The birth of a musical dream

Bulawayo is known for its laid-back night life and one would have imagined the odds stacked against the show’s success to be heavy. Moreover,  Pastor Makandiwa was in town just beside the concert venue at the ZITF with cars literally jam-packing the throughway.
Providentially, fans milled to The Sound of Inspiration concert and nearly filled up the over-200 seater venue. The curiosity factor must have been too compelling for music fans to pass up as Asaph, a semi-finalist in the UK International Songwriting Contest of 2005 and singer/producer whose music is widely distributed on online music stores such as ITunes, Napster, Amazon; Eric Moyo (winner of 2008 Idols East Africa and A-Academy finalist), Mthabisi Ndlovu (pianist and brother to late Don Gumbo), Thabo Mlotshwa (another talent show finalist and former member with premier gospel group Shower Power), keyboardist extraordinaire, Velaphi “VG” Gumbo  came together to deliver a riveting gospel music experience before an enthusiastic audience spanning all age groups from the pre-teens to the middle-aged.
The show, which had a sub theme, hymn, psalms and spiritual songs, started off with a traditional Ndebele spiritual Masidonse (let’s pull together) led by the master of ceremonies, Mduduzi, who also gave a moving oratory. The song was strategically placed to introduce the cast members one by one to the audience. Asaph was first, followed by Mlotshwa and Moyo. VG was already sitting by the keyboard and across him Ndlovu. Nathaniel was holding his bass guitar with a composure belying his youth. On background vocals was a trio of singers with tight harmonies.
Stellar moments were produced by the entire cast. VG had the crowd spontaneously clapping and singing along to his hit song Ngiyakholwa and I just came to praise the Lord. The gifted Moyo showcased his world-beating vocal style on gospel standards such as I Need Thee Every Hour and Bless The Lord. Thabo sang his heart out in soul stirring performance of I sing the Mighty Power of God to name a few.
Harare-born and now Bulawayo-based Asaph gave renditions of self-penned songs such as For He is Good, Ndiani ko?, Live in my Heart that gave the audience an insight into why some industry watchers consider him pound for pound one of the most talented singers, songwriters and producers of our times.