Charamba opens up
Covid-19 has created a new normal across the globe, Zimbabwe included. Last week, our Gender and Community Editor, Fatima Bulla-Musakwa, caught up with revered gospel musician Pastor Charles Charamba to discuss the impact the pandemic has had on the arts sector. The Fishers of Men frontman also touched on a wide range of issues, including their newly formed church, Rooted in Christ Ministries, which he leads with his wife Olivia. Below are excerpts of the interview.
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Q: How has your music and church life been affected by Covid-19?
A: The good thing is the church in general exists and operates from a victory standpoint. No situation shall utterly dampen the spirit of worship since Christianity thrives in all circumstances and environments. We are making use of all available resources and platforms to reach out to our members and fans.
However, there are connectivity challenges in some circumstances, but we still pray for our members. The period we are in demands for innovation and selflessness as we have been involved in countless interventions both as musicians and church leaders.
As the Charambas, we are grateful to God that we were the first group of musicians to entertain people in their homes on Independence Day. We were part of the live Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC)-Television (ZBC-TV) virtual gig.
The church needs our emotional and spiritual support now more than ever and we have been doing our best in that regard. Similarly, general members of the public need counsel from us and we are providing it through various media channels. In short, shepherding souls has never been a burden to us. It has not been easy though since the start of the pandemic. But Christ is our anchor and strength. Q: Are virtual gigs and sermons effective? A: We have embraced technology as a medium in reaching out to congregants. The advantage is that online platforms can reach far and wide, including foreigners. But our emphasis at the moment is to comfort and encourage our countrymen in this time of crisis, hence you discover that we use our native language (Shona) in most of our sermons.
We have spent reasonable amounts of money in communication alone since the
start of the pandemic as we call and connect with our fellow members. However, we are not sure if we have lost membership because of the pandemic.
Q: Do you think the arts sector or church will return back to normal anytime soon?
A: The bitter truth is that nothing stays the same in life. There are a lot of dynamics in the field of music and arts in general. However, pulpit-preaching, song ministry and ordinary entertainment in general are being re-defined. Revolution of the arts is no longer taking lengthy breaks like in the olden days, say, between baroque and renaissance, or renaissance to classical periods when change would happen after 50 to 100 years.
New musical inventions are no longer lasting and surviving for decades like the previously celebrated periods of jazz, punk rock, digong, kanindo, kwasa-kwasa, roots reggae, etcetera.
We really miss our multitude of followers whom we used to minister to in venues like Chitungwiza Aquatic Complex, Harare Gardens, Bulawayo Amphitheater, Bulawayo Large City Hall, Sakubva Beithall in Mutare, PaGomba in Beitbridge, Nyamhunga Stadium in Kariba and many others.
On another note we feel relieved by the new trend. We have lived a roller-coaster lifestyle since 1997 as we engaged in music tours with very little breaks. At least we can now breathe. However, as the Fishers of Men family, we are deprived of the regular income we were
accustomed to. We encourage our fans to stay put though, Covid-19 shall go.
Q: Are you currently recording any new music?
A: The recording side is undisturbed due to the availability of recording facilities. The distribution of music products has also taken a major shift, becoming less cumbersome as has been the case in the 1990s-2000s.
We are glad with the newer opportunities that are embedded in the new technology, which exposes us to fresh global markets. Jesus will heal every one of our challenges, He is the only doctor not to have lost a patient!
I assure everyone that through Christ, we are going to withstand all the pressures that are associated with technological advancement through transforming ourselves and evolving with the times. We, however, will need to preserve the African gospel music brand which is becoming a formidable music culture in the region.
Q: What is your take on the transition from the old to new ways of preaching?
A: There are mixed realities with the use of technology in sending gospel messages out there. Global trends are evolving such that technology is fast becoming the norm. The progress being made by those driving it are dictating that we either adopt it fully or ship out. It has not been easy crossing from yesteryear musical culture to the modern. The reality though is that some artistes are losing some of their followers who may not be able to change with times.
Q: Is the arts sector receiving adequate support from Government, especially during this Covid-19 era?
A: Government should be persuaded to fund the arts sector. The industry can play a huge role in improving our economy. All things being equal, local artistes can rise to the occasion and produce incredible products that can put the country on the global map.
We salute our Government for supporting other sectors like mining and agriculture; however, need to try bankrolling the arts and see what happens. Q: Any plans for a new album? A: We have material ready for release. However, we had to assist our children release their debut two singles “Mbiri Yose” and “Tonamata Jesu” recently. The songs were recorded in May 2019 but we were not in any hurry to release them.