Rhumba maestro Joseph T Soza, who thrilled fans in Zimbabwe and in South Africa, is now a born-again Christian.

Soza, a staunch member of the Kingdom Ambassadors Ministries International at Maniini, has also released his first gospel album. The album, Fire, is his fifth offering and comes after a long absence in the music industry.

He last recorded three years ago when he released the very popular Volume 4, Phindulo.

Judging by the response the six-track album has received since its launch, all indications are that it will catapult him to greater heights and entrench him in the tough gospel music scene. "I have been wandering around. I saw most of the things in the world, but there was one thing that I was missing in life: that is God. Now that I have found the Lord, everything has to change and my life has to bear testimony that I have changed, and that is where this album came into being," he said.

He said people could have everything they could wish for in life but without God they would never enjoy life to the fullest. "We are all created in the image of God and we should pay back by praising Him and, in my case, it is through music. I am very grateful to my spiritual father, Pastor Nathaniel Tshikororo, and the whole congregation who saw potential in me and made this project a reality," added Soza.

Kingdom Ambassadors Ministries International's founder, Pastor Nathaniel Tshikororo, has high praise for the new album. "Soza is one of the best gospel artists to have emerged from this area. His music is very powerful and we hope many will be lured to the kingdom of God through this album; it will touch many souls," said Tshikororo.

Fans having problems in getting copies of the album can phone 084 279 3404 or 072 357 6695 to order a copy.