steps in the world of the Gospel music.

From now on, David writes the powerful songs full of messages that bless deeply the church of Christ.He just comes to record a disc of 10 songs that makes his first album.''NI WEWE NIZIGIRA ‘‘("I BELEIVE IN YOU")

RWANDA Gospel Artists

Diane Nkusi

MEET DIANE UMUTONI
Born on 31 May 1985, worshiper and SALSA,ZOUK,RNB singer got save in 2000, four years down the Lord she got involved in serving God, she began writing songs of inspiration and worship to God. .
In 2009 Diane made her first record of her Album. The Miraculous works of the Lord that propelled Diane to accept still encourage her to this message to those In the world.
When Diane was still in school, she was faced with a challenge of passing her Exams, she made a promise to God that If You (God) can help me and pass my exams, I will surrender all my life to You. And Gues what! God did it, she excelled and fulfilled her promise..
When Diane was still in school, she was faced with a challenge of passing her Exams, she made a promise to God that If You (God) can help me and pass my exams, I will surrender all my life to You. And Gues what! God did it, she excelled and fulfilled her promise..
Today Diane is on board to win souls through her music ministry. Keep watching for What God is doing in hear life

Eddie-Mico

Kongo DRC Gospel Artists

L'or Mbongo

Marie Misamu

Nathalie Makoma

Micheline Shabani

Dena mwana

Patrice Mubiayi

Aime Nkanu

Solomon Mukubwa

Frere Patrice

Mike Kalambay

Matou Samuel

Jose Nzita

Frere Patice

ZAMBIA GOSPEL ARTISTS

EPHRAIM SEKELETI MUTALANGE

Ephraim akiwa na mkewe Faith Mutalange

Ephraim Sekeleti Mutalange ni muimbaji maarufu wa nyimbo za Injili nchini Zambia, alizaliwa Mwaka 1983 katika mji wa Kalulushi nchini Zambia. Alimaliza elimu yake ya sekondari katika shule ya Kalulushi mwaka 2001.

Ephraim ni mtoto wa pili toka mwisho kati ya watoto sita, aliingia kwenye muziki wa injili tangu akiwa kinda huku alifundishwa kupiga kinanda na mmishonari alipokuwa bado mdogo. Mama yake anasema “ Ephraim alikuwa ni mtoto aliyekuwa wa kelele nyingi”. Yeye pamoja na dada zake waliimba kanisani wakitumia kinanda na huko alipata uzoefu katika uimbaji na upigaji wa kinanda. Baadaye alijiendeleza katika uimbaji kwenye kikundi kilichojulikana kwa jina la “Virtue for Christ” na aliimba katika kikundi hicho kwa muda wa miaka miwili.

Mwaka 2002 akiwa na kiu ya kurekodi album yake, Aliamua kujitoa muhanga kwenda Afrika ya Kusini kwa kutumia kiasi kidogo tu cha pesa alichokuwa nacho, nia ilikua ni kurekodi album yake ya kwanza. Pamoja na jitihada hizo, baada ya kufika nchini Afrika ya Kusini alijikuta anaweza kurekodi nyimbo mbili tu kati ya album nzima. Hivyo akaamua kujiingiza katika Theater ya Pretoria na ndipo akapata fursa ya kuimba mbele ya Rais wa Afrika ya Kusini. Nafasi nyingi ziliendelea kujitokeza zilizomsababishia kutaka kuacha kuendelea na muziki wa injili ili aimbe miziki ya kidunia, lakini akawa muaminifu kuendelea na uimbaji wa injili. Mlango ulifunguka kumruhusu kurekodi album ya kwanza iitwayo Temba Baby“(Mtoto wa Miujiza)”.

Baada ya kurekodi, na kuuza nakala za kutosha za album hiyo ya Temba boy, kwa mafanikio ya hiyo kazi Ephraim aliamua kurudi nyumbani kuwekeza ile fedha. aliona awekeze zaidi kwenye ya album yake ya pili iliyopata mafanikio makubwa iliyoitwa Limo Ndanaka. Hi album imefanya vizuri kwenye chati mbalibali za muziki wa injili. Ephraim akiwa nje ya Zambia ameimba katika nchi mbali mbali zikiwemo Namibia, Afrika ya Kusini, Tanzania, Zimbawe na Australia.

