Takesure drops a double scorcher

AWARD-WINNING gospel musician Takesure Zamar Ncube has joined the list of hotshots who have dropped scintillating albums in 2016. But he has gone one better. He has dropped two: "Worship Volume 5" and "Praise Volume 3", both loaded with quality music complemented by solid messages.The seven-track praise offering sees the singer play around with various genres, including Afro-jazz, house and - for the first time - sungura in a track titled "Bhaibheri".

And when compared to his previous projects where he only used his regular band Bulawayo-based jazz crew The Outfit, this time he also worked with maestros like Sam Mataure, Obert Gomba, Enock Piroro, Sam Tsatsi and renowned South African bassist Bheka Mthethwa.

The fusion of these great musicians with their high level of experience produces a masterpiece that is set to be a benchmark for other musicians.

Zamar shows off his writing prowess as he uses a somewhat comical approach on a number of tracks to ensure his message appeals to the listener.

For instance on "Bhaibheri", he adopts the Paul Matavire style of narrating a story making — and a long story it is, going for a solid 14 minutes.

Another track on "Praise Volume 3" with an unorthodox style is "Rapture". When the song starts it is difficult to know what he means but as it plays on, the message becomes clearer.

Sam Mataure and fellow Black Spirits member, Piroro, spice up "Nayarara" with their mellow approach.

Moving on to the 10-track "Worship Volume 5", there is not much change in terms of music as The Outfit was retained as the main band and they delivered as was the case on "Volume 3" and "Volume 4".

The first song, "Nyasha Pamusoro Penyasha", has proved to be a favourite of many since release late August. As a follow up to the hit track "Prayer for Zimbabwe", this offering carries a song called "Nyika Yedu Ngairarame".

Other tracks to look out for are "Rwizi", "Iwe Mhepo Nyarara" and "Mwari weNyasha".

Zamar introduces new backing vocals by incorporating another Bulawayo-based gospel group, Vocal EX, on both albums.

The other constant for the two albums is the producer: Tremiah Msipa. The renowned pianist, who has produced all Zamar's albums, does a marvellous job once again.

Zamar had last released an album in 2014 when he dropped "Worship Volume 4", which he then followed up with two singles, "Kuregerera in Advance" and "Ngaazive Mwari".

He has been busy ever since, touring with multi-award-winning South African gospel outfit Joyous Celebration, with whom he has recorded four songs.