Brighton Zhawi
SHARON Manyika-Machingura’s debut live video album recording that was scheduled to take place next week has been put on hold due to the coronavirus.
The South African-based songbird joins many other artistes around the world that have been forced to take a similar route.
Jah Prayzah’s “Hokoyo” album launch that was supposed to take place on April 3 was also shelved.
Similarly, dendera crooner Suluman Chimbetu, who also announced that he was dropping his album this month, has also put the plan on ice.
Manyika-Machingura’s live DVD album recording was pencilled in for April 25 at the 7 Arts Theatre in Harare.
The working title of the project is “The Secret Place”.
“It is a new and strange experience where the whole world is fighting one common enemy. We have had to postpone the recording, which is still okay because it gives us more time to perfect the music. It (DVD) is still coming though. For now, we just fine-tune everything while we wait for the situation to go back to normal,” said Manyika-Machingura in an interview with The Sunday Mail Society from her South Africa base.
The gospel diva rose to fame with her song “Wakakosha” off her debut album “Mufudzi”.
“Do You Believe” and “Greater Than the World” are other albums under her belt.
The yet-to-be-recorded DVD is expected to carry 15 tracks.
“I have been writing a lot and also have songs written by other people, thus I have so many tracks to include on the project. However, we are only including 15 tracks after a careful selection,” she revealed.
The songbird explained the origins of video album title “The Secret Place”.
“This is a project based on my personal journey. I have discovered that God is the only constant thing in life. No matter the circumstances, he always has a ‘secret place’ for me where I will always be protected and at peace as explained in Psalm 91,” explained Manyika-Machingura.
The aforesaid Bible verse, the gospel diva said, has become more relevant in light of the ongoing Covid-19 scourge, which has infected over a million people and claimed the lives of thousands across the globe.
The musician reckons a live recording is crucial in cementing her bond with fans.
“A live DVD album creates an intimate affair as opposed to your usual audio music. Visuals are powerful. I have featured on other artistes’ DVD projects before and to finally have an opportunity to record my own is a milestone that I cannot wait to accomplish,” she said.
The musician said her favourite song from the forthcoming worship project is titled “Kugona Kwenyu/New Mercies”.
The track has a fast-pace beat.
Meanwhile, the singer said the lockdown had brought them closer as a family.
She is married to Charles Machingura, a civil engineer in South Africa, and the couple aare blessed with two kids — Maita and Niel.
“There is a lot to do during the lockdown. We at times are in the garden, playing with the kids, trying out new food recipes, watching a bit of television, which I hardly do.
“I am also practising playing the piano, including fine-tuning my vocals. I did a worship live session on my Facebook page last Sunday (April 5). As a church, we have a prayer campaign called #thevirusmustdie,” she revealed.
Manyika-Machingura said her six-year-old daughter is showing interest in music though she notes she is more of a dancer than a vocalist.
It is her son that she believes has the voice and traits of a complete singer.
The “Wakakosha” singer is a qualified sound engineer and music producer.
She yearns to collaborate with Shingisai Suluma in the near future.
“I am sure it will happen, I love her so much and she is such a great source of encouragement,” she said in reference to Suluma.
Manyika-Machingura has been in the music industry for almost two decades and plans to start producing other artistes later this year.