ENTERTAINMENT

MAMBOS VICTORY SINGERS: Music runs in the family

SIMBARASHE MSASANURI

Dar es Salaam

“IT runs in the family,” is a pregnant statement that rightly applies to the Mambo family where three siblings have combined their golden voices into compiling a gem of an album that is poised to send shocking waves within the music industry.

Being daughters of a Pentecostal Holiness Mission Bishop who is also a musician, Hebert Mambo, the three song birds, Lucy, Ruth and Aphia despite having a firm foundation to the gospel, have rare talent that will catapult them to dizzy heights.

Under the name, Mambos Victory Singers, the musicians produced a scorcher of an album entitled 'Sitaogopa Vita'. The eight-track album is not only bible-rich in lyrics but is a must listen for many gospel music lovers.

THISDAY caught up with one of the songbirds, Aphia recently who revealed that the album, produced by Magic Studios in Sinza and released in April, this year, has been distributed in churches but is still to hit the airwaves in Dar es Salaam.

The three siblings who hail from a family of five children, all girls, were all born in Kenya and have been singing from a very tender age. Just like other musicians worth their salt, they started exhibiting their talents when they were very young and used to sing during Sunday School, in choirs at school and so on.

Aphia, an aspiring journalist, who is currently studying towards a diploma at Time School of Journalism (TSJ) in Dar es Salaam -- as if to show that talent flows in their blood -- said that they recorded the album in one day.

This was enabled by the fact that they used to practice at home and they had a lot of exposure when they sang during various occasions such as weddings, church meetings and other events.

According to her, the title track, 'Sitaogopa Vita', literally translated means I won't fear any warfare and it reveals that Christians are ambassadors of Christ and while in the world find themselves in warfare against Satan.

“When I wrote that song, what I meant was that we need not to be afraid because Christ fought for us. It is meant to encourage Christians not to fear because the war is there but Christ fought it for us,” said the ever smiling songbird.

Another song that will impact heavily on the lives of listeners is 'Urithi Mkuu'. This is the last song on the album and listening to it is a lifetime experience as it instantly touches the heart of the listener.

“This was my dad's topic in our church, he preached it for a month. It simply means that no one can take what belongs to you. Someone can delay it but can't take it away,” says Aphia.

“In the song, I also highlighted that people who are closer to you are the ones who cause you to get your blessings so don't despise them,” she adds.

'Roho wa Mungu' is another track that will definitely leave many listeners craving for more. Penned by Lucy, the the song means that the Holy Spirit is our teacher. He reminds us , comforts us and that we can't do anything without the Holy Spirit in our everyday life.

On 'Acha Kulia', the sisters combined their efforts in composing the song and to show that they have abundant talent, they composed it in the studio and recorded it at once.

The song, according to Aphia, encourages people because as human beings, if we are hurt, we tend to cry but it should not take long as we are supposed to have hope.

“The song also reminds Christians that God does everything at the right time so they are not supposed to get tired easily and worse still cry,” she said.

'Nitakuinua' is a well arranged spirit-lifting worshiping song that will definitely change the lives of listeners.

“It's a song where I am telling God how much I adore Him for what He has done and where He has taken me to in my life. God has honoured us and for every minute that you survive you have to adore him,” Aphia says.

The rest of the songs on the album not only show artistic prowess but carry messages that are meant to change the lives of those who listen to them.

Just like the old age adage, like father like daughter, Aphia seems to be slowly putting on the shoes of her father as she has ventured into preaching.

“I am also into preaching and teaching the word of God. My siblings are good in music and seem to have maintained that calling but I can preach and evangelise. I have been doing so especially during youth services,” she adds.

The musician, however, took time to advise fellow musicians, especially those who have made it in life to desist from growing think heads.

“Those who have made it in the music industry should not look down upon upcoming musicians because God has blessed them for them to be a blessing not for them to show off. They are up there for them to lift those that are down,” she says, adding that gospel musicians should not sing for money because music is an art of worshiping God so one has to do it from the heart.

On the issue of piracy that is threatening to cripple the music industry, Aphia blames the musicians for fueling the problem.

“Most of the musicians who are victims to this problem, are the first to pirate their own work. They do this to evade the contract they would have signed with their producers who give them a certain percentage of total sales,” she says.

“So this is the starting point of piracy. Producers on the other hand do it to maximise profits and in the long run will be cheating their artistes,” she adds, insisting that musicians should put their houses in order first before blaming others for pirating their music.

The songbird, however, thanks God for the success of their project before appreciating her parents and other two sisters who because of one reason or the other could not participate in the production of the album.

“I would also like to thank Christopher Muhingila, a musician, who helped us with our studio work and acted as a backing vocalist for some of the songs in the album,” says the diva who goes on to appreciate the role played by their church in shaping them and supporting them all the way.

The sky, however, seems to be the only limit for these songsters as they are planning to release a DVD album by December and have promised that more albums are on the way as they already have composed many songs for next projects.

As a parting shot, Aphia encouraged all Tanzanians to vote peacefully as “we don't want to see what happened in Kenya, happening here”. And to those fans who wold like to get hold of the artists they can get in touch with them at aphiamambo@yahoo.com.

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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.

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THE VOICE OF PRAISE: Praise, worship weapons of spiritual warfare

SIMBARASHE MSASANURI

Dar es Salaam

MUSIC is an art form whose medium is sound and, though there are lot of common elements such as pitch, rhythm and dynamics, talent is what makes musicians. Many people have failed to make it in the music industry because they lack the talent to produce products that easily win the hearts of listeners.