Alisema anafurahi akiona watu wasiokuwa na tumaina la Kristo wakianza kuwa na matumain, Licha ya kufanya muziki wake nchini Zambia amewahi kuja nchini Tanzania na kurekodi album yake nzima kwa Lugha ya Kiswahili. Moja kati ya Nyimbo zake zinazotamba hapa nchini ni pamoja na

1. Uniongoze

2. Baraka Zako

3. Huu Mwaka

Ephraim hajui Kiswahili fasaha na nyimbo zake hizo alifundishwa kuziimba kwa lugha ya Kiswahili na Mchungaji ambaye pia ni muimbaji wa nyimbo za Injili kutoka Tanzania Ency Mwalukasa. Ephraim amesema ataendelea kuhubiri kwa njia ya uimbaji kwa sababu imempa changamoto zilizomuinua. Licha ya uimbaji Ephraim amefunga ndoa na Faith Chelishe na wamejaliwa kupata mtoto mmoja wa kike

NIGERIA GOSPEL ARTISTS

EBELE THE FLUTIST

Ebele is originally from Anambra state in the eastern region of Nigeria. From a Christian home, the second of 6 children ( 2 girls and 4 boys ). Her music background started at a young age in her family church. she started playing flute at the age of 15 years and also learning how to sing. She has always been in her church choir. At that tender age. She realized that she had a strong passion for music. She pursued her passion courageously.

She then joined a music group called “THE AGAPE VOICES’ They performed frequently at local functions and also performed in most of the music concerts around the country and in churches as well. She withdrew from the group and then came to Lagos, to continue her music career, she has performed in various events where Her confidence grew and her style developed. Then she realized that this is what she is cut out for----- so she put a lot of effort, with the help of God, and then she decided invest in her project and take it very professionally.

Ebele is a very courageous, independent, focus and determined. She is a Singer, Songwriter, Composer and Instrumentalist

Instruments played: Flute and Keyboard.

Her Musical style: contemporary gospel and Jazz

Key influences: Mike Aremu, Phil Driscole (Trumpeter), Shirley Ceaser, CeCe Winans.

What she’s done: (She’s performed at prestigious events)

· Gospel Jazz Concert ( Sheraton Abuja )

· Worship and clouds ( Ogbe stadium Benin )

· PBO Foundation.

· Trinity House Jazz Concert (four Point Hotel Lagos.)

· Open Mich Concert, Maryland Lagos

· Yes International Magazine Lecture / Cocktail Lagos

· Zik’s Award Ceremony at Civic Centre

· Jazz Festival Day

· Jamb Session Concert

· Daystar Christian Centre

· Jesus, Joy, Jazz Concert

· Etc

Future Aspirations: To fulfill her God given destiny/purposes, and to influence people and make a different in their lives, especially the youth. To become a professional musician: to tour the world and play on the biggest stages: and to become a mega star and best female flutist.

Who is Ebele? She is a refreshingly different and creatively innovative new face on the somewhat mediocre terrain of Nigeria’s emerging music “industry’.

Her name is Ebelechukwu ‘Ebelechukwu translation in English means ‘THE MERCY OF GOD IS GREAT’. She is compassionate disposition and Very precocious. At three-years-old while she was growing up in Benin- Edo state, Niger delta region of Nigeria, where she was born. she did her primary and secondary education. Then she move to Enugu in the eastern region of Nigeria, where she got admission to higher institution to study Accounting and then further on to study Business Administration. She is has been working as an Accountant.

Lanre Olagbaju

Born and raised in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, Nigeria, Lanre's interest in music started early. He was an active member of his church choir at age 7 and by the time he was 12, he was already leading his church choir. By the age of 20, he became a worship leader at Christ Eternal Life Mission, Ibadan. After University education, Lanre moved to Lagos and became a member of the Healing Streams the music ministry of Daystar Christian Center, Lagos, Nigeria.

