Staff ReporterThe history of Zimbabwean music is dotted with individuals who will always be remembered because of their talent, appearance or success. Some are called Sungura stars, some famous and some legend.
But how many are actually considered legends? What dictates legendary status? It’s not always that legendary status is conferred upon a gospel artist but Sebastian Magacha is an exemption. Legends have to be people who have changed a genre forever, who transformed the shape of music and created a new outlet for expression. Legends have to have the power to influence as such is Sebastian Magacha.
The award-winning Zimbabwean born gospel artist. Spoke to Report Focus News about his music career and journey thus far and he truly has the stuff of legends. The much-travelled artist has performed in countries such as Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, the United States of America, Kenya, England and Canada. Shared some very interesting insights about his music journey and his career.
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“I consider Gospel Music as a calling when I sing I put my all into every single track and album.” I believe that when I sing, I am sharing a testimony of the gospel and a life-changing message of the gospel of Jesus Christ.”
The multiple gospel award-winning artist spoke of how he loved playing soccer. “ I was very good at that sport I played for Caps United and I could have excelled in that game. Soccer was my thing. But, God had other plans for me.”
With six albums under his belt each with songs that have been bangers that have gone platinum Magacha oozes talent.
“Indeed, I was a soccer player and an injury lead me to Gospel Music. If it had not been for that injury I would not have discovered my music calling.”
Magacha who has been one of Zimbabwe’s leading gospel artists since entering the scene 15 years ago has dominated the charts with his hit songs that are modern contemporary blockbusters.
His blend of music was a breakaway from the traditional gospel genre and it took a lot of doing and innovation for him to become a household name. He was adventurous and experimented with his music and style mixing sounds widely considered worldly with his Gospel music and became one of the first Zimbabwean artists to a breakthrough in this version of gospel music.
He has truly earned the status of founding father of the current blend of contemporary gospel music in Zimbabwe.
Speaking of empowerment of local artists and promotion of music and airplay in Zimbabwe, Magacha said, “I think the move to have some radio stations playing 100% local content had its advantages but as you know where there are advantages there would also be disadvantages. Opening up the platform for local talent was a great advantage the move to playing local content on some radio stations in Zimbabwe empowered us as young people and a lot of talent was discovered.
However, in as much as this gave birth to new discoveries in talent a lot of quality was compromised.
Any Jack and Jill could now just record substandard work and still get airplay.”
Magacha has collaborated with artists from the secular world and has created and produced multiple hits that have become anthems in many a gospel gatherings. He has also shared the stage with artists such as Charles Charamba, Shingisai Suluma, Don McClurkin, Israel Houghton, Joyous Celebration, Keke from South Africa, Rebbecca Malope, Deborah Frazer, the late great Oliver Mtukudzi, and Uche.
Sebastian Magacha is currently on tour in the U.K.
