Up-and-coming gospel artiste Charlie Kambudzi last Saturday launched his 2011 hit CD album, “Zvanaka” at the Zimbabwe College of Music. The album, which also carries the a track of the same title, is currently topping the charts on Power FM’s Breakfast Inspiration, can be described as Charlie’s best offering so far judging by the crowd that came to attend the launch on Saturday.

The launch, which started at 6pm and ended after 8pm, was attended by Charlie’s family and friends while hundreds of youthful fans also thronged the venue.

Among artistes present were Sabastian Magacha, Kudzi Nyakudya, McDonald “McDee” Chidavaenzi, the ZimPraise Gospel Choir and Christhood.

Speaking at the launch, Pastor Vaki of Apostolic Church Mission City Restoration Centre congratulated Charlie, a member of the church’s praise and worship team, adding that as a Christian and an artiste, he had realised his calling which is ministering the gospel through music.

Pastor Vaki also said music was an extension of the gospel as it reached a diverse range of people.

“Music is important for the gospel because it has no boundaries. Although we preach from the pulpit, music has the ability to go the extra mile as it reaches a wide cross-section of people.”

Sabastian Magacha applauded Charlie for maturing as a gospel artiste as evidenced by his decision to include an upcoming Chitungwiza-based three-member hip-hop gospel outfit, Christhood, which performed at the launch.

“Inviting Christhood to perform shows how Charlie has grown and matured. Although he himself is still upcoming, his decision to give other upcoming artistes a platform to showcase their talent is something to be commended.

“Charlie has also demonstrated his love for other gospel artistes. The same applies to all the other artistes that have come to attend today’s launch. I think as Christians and artistes, we should practise what we preach through music. By supporting each other, we are doing exactly that.”

In his speech at the launch, Mr Climate Mumkura, a documentation officer with Zimbabwe Music Rights Association, said Charlie Kambudzi’s album carried a message of hope for the hopeless and that his music did not only preach the gospel but was also entertaining.

Turning to piracy, Mr Mumkura said the problem was affecting the growth of music in Zimbabwe, but highlighted that his organisation was committed to fighting for the rights of artistes by providing legal advice, offering royalties and free importation of musical instruments among other services.

Although there were a few technical hitches, the launch was punctuated by plenty of entertaining music from Christhood while Charlie and Sabastian who fronted Zim Praise Choir following a special request from the master of ceremony gave live performances.

The launch ended on a high note after Charlie’s album was auctioned and Pastor Vaki bid US$100 for “Zvanaka”.

Turning to piracy, Mr Mumkuru said the problem was affecting the growth of music in Zimbabwe, but highlighted that his organisation was committed to fighting for the rights of artistes by providing legal advice, offering royalties and free importation of musical instruments among other services.

“As Zimura, we are committed to fighting for the rights of artistes and ensure they benefit from their work.

“We are disappointed by the escalating problem of piracy. We encourage artistes to register with our organisation and benefit from our services which include royalties, legal advice, free importation of instruments, funeral assistance and many other services,” said Mr Mumkuru.

Although there were a few technical hitches from the sound system, the launch was punctuated by plenty of entertaining music from Christhood while Charlie and Sabastian who fronted Zim Praise Choir following a special request from the master of ceremony gave live performances.

The launch ended on a high note after Charlie’s album was auctioned and Pastor Vaki bid US$100 for “Zvanaka”.