SAPHINA ABRAHAM: Only the sky is the limit

Simbarashe Msasanuri
Dar es Salaam

INVADING a star-studded, talent-filled gospel music industry which boasts of the likes of Rose Muhando, Bahati Bukuku just but to mention a few and leaving an indelible mark is not easy but can only be done by an exceptionally talented and devoted person with an insatiable appetite to conquer.

This rightly applies to Saphina Abraham, a renowned gospel musician whose advent into the industry was not only historic but catapult her to unassailable levels. Those who have had the opportunity to listen to her music will confess that the lady possesses unique talent that can take her to the promised land.

In a field that has been invaded by some unscrupulous artists who hide behind the word to eke a living, the songbird, a born again Christian has only one aim -- to preach the word of God.

“I sing the word of God and I don't sing stories from magazines. I encourage and worship God as well as prophesying through music,” said the soft spoken Saphina in an interview recently.

This is evident in her bible-rich lyrics that have irresistible impact on listeners who are not only left yearning for more but singing a different tune all together. The irresistible forces of the music would have changed them.

Born Saphina Abraham Maluli on May 8, 1983, in Iringa District, the musician has a natural talent that has made it easier for her to invade the music circles and make her presence felt as most of her songs have been rocking Bongoland's music airwaves for a long time now.

In a quest to conquer the world and define her destiny, Saphina enrolled at Ilula Primary School in Iringa where she did her primary education before moving to Tepas Secondary School in Dar es Salaam for her secondary education.

The first born in a family of six children, Saphina like any other born musician started singing at a very tender age. She recalls singing when she was seven years old at church.

“ I was born in a Christian family and I started singing at the age of seven while I was still a member of the Sunday school. Later on I discovered that I had the talent and I developed a zeal to sing and become a successful musician,” says the musician.

Having discovered her talent, Saphina, a member of the Living Faith Church popularly known as Winner's Chapel, joined several musical groups where they sang during events such as parties, church gatherings and so on.

In her road to stardom, the ever smiling musician joined Namusho musical group that was based in Temeke before severing ties to join Dominion Praise Band.

As if that was not enough she has been a member of the Winner's Voices Choir (Winner's Chapel Church Choir) for a long time. Because of her abundant talent, she rose through the ranks to become a praise leader at her church.

“ All these experiences have come in handy for me as after realising that I had enough experience and ammunition, I decided to record my debut album in 2005,” she adds.

According to her, the coming on of her debut marked a turning point as it sent warning messages to the industry that a star was in the making.

The eight track album entitled Acheni Mwenzenu Niseme was an instant hit when it was released and the title track that proved a darling of many music fans is rich in message.

The singer in this song speaks of God's goodness, who raises the poor from the dust. She also praises God for uplifting people and praising Him for His greatness.

Another song that failed to go unnoticed was Amesikia Kilio Changu, in which the musician thanks the Lord for hearing her grievances. The song highlights God's goodness and how He listens to people who seek Him.

“The album was well received though as musicians we always aim higher. I have decided to move on and I have produced my second album that I will be launching soon. I have also completed the production of my DVD album for my debut album and it is already in the market but I am planning to launch it at the same time with my second album,” says Saphina.

The second album, entitled Mungu Utanitembelea – literally translated means God will visit me, is also an eight track album and just like the first one is a scorcher and a must have for gospel music lovers.

In the title track, the musician prays to God for Him to visit her early so that He perfects all things that concern her.

“I was just reminding God of His promises,” she adds.

The other songs penciled to change the landscape of gospel music in the country are Wazidi Wakuitavyo and Nimekukimbilia Bwana, just but to mention two. What is different with Saphina's music is that her songs are not about the bible but she sings the bible.

On the problem of piracy that has crippled our arts industry in this country, Saphina bemoaned the existence of this hideous social anomaly describing it as a threat to the industry.

“I have seen people with my music on their phones, computers and so on who would not have given me anything. This is a disadvantage to us since the people entrusted on safeguarding our rights are doing nothing about it,” says the songbird.

“COSOTA, an organisation formed by the government to protect our rights, they say they are doing something to stop the rot but we haven't seen their efforts or results because music is being pirated everyday. I think government is the only solution. The government has the means to help us and we are waiting upon them to act and help us.”

She also does not have kind words for music distributors who for a longtime have been blamed for exploiting musicians.

