Gospel album released from a muddy house by Tiny Ramudzwagi

The unexpected coronavirus pandemic has changed the lives of many. Some have lost jobs, employers are struggling to come back on track, and, sadly, others have lost their loved ones.

To Tiny Ramudzwagi, the lockdown has been a blessing in disguise. "Come, let us go to my studio, so that you get a sense of my work," she said. A couple of kilometres from Elim Mall is Ramudzwagi’s studio, in the rural area of Mpfeni Block D1.

Alighting from a minibus taxi we walked down a dusty road. "This is my studio. All the magic is done here," said Ramudzwagi. The studio is a small house built from mud and poles, roofed with iron sheets and stones put on top to prevent them from being blown away by the wind.

Little would one think Ramudzwagi would revive the spirits of people feeling dejected, lonely and far from achieving their goals from this mud studio. She has recently released her first gospel album ... Murena vho luga, meaning ‘God is good’.

Lufuno Siobo, Merlyn Baloyi, Elias Lukhwareni, Given Bilankulu and Pamela Chakwizira teamed up with Ramudzwagi in producing the album.

“Come with something unique; do not copy and paste. Ask God for guidance. Nothing is impossible. Take the Bible, there is a lot to sing about that includes touching the lives of many, " said Ramudzwagi, a mother of three.

Narrating how she started doing gospel music, she said, “This is a gift from God that started manifesting at a tender age. Sometimes, while in deep sleep, I dream I am singing gospel songs. If that happens, I wake up while still recalling the melody, then I pick a Bible verse and start composing a song.”

Ramudzwagi (40) was born in Tshikhwani Rathidili village but later relocated to Tshathogwe Lagos.

Releasing an album during the lockdown period posed challenges, such as not being able to meet regularly with her other members and missing the studio space where she could freely practise.

Such challenges did not stop Ramudzwagi’s efforts to compose her first album in any way. “Though there were challenges, I had to soldier on facing them and ultimately triumphing over them. At lockdown level 3, I managed to release the album. I really appreciate the support from my family. The drive would not have been successful without the children in the puzzle,” said Ramudzwagi.

She was inspired by some local and international gospel musicians, such as Hlengiwe Mhlaba, Methius Mhere, Kholeka, Lufuno Dagada and Maru Rahulani.

For the album, gospel music lovers can phone Ramudzwagi on 083 708 6494 or 076 378 1803.

Entertainment - Date: 12 July 2020

Bernard Chiguvare

Bernard Chiguvare is a Zimbabwean-born journalist. He writes mainly for the online publication, Groundup.

Email: [email protected]