The gospel music genre is considered one of the most challenging, not only in Zimbabwe but worldwide. Despite these odds, Shingisai Suluma, a Zimbabwean by birth, has made great strides since 1995. This entire month, she is joyfully celebrating her journey, as she shared on her social media.
“We’re marking 30 YEARS of Shingisai Suluma’s music ministry and we want the whole world to join the party. Since 1995… Mai Suluma’s songs have been the soundtrack of worship. Now it’s your turn to share the joy.”
“i never imagined it, the idea of recording music really never crossed my mind until i arrived in England in 1991 for my university studies. It was through the encouragement and insistence of friends that i recorded my first album “Zvakanaka” in 1995.” (Online blog page).
One of the Zimbabwean artists who experienced the difficulties of the gospel genre is Braveman Chizvino, also known as “Baba Harare.” He stepped into gospel music but, in less than a year, announced his departure despite releasing an album and singles. He cited lack of funds and financial challenges related to gospel shows as the main reasons. However, the debate often arises when some say gospel music is meant for preaching the word of God rather than being seen as a way to generate income.
According to Zimlegends Reader source, Shingisai is considered a veteran of the gospel music genre among females. This saw her being listed among the top twelve most famous female gospel singers by The Famous People, a website that bases its ranking on algorithm that combines various factors, including the votes of its users and search trends on internet surveys. Other artists on the list of honour with Shingisai are, Sha Sha, Lucia Evans, Blessing Chitapa, Chiwoniso Maraire, Shungudzo, Stella Chiweshe, Tamy Moyo, Selmor Mtukudzi, Pauline Kamusewu, Hope Masike, and Busi Ncube.
Her music impacted so many souls and it is still continued. Fans who responded to the post greatly highlighted how Shingisai’s song transformed their lives, Shylet Chabata said.
” My late Mother loved your music and every time i hear your songs I am reminded of her. Your music is timeless. And i always feel how the Holy Spirit inspired the words. Her favourite song was Nanhasi and mine is Ndopaanouya, it always brings tears to my eyes.
Brian Mbomba,
“Your music has a special place in my heart because it reminds me of my mother, who used to play your songs before she passed away. Listening to your music brings back fond memories of her.”
The singer mentioned some of the challenges she encountered in the journey, she had been condemned to death by her doctor and when she got off the claws of death, she penned all the songs on album Tatenda Taona (2004).
She was born in Gweru to Christopher and Dorcas Chadoka on February 28, 1971. Both her parents were members of the Zimbabwe Assemblies of God Africa church choir in Braeside. At the age of seven she performed at a national church conference and by the age of 17 she was the leader of the church choir.
In a bid to broaden her horizons and capture a new market while based in the US, Shingisai who had been producing songs in her mother tongue Shona started working on English songs. She, however, ruled out the possibility of translating her earlier hits to English. ( Zimlegends Reader).
“Gospel music is a ministry we can’t stop. It is about passion and calling. My new project will have English songs only. The main reason is to have a wider fan-base. I may be popular in Zimbabwe, but we are still struggling to penetrate other markets because of language barrier. I sometimes find it difficult to perform at a function with many non-Zimbabwean fans who do not understand Shona,” Shingirai told journalists after her arrival in the US.
Shingirai has inspired upcoming female gospel musicians, among them Janet Manyowa who has taken gospel music to another level. Suluma said she first met Janet Manyowa via social media after some fans hinted that there was a replica of her in Zimbabwe.
I checked her songs on YouTube. I was impressed by her talent and when I met Janet in the US we shared ideas.”
A famous music critique, Deliwe Garande who spoke to 1NewLegends said, “If ever there’s a gospel musician that arguably performed at the top of her game in Zimbabwe, Shingisai Suluma ranks up there.
Her prowess is comparable only to Mai Olivia Charamba.One would be forgiven to conclude that Mai Charamba in her songs is a soul winner while on the other hand Shingisai ministers in a deep Christian way. As spiritual as her music is, it cuts across generations and is played even in secular circles, which shows her wider appeal.
Shingai is married to Pastor Stephen Suluma and they have two daughters, Tashinga and Tiara.
“I have a lot of musicians who come to me complaining that their music is not being played, but I tell them to be patient. My breakthrough came after three albums.” said the gospel music diva who has won the Best Female Gospel singer in the Zimbabwe Music Awards three times.