“Distributors are riping us off. They can duplicate our music and sell it without our knowledge. At the end of the day we will be working for them. The percentage they give us is not encouraging and is more of enslaving us than a fair deal,” adds Saphina.

She however, pointed out that musicians should unite and fight this social rot. Without unity, she said, the musicians will continue being exploited.

The musician, who is currently studying towards a Diploma in Counseling at Eaglewings College in the city,took time to encourage those up and coming musicians and those who are planning to venture into the field to do so.

“I encourage anyone who wants to venture into music to do so. We are many but everyone is gifted in his or her own way and the market is wide so don't be afraid,” she says.

The musician castigated those who venture into gospel music for money wondering where they get their lyrics if they are not born again Christians.

Beside being talented she is a down to earth person. Her humility has seen her staging many live shows during weddings, parties, church events such as crusades.

“I believe my duty is to preach the word through music and for me to do that, many people request me to sing during their weddings, parties and so on. I have and will always be ready to sing for anyone anywhere because it gives me the opportunity to preach the word.”

It is against this background that she did not only stage shows in most parts of this country but has extensively performed in Kenya. She is also planning to hold shows in DRC and Swaziland later this year.

The musician has paid tribute to her sisters who always accompany her and are her backing vocalists whenever she stages live shows. With the aid of the natural talent she possesses, Saphina is destined for grater heights.

And she rightly says: “To me, only the sky is the limit.”

The musician is also in the process of scoring the first by creating a fan club and those who will like to have a chat with this rare musician can contact her on email – apewesifa@yahoo.com or telephone numbers 0759646425 or 0784971136.


Ends.

Of deception, infertility and miracle babies

Simbarashe Msasanuri
(bongoblast)


A man staying in one of Dar es Salaam's high density suburbs came back from work one day and found his son playing with two boys from next door. In a fit of anger, the man without saying a word rushed to where the boys were and clapped his son.

“I have told you several times not to play with these boys, they are too naughty.” Dragging him by the ear he continued shouting: “From today onwards you are grounded. After coming back from school, you stay indoors. In fact you Lizzy (referring to the house girl), you have to lock him indoors every time you collect him from school,” the man said, oblivious of the crowd that was quickly gathering to witness the free drama.

The boy at this moment was crying uncontrollably at the same time trying to free his ear from the painful grip of his father. The boy drew sympathy from onlookers who were now pleading with the father to forgive the boy.

More stranger than fiction was the reaction by the father of the two naughty boys who were playing with the one being punished. He peeped through the window and shouted that “Wewe zoba naona unaendelea, acha watato wangu washirikiane,” (You stupid man, let my children interact so that they can know each other). Dear reader, I won't tell you what happened next after the man had been told by the man next door that the child he thinks was his wasn't. This I leave to your imagination.

This quickly reminds me of the saying that mama ndiye anayemjua baba wa mtoto. I know that this day and age where deception and the love for money is taking centre stage, many men are taking care of other men's children without any ray of suspicion. Everything will be carefully planned and executed to such an extent that, in most cases, they come to know of it by accident.

Another surprising story from Britain left me even more confused. Two black parents welcomed a new member of their family in style when they discovered that their long awaited daughter was actually white. When I say white, I mean blonde not albino.

The stunned black dad of the new-born, white, baby girl declared last week that — "I’m sure she’s my kid . . . I just don’t know why she’s blonde."

Nmachi Ihegboro has amazed genetics experts who say the little girl is not an albino.

Dad Ben (44), a customer services adviser, admitted: "We both just sat there after the birth staring at her."

Mum Angela (35), of Woolwich, South London, beamed as she said: "She’s beautiful — a miracle baby." Ben told yesterday how he was so shocked when Nmachi was born, he even joked: "Is she mine?’’

He added: "Actually, the first thing I did was look at her and say, ‘What the flip?’" But as the baby’s older brother and sister — both black — crowded round the "little miracle" at their home in South London, Ben declared: "Of course she’s mine."

Blue-eyed blonde Nmachi, whose name means "Beauty of God" in the Nigerian couple’s homeland, has baffled genetics experts because neither Ben nor wife Angela has any mixed-race family history.

Pale genes skipping generations before cropping up again could have explained the baby’s appearance.

Ben also stressed: "My wife is true to me. Even if she hadn’t been, the baby still wouldn’t look like that.

