Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. A GROUP of 22 learners at the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe (MCZ)-owned Waddilove High School in Marondera took to the stage in style.
The silence in the school’s magnificent hall was diluted when the choir belted out the tune off their latest album Our Musical Journey — Rakanaka Iro Zuva.
Learners, teachers, clerics, staff members and parents took to the dance floor as a way of responding to the scintillating live performances by the young musicians.
Popularly known as The Soldiers of Heaven, the learners recently launched their fourth music album at a colourful event at the school’s main hall.
The album has eight tracks.
Speakers hailed the young saints for being determined to continue the legacy left by other alumnis.
“It hasn’t been easy, but we are happy that this album is out and already being aired,” said Isheanesu Mafara, the choir president.
“We want to thank all the sponsors who extended their hands and ensuring that this music project is successful.
“Special thanks goes to our music teacher and mentor Mr Patrick Nyaho, who at times had to fork out money from his own pockets to fund this project.”
Nyaho, who has been with the school choir for years, is also the English Language and Literature at the school.
On this latest album, Nyaho featured on the track Mweya Wangu Unomuponisi.
The Soldiers of Heaven have also featured renowned gospel musician Togarepi Chivaviro on the track Tirimo Munzira in 2019.
In 2023, the young singers did a 10-track album Nzvimbo Yakanaka, which never saw the light of the day after its lead singer was diagnosed with cancer and later succumbed to the deadly disease.
“We are happy with the progress we have done so far musically. Being part of this choir doesn’t mean you are lost academically,” Nyaho said during the album launch.
“We have a lot of Soldiers of Heaven members who excelled and now big people out there.”
The recording of the latest album was also funded by community leaders and companies, notably Gramsol Books.
Gramsol Books supplies text books nationwide, including all MCZ-owned schools.
The company’s chief executive officer, Tafadzwa Sandura, is a former student at Waddilove High School.
“We had to support a noble idea because this is good for the learners, school and the church at large,” he said.
“We are happy that the album is now launched and we call upon other alumnis and companies to invest in Soldiers of Heaven.”
MCZ Marondera district bishop Marshal Madiye thanked all the sponsors for assisting in the release of the music album.
“Music is therapeutic. It brings people closer to God. I thank all those who made this dream a reality,” he said.
“Apart from that, this is also assisting in marketing the school out there.
“Such music helps learners to desist from drugs and substance abuse.”
The album launch was also attended by Waddilove High school head Charles Gwenda and acting principal Ivainashe Chisenwa, who were all in high spirits celebrating the milestone achievement by the young singers.
Gramsol Books honoured learners with awards.
Isheanesu Mafara was awarded for being the Overall Best Lead Vocalist, while Shaloam Mutendzwa got the Best Lead Vocalist accolade.
Wendy Muvhevhi was awarded at Overall Best Lead Vocalist runner up.
The Soldiers of Heaven choir was formed in 2009 and made a name for itself through offering unique music with a fusion of both traditional and modern instruments.
In 2010, the group released its debut album Mbiri Kuna Mwari, with the hit track Mbiri Kuna Mwari topping the gospel music charts.
The first album was produced by renowned producer Peter Muparutsa of Shed Studios.
In 2014, the Soldiers of Heaven dropped their second album Mwari Ndinzweiwo Nokufara, which had the song Ndiani Pane Zamba receiving massive airplay on Radio Zimbabwe.
The group then returned to the music scene in 2019 with the album Tirimo Munzira, which featured Chivaviro.
The group has won several accolades since 1999.
Below are the tracks off the latest album and their lead vocalists:
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