MULTI-AWARD-WINNING gospel music icons, Charles and Olivia Charamba, commemorate their long and interesting history through song.
The couple has remained a people’s favourite with its resurgence through its latest albums Farai Nevanofara and Chemai Nevanochema.
Their story began with the release of seven singles, songs of hope and spiritual fervour, which gained modest recognition.
Accordingly, it was their debut album Tinashe Akatendeka released in 1997 that launched them into the gospel limelight.
It was a powerful declaration of God’s faithfulness and it positioned them firmly on Zimbabwe’s music map.
Now with three decades, often called a generation in the music industry, the Charambas’ two albums have claimed a significant following on social media. The couple celebrates 30 years in the gospel music industry through 30 songs compiled in three albums.
The Charambas remain guided by biblical extracts and this time around, their sermon is rooted in Romans 12 verse 15.
Romans 12:15 instructs believers to “Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.”
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This verse calls for empathy and compassion, encouraging believers to share in the joys and sorrows of others.
It’s not just about acknowledging their emotions, but actively participating in their experiences, both positive and negative.
Accordingly, the first album Farai Nevanofara, Shona for rejoice with those who are rejoicing, encompasses songs such as Dzasvika Nyasha, Farai Mufarisise, Dai Musina Kuuya, Tipembere, Kana Wakateerera, Hazvina Kupembera paCana, Mufaro Wangu Kupenga and Tauya Kuzomutenda.
The second album, Chemai neVanochema, translated as “Weep with those who are weeping”, carries songs like Kumba KwaBaba Vangu, In My Father’s House, Vanofira Munashe, Mazuva Mashoma, Chitenderano naJesu, Takamirira Anodzoka, Tariro Haitirase and Kudenga Kwakanaka, just to mention a number.
In a telephone interview, Charamba told NewsDay Life & Style that they are celebrating 30 years in the music industry, a journey that characterised by cheer and sadness.
He accepted that God has blessed him with joy and at times sadness as a result of loss of friends, workmates and church members as they passed on.
“We still have hope and strength in Christ, as the Bible tells us. We cannot afford to ignore the mightiness of God in either difficult times or happier times,” Charamba said.
“Rejoice with those who rejoice means to celebrate with others when they have good news or accomplishments. It’s about acknowledging their joy and participating in their happiness.
“Weep with those who weep calls for empathy and compassion when others are hurting or experiencing sorrow. It means to be there for them, offering comfort and support. This alone helps Christians to look at their whole life in fullness.”
Over the past 30 years, the Charambas at one time ministered in the Apostolic Faith Mission Church and are now leaders of their own church, Rooted in Christ Ministries, which meets at the Zimbabwe College of Music every Sunday.
They have produced 13 best-selling music albums, from which they have derived the three latest albums.
Their discography from 1997 to date includes some of the following albums Tinashe Akatendeka (1997), Johane 3:16 (1998), Vhuserere (2000), Exodus (2001), Sunday Service (2002), Verses and Chapters (2004), New Testament in Song (2007), Pashoko Pangoma (2010), WeNazareta (2014) and Abba Father (2017).
These albums not only highlight the Charambas’ musical evolution, but also their unwavering commitment to spreading the gospel through song.
Their journey from humble beginnings to becoming icons on the Zimbabwean gospel music scene is a testament to their dedication and passion.
The Charambas music revolves around and is a fusion of jiti, jazz, sungura and hymns all done through collaborations and contracting several renowned music instrument players and vocalists.
Fans should brace themselves for continued enjoyment through their forthcoming third album to be released in due course.
