Eleana scaling new heights

SHE won the best collaboration song for her track Tenda at the USA Maranatha Awards and is determined to win more awards and release other touching gospel music. The Financial Gazette (Q) this week caught up with England based Eleana Makombe (EM) to hear about her award, music journey, experience and plans.

The award winning and outstanding Eleana Makombe

Q) Congratulations for the 2020 Maranatha Award for Best Collaboration Song for ‘Tenda.’ What inspired or motivated you to come up with such a touching song?
EM: Thank you very much. The song Tenda is a testimonial song that speaks of the need to have faith even in the most impossible situations. Like many of my songs, the motivation is derived from the word of God Mark 5 v 36 which reads “Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”
Q) South African singer Zaza Mokhethi features on the track, how did you two meet and can we expect another song together in future?
EM) Zaza and I met through my manager Edgar Makombe. We are currently working on a Live DVD project and definitely my sister Zaza Mokhethi will be featuring on this project.
Q) Let’s talk about “Season of Grace” the track carries a message of hope and was released last Thursday. Was the track inspired by the Coronavirus pandemic which resulted in many people losing hope and experiencing setbacks in life? That is revenue generation, studies, business operations and normal daily chores?
EM) After my personal and family life experiences and seeing what is happening around the world, I realised that we should not take each day for granted. Every day is by the grace of God. “Kurarama inyasha” God’s Grace has taken us this far during this pandemic period and it is only his grace that will sustain us.
Q) What first got you into music and how many albums do you have?
EM) I ventured into music as a child, singing in the school choir and in ‘Heal the World ‘Church in Kwekwe Zimbabwe. When I moved to the UK I joined the Praise in Worship in FIF International (Zaoga) which has given me the platform to sing in the UK National church worship team and I also featured in the UK musical group Free to Worship in 2017. This is the same year I released my first and only album ‘The Lord’s Hand’.
Q) What is one message you would give to your fans as we begin 2021?
EM) The environment maybe difficult, we may have lost our loved ones but the message I am bring to the people is that the Grace of God is sufficient for us. It is a time not to give up but remain steadfast and trust in the Lord.
Q) What would you be doing right now, if it was not for your music career?
EM) I am also a student and work as a manager for our family business in the UK and In Zimbabwe.
Q) What are you most proud of to date? And, what keeps you making more music.
EM) Winning the USA Maranatha best collaboration song award in 2020 made me proud. My passion and desire to minister is also what keeps me wanting to sing and compose more songs.

Sky is the limit for her

Q) If you could change anything about the music industry, what would it be?
EM) To bring all gospel artists together and to spread the love of God through our music.
Q) What advice would you give to someone who wants to be a full time gospel musician?
EM) When you’re called to minister you should not procrastinate but obey the call of God. I take gospel music not as a profession but a ministry and as a musician am called to minister.
Q) Which musician(s) would you love to collaborate with in future?
EM) If it was possible, I would love to collaborate with all artists but will allow God’s plan to prevail. I believe God will bring the right people at the right time.
Q) Tell us more about the live DVD you highlighted earlier?
EM) Yes, by the grace of God, I will be recording the Season of Grace Live DVD this year. This will feature other African Musicians
Q) Can you describe Eleana Makombe in between 10 and 15 words?
EM) Eleana Makombe is a devoted Christian, married and blessed with two children. A humble and passionate gospel musician.
Q) What’s next for you?
EM) More music and new ventures