ALEXIO TURNS TO GOSPEL
AN ERSTWHILE urban groover, Alexio Kawara ’s journey on the musical arena has been nothing short of transformative.
His latest turn to the Gospel genre comes as no surprise after his snippets of a Christian affiliation through songs like “Ishe Jesu varipo” and “Save.”
His fans have seen him grow from the youngster who used to rock the airwaves with hits like the craze-filled “Zva Zvinhu”, lover’s tributes such as “Musikana akanaka”, and “Karwiyo aka”.
He also collaborated with various urban groovers like Ex Q, LT, Rocqui and songstress Tererai. His last album “Oyi” was a huge leap to what most dubbed “mature and grounded music,” spotting tracks like “Chikokoko”, “Unombozviitirei” and the title track “Oyi” that showcases much of his vocal prowess.
Alexio’s Gospel single is titled, “Pamuchinjikwa” which was so soulfully made one can only see the influence of a higher power and spiritual inspiration at work.
Would this be a turning point for Alexio or a once off moment of inspiration? We caught up with Alexio to find out more about his latest offering. He says that this truly is a turning point for his life.
“I was living a life that was destroying both myself and my family, living only for me, my rules. Now this change as depicted in the video is to show that life characterised by self-pleasure is no more, God is now in control.”
QUESTION: Have you always been a Christian or this is a whole new turn?
ANSWER: I have a Christian background in the sense that my parents would force us to go to church. But I had never really given my life to God in the real sense of actually living for him.
At some point I had to make a decision. I would do altar calls but they meant nothing until I actually made this decision.
Q: What does Gospel Music and being a Christian mean to you?
A: Gospel is the message of Christ. Inspired by the bible and centred on spreading a message of his word, his love.
It is a journey towards learning who God is and thus coming to realise my own weaknesses as a man. In the end, I can only write in reverence to the awesomeness of God. Being a Christian means living the life as prompted by God, to share his word and his love through my own life not just in word.
Q: What changes do we expect from your music with the new genre?
A: Not much will change in terms of my vibe. What’s mainly changing is the message, and so far from all the songs I have been writing, I have retained my original vibe. But at some point, I might get inspired to write in a “typically Gospel way” fans should expect anything because now it would be as the Spirit leads.
Q: What are the differences between writing secular songs and when writing a Gospel track?
A: Gospel music writing is all for God. I write as inspired by the bible and expressing fully who God is, teaching the livelihood of Christ. Whereas, secular music is all me and what I see around to inspire and entertain people.
What changes is the focus of my writing, in Gospel music writing I am only an instrument of what God wants to share to the people.
Q: An engaging entertainer through dance and stage-work, what do old fans need to adjust to from your musical live performances?
A: Well, that’s a very good question, made me laugh. I am honestly very new to this journey. Ndirikutofambawo mumasurprise (I am also moving along a journey of surprises) as I go this journey. What I seriously pray for is that I do not get to lose many of my fans, hoping that we move together towards the Gospel life. I would love for us to create the moves together like we have always done, even new “twumamoves twedu twuya” but for Gospel music.
I know a lot will change, venues might change but if I’m called to perform in a pub, so be it if it will enable me to share the word. At the end of the day, I am learning all of this.
Q: What happens if the Gospel music path doesn’t work out?
A: While I would love to make a living out of singing Gospel music, it is not my main agenda.
My main reason for doing this is that it is a drive to touch lives, share God’s love, share his word, live for him.
Even if I reach 10 people, if that’s who I’m meant to reach then so be it. My job is to just plant and only God can make grow whichever way he desires. I will focus on my job, no-matter the losses along the way.
Q: How have you found the experiences singing Gospel so far?
A: Like I said, am fairly new and all this is quite new. But I like that fans seem to have received the single well so far.
I am expecting a lot of criticism but so far it’s been positive. Some had stuff to say about the video and editing but, hey -my job is the music making and so far that’s been well received.
My family, especially my mom and my wife have greatly appreciated the change.
I find that my wife was more affected by my life and is now enjoying the changed me. It’s not just been about performing a Gospel song, it’s also been about a Christian living which greatly changes the way I am with my family now.
It’s all shown me that the journey is about my life more than what I sing about.
NB: Alexio says that fans can look forward to at least two more Gospel tracks by year-end and probably a full album next year.
He has been writing for over a year and half now, all Gospel tracks so more is definitely coming.