I’M BIG IN BOTS: MINISTER ZODECK
ZODECK Chikoto, a gospel star plying his trade in Botswana is Like the proverbial prophet who does not have honour in his homeland.
Blessed with that booming and spiritually uplifting voice that leaves one yearning for paradise, simple and catchy song-writing technique, Chikoto is slowly conquering the sub-region.
However, his worry is that he is yet to be appreciated on home turf.
His only source of joy is the love he has received in the sub-region, which has already embraced him. In today’s instalment of From The Horse’s Mouth, Chikoto better known as Minister Zodeck shares with gospel lovers the journey he has travelled so far, trials and tribulations as well as his vision and future plans. Read on . . .
BRIEF PROFILE
My real name is Zodeck Chikoto born in a family of six five girls and one boy who happens to be me. I was born in the capital Harare but raised in the mining town of Zvishavane.
I had a tough childhood and upbringing after being raised by a single mother following the death of my father.
My father died in 1986 when I was only three years, which made part of my childhood tough since I was raised by a single mother who struggled to make ends me.
Currently, I am based in Gaborone, Botswana where I have made great strides to create a name for myself. I’m based in Gaborone which I have since adopted as my second home after settling well in the town.
TOUGH UPBRINGING INFLUENCE
Like I said earlier on, I was raised in a tough upbringing where my mother toiled to bring food on the table. In short, I grew up in a tight family set up and life was a bit tough but God strengthened my mother who worked hard to fend for us. As such, I became a hard working young man who used to helping my mother in the garden since she worked really hard.
It was this tough upbringing which brought me closer to God and to have faith in Him.
In church, I fell in love with music but I lacked confidence, which grew as time passed by.
CALLING
As a young musician, I can safely say that my calling for music started at a young age.
I only developed my talent around the year 1997 when I attend a crusade in Zvishavane at a township which I grew up in.
As a young man, I really enjoyed the guitars as the praise and worship team was had talented people. I got interested in the choir, repented, got baptised and joined the church choir.
From there, I can safely say my musical journey and became God’s servant.
After giving my life to Christ, I started writing my own songs with the view to record to record them in future and I waited for my time to come.
INSPIRATION
As a rising gospel artiste, I was hugely inspired by established artistes of my generation.
Some of the artistes that I look up to comprise Minister Michael Mahendere, Takesure Zamar, Pastor Goreh and many more.
These role models have done a lot for Zim Gospel to be appreciated both locally and abroad and I am also following suit.
As a rising artiste, I think God is only rewarding me now but the important thing I want to achieve is building my name.
I was also inspired by the likes of Pastor Charles Charamba, Pastor (Lawrence) Haisa, the Gospel Trumpet and the late Brian Sibalo.
DISCOGRAPHY
To date, have done a number of collaborations and church concerts since 2008.
When it comes to my own discography, I have two albums to my credit namely “God Is Able” which I did it 2019 and the second one called “Munopindura Nemoto” which I am realising next week.
It was recorded at VOT Studios by Harare based producer G Makumbe who understands my sound better.
It carries eight tracks namely “Ratidzai Simba Renyu”, “I Will Exalt the Name” featuring Trymore Bande, “Inyasha” featuring Mathias Mhere, “Glory Be To God”, “Jesu Ishamwari”, “Mudziyo Wakakosha”, the title track “Anopindura Nemoto” among others.
LOVE LIFE
Well, I am married to Esther Chikoto. We are blessed with three kids namely Tafadzwa, Hazel and Chloe Chikoto.
We got married 2008 till now we thank God for his grace.
HAPPIEST MOMENT
After receiving Jesus Christ and blessed with a wife, I always cherish some of the moments I had.
For instance, I was over the moon when I got married and blessed with my first child son.
It become double joy when I finished building my first house.
WORST MOMENT
In life we go through a lot and I have encountered this.
This worst moment in my life was when I lost my job in Botswana. I got the healing as God opened new doors for me to start my own company.
COVID-19 EFFECTS
Like most of my peers, I have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
However, I have been using my influence to create awareness against the spread of the coronavirus. In my own capacity, I have been doing inductions and supporting communities with protective equipment especially her to my community and my workers.
My other advice to people during such trying times is that we need to stick to God.
In short, I say let’s keep praying and raise awareness and our God will protect us.
CHARITY
As part of my social responsibility, I am in a process of registering a foundation which empowers less privileged youths.
For a start, I am sending and paying school fees for a number of people back home.
I’m doing this as part of my social responsibility as well as giving them a life and chance in life.
FALLBACK
Besides music, I am also a businessman who runs a fleet of trucks.
I am also a hard worker man and family man who is also interested in farming which I might venture in soon. To be precise, God has blessed me beyond words and I am just product of that.
AWARDS
Well, when it comes to achievements, I am yet to win something but I am building my name here.
As mentioned earlier I am a rising musician and businessman with construction company. I have four trucks as well and honour God for the achievements.
SPECIAL THANKS
Firstly, I would like to thank God, the Almighty, my mother and my wife for their support and cooperation as well as my pastors.
Secondly, would like to thank my pastor who received me in Botswana called Pastor Vhevha and my brother called Enoch Goreh who made embraced me.
I also want to thank our fans, promoters and media both print and electronic! Thank You!
NB: Celebrities or celebrities’ managers intending to contribute to this column and share their stories, contact our Entertainment Desk on 0774119633 (calls/sms) or WhatsApp (0719119633) or email trust. khosa@zimpapers .co.zw