Passion, unity and energy, the key attributes that...

Passion, unity and energy, the key attributes that drive Vabvuwi

Edmore Zvinonzwa

The name Vabvuwi has been around Zimbabwean music circles for some time now.

When five United Methodist Church members, Nkosilathi Maphosa, Wellington Chidemo, Tinashe Mumvuma, Thomas Rakabopa and Fortunate Rodzerai came together four years ago to form another group with the same name, many never took them seriously.

They immediately put hands on the deck and made an impact through a combination of passion, hard work and determination and as they say, the rest is history.

"We all are from United Methodist Church but we sing music from all main line protestant churches, Mapostori and also Pentecostal churches. In short, we sing all Christian songs," said Chidemo in an interview with Zim Now.

One of the major challenges that Vabvuwi face, according to Chidemo, is financial as they fund their activities with money raised from individual hustles as and when the need arises.

"We record and put our music on flash drives, which seems positive since people can listen to Vabvuwi music even during our absence. Although this might promote piracy, it makes people remember us when they need our services," Chidemo told Zim Now.

Vabvuwi have kept their group intact despite enjoying popularity nationwide. "We are passionate about what we do. We are determined to succeed. Again, love, respect for each other, transparency and knowing that worshipping God is what brought us together keep together," Chidemo said, adding that although they earn a living through their music, they enjoy singing.

"We enjoy singing, though in return we earn a living. Music is in our veins, so besides what we earn after performing, we enjoy the moments. The vabvuwi brand of music is to some extent emotional because of the traditional instruments such as hosho and drums which have been part of Zimbabwe's cultural history and you can feel this when they are played,

Chidemo said while also explaining the meaning of the term vabvuwi.

"Vabvuwi literally means fishers of men. Derived from the Bible when Jesus called his first Disciples and told them that instead of being fishermen, I will make you 'vabvuwi vevanhu'.

"Though we are from a different denomination with the Anglican Vabvuwi, our call is the same and that makes us one," he said.

One exciting attribute of Vabvuwi is their energy. They can perform for hours without showing any signs of tiring, and this has seen them being hired, taking their act to private family functions across the country.