A Catholic voice that will live forever
CHRISTIANS recently commemorated the Easter holiday, which celebrates the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The is an important occasion on the Christian calendar as it signifies forgiveness of sins and the restoration of worshippers’ relationship with God. During services, people were baptised while the Holy Communion was taken as part of activities that indicated a renewal of the covenant with God.
For Catholics, hymns that depicted hope, happiness and forgiveness characterised their celebrations. Interestingly, most of the songs used during such events were composed by the late Christine Chirau-Takura, who was a music legend in the Catholic liturgy.
Chirau-Takura unfortunately passed away on March 23, 2024, during Lent, after battling cancer for some time. By the time of her demise, she had produced at least 24 acknowledged Catholic hymns. Her most prayerful canticle “Litany Kuvasande Vose” was popular during Easter vigils. Her other compositions include “Denga Napasi Zvichapera”, “Hadziperi Ndangariro”, “Handikodzeri Mambo”, “Ivai Netsitsi Mwari”, “Iye Anouya Muzita raMambo” and “Jesu Anonamata Ari Mugetseman”.
The late composer’s nephew, Beauty Chirau, said she was a gifted musician who contributed to the Catholic worship through her compositions.
“Tete always said her musical journey was inspired by the Holy Spirit. She used to say when she was sleeping, she could hear the Holy Spirit singing to her. This was after she was advised by one composer during a music course in Masvingo to pray for Grace,” said Beauty. Born to Manondo Savanhu and Regina Chitaunhike at Mutake, near Makumbi Mission, in 1954, Chirau-Takura’s musical journey began when she was aged 14. ◆