It will seem Baba Manyeruke had given us enough music to last a lifetime, but the gospel singer has dug into his rich creative pot to release yet another album.
On Saturday 19 May 2018 the veteran Gospel artist Mechanic Manyeruke will launch his new album: ‘DZOKORORO’ in Harare at the upmarket Meikles Hotel, fitting for a celebration themed ‘An Evening with the Legend’.
Rising from the small village of Chiundura near the city of Gweru in Zimbabwe, today Mechanic (Baba) Manyeruke is a household name in Zimbabwe, a Gospel artist who over many years paved a road for the genre in Zimbabwe, with many struggles along the way.
Like so many artists of the world, he has not enjoyed an easy journey but worked many humble jobs to survive in his youth.
A chequered career from gardener to painter, driver and waiter, which provided for his family while he grew as a musician and struggled with early recording companies to recognise Gospel music as needed and wanted in Zimbabwe.
His father was a singer and dancer at traditional gatherings and festivals, specializing in Mhande dances and songs.
After early encounters with the banjo in his childhood, Mechanic was captured by the music of the Salvation Army Band, which he joined in 1968 – and grew from there.
A song leader drafted him into his first live band, ‘The Gospel Singers.
In 1976, at a time when Gospel music was seldom heard on the national airwaves, he recorded his first solo single, ‘Mwana Muparadzi, the Prodigal Son’ with the B-side ‘Kufahakuna member – Death knows no celebrity status’.
Not surprisingly it was not a commercial success but undaunted, he went on to record his first album with the Four Brothers in 1973, and over 20 more since then.
For this launch, Baba Manyeruke called on one of the people who have grown up following his journey since her childhood, and the event is coordinated by the acclaimed Gospel and afro-jazz artist, Dudu Manhenga.
Of her involvement in over 20 years in the arts she says, “I have sung at many events to try to fundraise for a fellow artist we had never celebrated alive. I welcome the opportunity to serve baba after our interaction in January at the ‘Hope for Zimbabwe’ concert in Chitungwiza.”
Dudu set up the Pulse Foundation which includes pulse Creative Solutions and offers events planning and management as a service.
Now well into his 70s and after many hundreds of performances and 45 years in the recording industry, Baba Manyeruke’s new offering holds the promise of a full, rich musical journey encompassing classic and new originals.
The launch of his latest album in‘An Evening with the Legend’ on 19 May is sure to be both highly enjoyable and a truly inspirational experience.
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