Mhangami: Another gospel gem emerging from Mutare

THE name Nomusa Mhangami does not linger in most gospel music followers’ minds, but the Mutare musician has given so much for years to the country’s gospel music scene, mostly behind the scenes.

She was a backing vocalist for Progress Sibanda, of the Higher Levels fame, until in 2021, at the age of 39, she decided to go solo and she has never looked back.

Mhangami is another gospel gem emerging from Mutare, known for producing the likes of Blessing Shumba, Bethan Pasinawako Ngolomi and Dorcas Moyo, among others.

Today, Mhangami has three albums under her sleeve and she is in the studio putting final touches on her fourth album.

“I was a backing vocalist for Progress Sibanda and he is the one who encouraged me to sing a single track, which l did and that’s when l began singing before I went solo,” Mhangami told Standard Style.

“I started singing in 2021 when l released an album with eight songs titled Nhaka Yama Pisarema carrying two songs that featured Blessing Shumba and Benny Muzanamombe.”

A year later, Mhangami released an album titled Munamato Wangu with six tracks which was followed by another album titled Mhemberero released in 2023. One of the songs on the album titled Amen features another Mutare gospel star Dorcas Moyo.

The 42-year-old musician, who is backed by a 10-member group — Glorious Worshippers — said she was almost ready.

“I am yet to announce the dates of the release and disclose the title of the album, but that should be out in three months’ time,” Mhangami said. “Just like my previous projects, I preach gospel through music to win souls.” Mhangami said her music is receiving airplay on various radio stations including National FM, Star FM and Diamond FM although she would love to have her music play on almost all radio stations in the country.

She has done videos for two songs — Tendeuka and Rudo Rwenyu, although the production is limited by lack of finance.

“We sometimes face financial challenges to do the recording and production of videos,” she said.

“Sometimes I do the marketing on my own for the music to reach out far.”