Secret to Charambas’ success

Mai nababa Charamba

Every year, the local gospel scene unleashes talented young men and women, unafraid of stepping into the limelight. Some of them lose steam while some are just one-hit wonders, but one couple has remained consistent over the years. Our reporter Prince Mushawevato (PM) spoke to celebrity gospel music couple Pastor Charles Charamba (CC) and his wife Olivia (OC), who have stood the test of time.

PM: A lot of artistes keep on coming on board — do you have any that you are assisting or grooming?
CC: Yes, some we have shared the stage with while others consult us on certain subjects. We have also assisted some with musical instruments. There are also cases whereby some of the budding artistes have requested to join us on an apprenticeship basis and graduate later on. However, we appreciate the fact that there is a lot to learn from one another, it is not always one way.

PM: Which up-and-coming local artiste do you feel has great potential?
CC: There is emerging talent like it has always been all the time. It’s a good thing to note that many have been exhibiting great prospects of making it in the music industry. Such individuals include Sebastian Magacha, Jah Prayzah, Blessing Shumba, Innocent Gakaka, Rumbie Zvirikuzhe, Olinda Marowa and Edith Weutonga, to mention just a few. It’s actually unfair to mention the few as the list is long.

PM: Who is your favourite local artiste?
CC: I take time to listen to any good song. Locally I like everybody though the music of the late Biggie Tembo used to stand out for me. I also have respect for our music fathers Baba Manyeruke and Oliver Mtukudzi.
OC: My husband (Pastor Charamba).

PM: A lot of your fans have complained that you are starving them with regards to live shows. Why do you limit the number of concerts?
CC: It has been our custom that we have just three shows in Harare. These may stretch up to four per year. We try as much as possible to cater for the wider spectrum of our fans around the country. This then means that we have to visit smaller towns and other remote areas like Zvishavane, Kwekwe, Gweru, Mashava, Shurugwi, Mt Darwin and Gwanda, to mention but a few.

PM: You seem to like the Harare Gardens and the Aquatic Complex for your gigs, why is it so?
CC: Harare Gardens and the Aquatic Complex are conducive and accessible. Most of our concerts are for fund-raising purposes. But, it is not by design that we mostly use the above-mentioned venues. In most cases, promoters choose these venues for us, but when we have options, we try other spots.

PM: There are mixed views about the kind of beat that you use for your music, can you please explain to us what it is?
CC: We do not have one particular beat for our music, it is the subject matter that determines the tempo of the music. If you listen carefully to all our albums, you will realise that we have both fast and slow-paced beats. We have no regrets on any rhythm or style we've used to convey our messages.

OC: Indeed, it is the message and length of song which is usually the guiding factor in music production. For a long song like Nyika Zimbabwe, it would not make sense to use a slow beat, the song will become longer than necessary.
PM: As a couple, how do you describe the relationship that you have?
CC: We are glad that we are a perfect match. We complement each other, one being a good composer/singer and the other being a good singer, able to make value addition to a donated song.
OC: Though we sometimes have differences, we are bound by common purpose, vision and the love of Christ.

PM: Given some of the nasty events that characterise music shows, does it not bother you to be part of live gigs with your wife/husband?
CC: Fortunately, we haven’t met such, we’ve seen the Holy Spirit taking charge of our concerts and we hope that it will continue like that. We are convinced that it’s not through our power or might, but Jesus affords us the grace to maintain peace.

PM: How long have you been married? During the period, what has been your worst moment?
CC: Close to 15 years. We’ve had our ups and downs like it is in every marital relationship and no particular situation can be singled out as the worst.
OC: Like what Pastor Charamba has said, we do have highs and lows, but God is the guiding factor.

PM: What is your take on piracy?
CC: Piracy has affected the creative arts fatally. With collective willpower, it can be reduced to manageable levels.

PM: Do you believe in witchcraft?
CC: The Bible affirms that witchcraft is real. It exists but not condoned, 1st Samuel 15 verse 23, 2 Chronicles 33 verse 6, 2 Kings 9 verse 22 have scripts regarding the subject. However, it (witchcraft) has no power over Christ. As stated in the Bible “No weapon formed against any Christian shall prosper” (Isaiah 54 verse 17). We urge people practising witchcraft to seek deliverance.

PM: Are you working on any new projects?
CC: New projects, sure, including the ones mentioned earlier but we are not under pressure to release anything as our fans enjoy our existing discography. We shall release in due course.

PM: Is it true that you are short-tempered?
CC: Not exactly. I believe in excellence, perfectionism and being truthful. I think I know myself well, but I should stress that I am human and fallible just like anyone else. Jesus is in the process of making me as he said “follow me and I will make you . . . ”

PM: Thanks for your time
CC: May God bless us all, thank you.

Source: Sundaymail