Born in 1971, Charles Charamba, is a Pastor in the Apostolic Faith Mission Church of Zimbabwe. He is married to Olivia who is a gospel diva in her own right. Charles Charamba is so far the biggest selling gospel artist in Zimbabwe. In Zimbabwe, large volume sales are usually dominated by sungura/ museve artists but Charamba has proved to be equal to the task too.
His latest Chapters and Verses album released in May 2004 had exceeded 100 000 within four weeks no mean feat at all by Zimbabwean standards.Charles' road to fame was riddled with all the trials and tribulations of an upcoming artist seeking a recording contract. Eventually accepted, his first album indeed a gem of all his other albums in my opinion Tinashe akatendeka received lukewarm reception.
It was his follow up album John 3 v16 that put Charles on the gospel music map. Both albums were produced by the all time great producer Bothwell Nyamhondera. The strength in Charles Charamba lies in the appeal in his voice which is a blend of tenor and alto falsetto. Charamba narrates biblical verses in storytelling fashion giving it a fresh relevant interpretation without the monotony of repetition as is typical of other gospel artist. This has made his gospel music unique.
Charles has a very good collection of catalogue albums and was also the pioneer of music video recordings that continue to sell up to now. Charles Charamba sings together with his wife who is also a talented and successful gospel artist in her own right. His most recent album Pangoma Pashoko has been well recived in Zimbabwe. In my opinion this is his second best offering to date. The album is laden with pregnant vocals delivered in a melodicious voice.
The album is a pleasure to listen...Charles is a power house in Zimbabwe Gospel music. He is affectionately called ' Baba Charamba' by his teeming fans across the world. Baba Charamba has contributed immensed to gospel music in Zimbabwe. Given his immense contribution in uplifting gospel music in Zimbabwe Baba Charmba is our Gospel artist of the Month of October.
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