It is only those with natural talent who can capture the attention of people and make an impact in an industry saturated by reputable musicians who are already household names.

The latest offing, a debut album, recently unleashed by The Voice of Praise, titled 'Tunakuabudu', is clear testimony that the voices behind the compositions are not mere pushovers and are destined for greater heights.

Listening to the album is a lifetime opportunity that leaves one craving for more, something that shows that the compilation was done in a manner that exhibits artistic prowess. It shows that, the two musicians behind the group, Anchilla Kimaro and Athanas Chagula, possess natural talent that will take them places.

Having a chance to watch these two perform is something that will leave people's lives changed for ever. And, this reporter besides having had a chance to witness one of the performances, managed to catch up with the musicians to tap more into the people behind the melodious voices.

“The name of the group was derived from Isaiah 43 verse 21 and 1 Peter 2 verse 9, that points out that people were created to praise God,” says Kimaro, adding that when God created man, He gave him one of the most unique instruments, the voice, which besides being a communication tool is meant to praise Him.

She added that it was last year when as a choir leader, she saw a gift in Athanas and decided to combine efforts and come up with an album.

On the topic of the album, Athanas says that it is in line with the name of the group because you can't praise somebody you don't worship. “The title of the album, 'Tunakuabudu', we are praising God and we urge people to praise Him with all their their being, resources and whole heartedly,” he adds.

The eight-track album, does not only depict maturity in the manner the songs are arranged but also contains bible-rich lyrics that easily ushers listeners into praising and worshiping God. The song 'Alpha and Omega' is a gem of a song that shows that only the sky is the limit for the two musicians as raw talent is at its best.

The song reminds Christians that God is the beginning and end of their lives to such an extent that without Him, they can't do anything. “He is above everything, there is no one we can trust rather than him and He is able,” says Kimaro.

Another song that is poised for greater heights is 'U Mwema'. “It talks about the goodness of God. It testifies about God's goodness. In this song, we used four languages, Swahili, Sukuma, Haya and Nyakusa,” says Athanas.

'Ni Wewe Tu' is another song that can easily win the hearts of listeners. The worshiping song focuses straight to God. “we are telling him that he is the only one in our lives. When we are blessed or challenged we go to him.”

'Tunakuimbia Sifa', 'Wewe Ndiwe Nguzo', 'Tunakuabudu' and 'Utawala' complete the album. They exhibit not only talent but maturity and will undoubtedly send shocking waves within the music circles, taking the talented musicians to another stage.

To show that talent runs in their veins and were born natural musicians, their talents can be traced as far as tender age. Kimaro was born in Nkaka Village, Nkenge District in Kagera Region and is the fifth born in a family of six children.

As if to prepare her for the task ahead, she enrolled at Kashasha Primary School, attended Kibasila Secondary School before crossing the border to enroll with Shallom Teachers' Training Centre in Nairobi.

Now, a teacher at Kingdom Heritage Model School in Dar es Salaam, Kimaro remembers that she liked singing and playing drums from a tender age. She joined church choir when she was in grade two and she was the attraction then as she used to sing with old people. This was not the end as at school she joined the school choir.

“When I got born again in 1985, one of the things that made me to be born again was the choir. I thank God because being in the choir made me to grow spiritually,” says the soft-spoken Kimaro, adding that she joined the Winners Chapel in 1997 and was one of the founding members of the choir in Dar es Salaam and have been singing in that choir ever since.

“I am one of the praise leaders in the choir and through the teaching I was getting, I realised that to me it's a gift and I decided to work on it. I have been reading books from our Bishop David Oyedepo and pastors working under him,” she adds.

Married to Fredrick Kimaro and blessed with four children, Kimaro thanks her husband for encouragement and being there for her. “ God has blessed me with four children and they are all singers to an extent that they can compose songs,” she says.

On the other hand, Athanas was born in 1984 in Geita District, Mwanza Region. And, just like Kimaro, he started singing at a tender age and has been singing with different groups since then. He also remembers singing with different groups in Shinyanga before moving to Dar es Salaam in 2003 where in 2004 he joined the AIC Dar es Salaam Choir until 2007.

“I then moved to Kitunda PATMO where I was a praise and worship leader up to 2008 in July when I joined Winners Chapel and have been there up today as a choir member and as one of the praise leaders,” says Athanas, adding “I thank God I met my sister here (Kimaro) and this is just but the beginning of where we are going.”

Kimaro interjects: “Everything one needs to reach his destiny is arranged. Athanas is an orphan, when he told me his story, I told him that what will take him further is in him. While he is doing his studies, it's good but there is something in us, you don't need to go to school for you to use your gift.”

She adds that as they named their album, they believe they are singing to praise God. “ We are not doing business, people will buy but our aim is that we want people to worship God,” adding that, we want to tell people that praising and worshiping God, when they do it with understanding they will get breakthroughs.

“Singing and praising God is one of the weapons you can use to defeat Satan. It is a weapon of spiritual warfare and it's more than dancing and jumping. People should do it with meaning,” she says elaborating that she has practiced what she is teaching as she is a living testimony of praising and worshiping.

“I don't know going to hospital and getting admitted, even with my children. It has been a weapon of warfare. I believe God even I am sick,” she adds.

On their future plans in the music industry, the musicians say that they were believing God for a DVD album and that people should be on the look out for another gem soon.