This guy is too confident to say the least. I am not suggesting anything here dear reader, but to be confident of such things is something very difficult to stomach. Though there is something more than meets the eye, I just couldn't keep on imagining what would have happened if that child had been born at our own Muhimbili or any other local hospital. I don't even want to imagine what would have happened if the white girl was to be born in one of the remotest parts of the country.

The first thing that us men, this side of the earth, would have done is to label the woman a prostitute, while at the same time denouncing paternity of the child. Some people would blame it on witchcraft while others will label it an abomination. I really don't know what to call it but as the saying goes, the one who knows the father of the baby is the woman.

With so much deception going on in this world, I would advise the man to go for DNA test first before claiming that he is the father of a white child. If the DNA proves that he is the real father, then we can safely call it the miracle baby.

Just as I have mentioned earlier, we have so many miracle babies in our society, where deception and lies force men to raise other people's children, under the pretext that they are theirs. This, however, turns disastrous once the truth is uncovered.

These babies are so common especially these days where fertility among men in Bongo is said to have dropped to shocking levels. Medical tests are said to be showing that 35 percent of those going for checkups are often diagonised as barren. Doctors are attributing the rise in the rate of infertility in men to certain types of occupations as well as lifestyles in the fast changing and competitive world.

I think the government should make it mandatory for all men to undergo the testing. If that happens, we won't be surprised to find out that some men, who are currently boasting of having a full house, by having many children, including those from nyumba ndogos, are actually barren. What ever the miracle that would occur for them to end up having not only their wives but including small houses pregnant is something that will remain in need of answers.

Society is usually to blame for these miracle babies as soon after a couple weds, they begin counting and looking for signs of pregnancy. This puts a lot of pressure on the couple, especially women, some of whom are forced to look for miracle babies. This will be done to save face.

What most people forget is that, a man and woman get married, not because they want to have children, but because they love each other. Once people marry for the sake of having children or family then that family will not last. I believe that's why people are divorcing as if it's a competition.

Miracle babies are real and in most cases have helped to save shaky marriages. With each and everyone pointing the finger on a woman whenever a couple fails to have a child, most of them are not left without a choice but to look for miracle babies. But with this day and age where HIV is ravaging the society, t becomes dangerous as besides getting a temporary solution to a marriage, miracle baby, one can also bring in another problem, HIV/AIDS.

It is the duty of society to protect and stop discriminating against couples who fail to have children. Failure to do that, then the problem of miracle babies will stay with us for a long time. God bless you!