A Computer Scientist by training and an experienced Banker, Lanre relocated to the United States in 2007 where he caught the vision to make use of God's gift in his life. Lanre believes that Africans have a unique way of praising God which is why he has chosen to bring God quality praise the African way.

Lanre said in an interview on Eko FM "God has accolades in my local dialect that no English word can capture perfectly...that's why I have chosen this path. I wanna praise Him like an African that He made me. Because only Africans can praise Him like Africans".
Lanre recorded his debut album late 2009 titled "INSTRUMENT OF PRAISE". A ten tracker album that he calls "100% African Praise

ANU

Stiana

Bouqui

Kefee Purple

Onos Ariyo

Tope Alabi

lara george

Bumie

DapoTorimiro

EMEM

Sammie-Okposo

THE CLARK SISTERS

Tolu-Oduokoya

Wumi - Omowumi Abe

Dacappo

Deola

Genevieve

Graceamah

Onos

Prince Id

Uche

GHANA Gospel Artists

Gifty Osei

Sonnie-Badu

ETHIOPIA GOSPEL ARTISTS

Dawit Getachew

BIOGRAPHY

Dawit Getachew (born September 25, 1986) is one of the greatest gospel singers in Ethiopia, and east African music award winning Ethiopian singer, song writer , arranger and producer. He is one of the best-and most influential artists in Jazz Christian music. Dawit not only sings but also teaches music at “Mekane Yesus Seminary” school of JAZZ music. This young and intelligent artiest is one among the group of Zema for Christ choir. His first CD “ ethibekehalehu” has been a blessing since it was released. Dawit is a great growing artiest and is an expectation of everybody.

Early life

Dawit Getachew was born to Mintayesh Cherinet and Getachew Abraham in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia at a place known as “Shiromeda”.and grow up in “Debrezeit” with his 3 sisters and 4 brothers. He grew up in a Christian family, with the word of God and having devotional times with his parents, as a kid Dawit knew that he could sing in those devotional times. Having this talent as a kid Dawit joined his Sunday school choir. The love of music grew in his heart. And he knew that there was nothing on earth that would make him feel good than music. So having this passion Dawit graduated high school from Bishoftu’s preparatory school.

After graduating high school, he moved back to “Addis Ababa” and joined Mekane Yesus Seminary” Jazz Music school, majoring piano. As a student Dawit was one of the best students. His interest and passion for music made him to give all his time and heart, by doing that he was one of the top students found in the school. After spending 3 years at the music school, he completed his studies with a heart to serve God and his people.then he start to lecture in the same school.

In 2007 a choir known as Zema for Christ released their first album known as “bemamene bicha”. Dawit was one of the founder members of the group. The album was amazing in all its musical arrangement and song contents. He arranged most of the songs and produced along Mihret Tegafaw( a member of Zema for Christ). Starting from then Dawit getachew along with Zema for Christ performed their songs in most churches found in Addis and other parts of the country.

Then Dawit started arranging and producing songs to different gospel artists, including Bethelhem Tezera, Pastor Mesfin Mamo, Samuel T/Michael, Endalkachew Hawaz, Endrias Hawaz and others. Along this journey the biggest encouragement in his life came from his mother and his older sister Addis Kidan , supporting everything he does and helping him by their prayers. so, their prayer played the biggest role in his life.

The first challenge in Dawit's life came from his father. as any Ethiopian , christian parent his father wanted him to continue with his acadamic studies because he believed that the music life of most christians was believed to be difficult for both economical and spiritual life. Deep in side Dawit new that his father purpose is LOVE. Therefore, listening to his father's advice,he was convinced that he should also do more to his life by studying another field of study. He joined the management and leadership college at Mekane Yesus Seminary . Studying for 3 years he got his first Bachelors Degree (B.A) in leadership and development in in June 25,2011.

In 2010 Dawit released his first album known as “ Tebekehalehu”. He amazed his audiences in this album. It was beyond anybody’s expectation. Dawit played the major role in his first album joined by Zema for Christ as his back up singers. He wrote all the songs and produced it on his own by bringing a new and spectacular flavor to the existing music industry.