bongoblast@thisday.co.tz

Of Sepp Blunder, shattered hearts, Hand of the Devil and Vuvuzela legacy

Simbarashe Msasanuri
(Bongoblast)
THE curtain finally came down for the historic FIFA 2010 World Cup held in Africa for the first time, ending the soccer madness that had gripped the world for the better half of the year. Just as expected, the event left a lot of broken and bleeding hearts, while others were left on cloud nine after their team scooped the prestigious silverware.
My heart falls in the group of those who were left shattered after Africa failed to rise to the occasion and make sure that history books are rewritten. It’s official, the Brazilian soccer legend, Pele’s prediction has been proven wrong. If his prediction was within religious circles, then we were going to quickly label him as a false prophet. This is so because he had foreseen an African team lifting the world cup by 2010, something that never materialised.
I believe we had the arsenal to let the cup remain on our soil until we were cheated out of the tournament. When I read a headline on one of the South African newspapers during the tournament, I was left wondering as to why they had chosen to slander the president of the soccer controlling body (FIFA), Joseph Sepp Blatter. The newspaper had a headline, ”Sepp Blunder”. They were referring to the irregularities, questionable decisions by referees and so on which had rocked the soccer tournament in SA. But, the main reason they labeled him Blunder is that, his organization is full of blunders and at the same time is so rigid, or rather to be frank, they are stubborn in the sense that even if they see that there is continuous injustice because of lack of technological intervention, especially the goal line technology, the organization remains adamant, arguing that use of technology will kill the game.
In as far as I am concerned, this is utter rubbish as we have other, not only successful, but prominent sporting disciplines such as cricket, tennis and even rugby where technology is used to determine fouls and scores in desperate times where a naked eye cannot see it. If Blunder’s blundering organization had embraced technology and changed some rules that are disadvantaging other teams, we could have watched a more interesting and different world cup.
Players continue to use their hands to control, score or even defending their goal line and going away with it at the expense of the other teams. I am vending my anger on them because this saw our mighty Ghana being bundled out of the WC. To be frank, Ghana deserved to go through to the semi finals of the competition but because some people are too rigid to change the rules and they are reluctant to use technology, then we continue paying the price.
FIFA should borrow from other sporting disciplines and put in place a rule that if a player other than the goalkeeper uses hands to block a goal-bound ball, then that automatically be counted as a goal and on top of that, awards a penalty to the other team, as a punishment and deterrent measure. This is so because cheats like, Luis Suarez go about bragging on how he now owns the hand of god. This is cheating at its best and should not be allowed to continue as it dilutes the game.
I also came across a story from down south by one of Africa's best sports journalist, Robson Sharuko on the issue. He wrote: “Africa will once again feel the excruciating pain, inflicted by the Hand of the Devil on a heartbreaking night for the continent last Friday, when old wounds are reopened today with the appearance of Uruguay in a World Cup semi-final showdown against the Netherlands at the Greenpoint Stadium in Cape Town.
“ …. Four days might have passed since the dramatic events at Soccer City last Friday night when Uruguay striker Luis Suarez deliberately used his hands to keep out a last-gasp headed effort by Ghana's Dominic Adiayah, earning himself an automatic red card with the Black Stars getting a penalty....... While Suarez would have done very little, in the given circumstances, but to sacrifice himself for the cause of his country, his actions - and subsequent post-match statements in which he glorified his deed - have drawn countless daggers into millions of African hearts and turned him into enemy number one.
Suarez's claims that the handball was the "Hand of God" has infuriated African fans and others around the world who believe that it is a reckless attachment of the good name of the Lord to what they generally believe to be an act of the devil.
"The Hand of God now belongs to me," he declared after the match. "Mine is the real Hand Of God. I made the best save of the tournament. Sometimes in training I play as a goalkeeper so it was worth it.
“...But the Africans are taking a different view. Newspapers across the continent have labeled Suarez a cheat, a disgrace, an insult to the spirit of Fair Play and described his save as The Hand of the Devil.
Sharuko went on to conclude his story by saying: “ Whichever way you look at it, the shadow of the Hand of The Devil will continue to loom over Uruguay.”
Dear reader, I need not to tell you what happened to Uruguay in the semis. They suffered the same humiliation and fate as their fellow cheats, France, who were bundled out of the tournament in the first round.
To tell the truth, I couldn’t continue watching ‘the remaining games of the world cup after that incident because to me, the beautiful game was reduced to a lawless game, where players cheat and get away with it. What a shame. Up to now, I can’t comment on the team that got away with the trophy because it’s news to me. So if you have the information about that, dear reader, please kindly pass it to me and I will appreciate.
To the mighty Ghana, you did us proud as a continent and I am convinced beyond doubt that, the youthful team will definitely be the team to beat, come 2014 WC in Brazil. I am referring to them as mighty because hate them or like them, the truth remains that they fell out of the tournament at the same level with the mighty Brazil and Argentina, who are considered as the world’s top soccer giants. If you ask me then I will tell you that Ghana=Brazil=Agentina.
I take this opportunity to urge FIFA to put its house in order and do away with cheating in soccer matches by embracing technology and put on rules that punish those who cheat. We love the game, but when it hurts to support soccer, then there is a problem. I don’t want even to concentrate on four people who lost their lives in Kenya soon after Ghana were cheated. I still maintain that we were robbed and nothing will make me change that.
At least life is now back to normal for many soccer lovers, who no longer need to run away from work only to watch soccer matches. They no longer need to get fake sick leave forms in order for them to watch the games. No more sleeping late glued on television sets watching football.
There is also another happy section of the society - wives. Some wives had become temporary widows as they could not contest for attention with television sets, as their husbands preferred watching television rather than paying attention to them. It’s over now and they can get all the attention they want, but this comes at a price as the WC left them with yet another disgusting nickname – VUVUZELA. Yes some women are now nicknamed vuvuzelas because they talk too much and this name came from the world cup where plastic instruments, which when blown, produces ear shattering noise, were used to unsettle opponents.
To those soccer lovers I hope you enjoyed the tournament, knowing very well that soccer is just but a game. You either lose or win. To Africa I say, we can do it and our time will one day come. Though it’s back to the drawing board for most teams, the tournament was not only a success but something Africans will cherish for a long time to come.
I apologise dear readers for turning this column into a sports column but I promise that since this soccer madness is over, then everything will be fine. May God bless Africa.
bongoblast@thisday.co.tz