HARARE - Upcoming sungura musician Obvious Mutani is set to release an album based on the incarceration of RGM Independent End Time Message church founder Robert Martin Gumbura.
The youthful Sungano Express frontman has also featured the self-styled king of Marabi music Kireni Zulu on the album, to be titled Musagumbura Madzimai (Half Man Half Spirit).
“It is our duty as artistes to address societal ills through music and to be frank, what Gumbura did to women, who are regarded as vulnerable members of the society is not right considering that he was using the name of God to deceive church members,” he said.
Gumbura was jailed for 40 years following his conviction on four counts of rape and contravening the Censorship Act after he was found in possession of pornographic material at his home.
In passing sentence, Harare regional magistrate Hosea Mujaya said the 57-year-old pastor was a “wolf in a sheep skin” who preyed on girls and women for sexual favours.
“The core business of church is worshiping, not sleeping with girls or women and threatening them, claiming misfortunes would befall them,” Mujaya said.
The album is expected to be released next month and is going to be Mutani’s seventh project following his debut album Marudzi Dananai (2007), which was followed by Toisa Kuvanhu (2009), Rufaro Kwamuri (2010), Loaded Weapon (2011), Saizvozvo Mukwasha and Marasta Haapotse.
“I featured Zulu on the track Pakutanga Mwari which is found on my seventh album Musagumbura Madzimai.
“On the forthcoming album which I expect next month, I questioned the sincerity and genuineness of today’s Church in particular, Gumbura.”
Mutani recently released videos for his latest album Marasta Haapotse and is convinced that the forthcoming project is going to prove that he is indeed maturing with age like good wine.
Mutani, whose voice resembles that of sungura kingpin Alick Macheso in many aspects, loves to comment on issues which happen on day to day basis in society.
Mutani came into limelight in 2011 with his album Loaded Weapon and tracks that were popular with his fans include Muti Wanga (My Heart), Amanda, Ndakakanganisa and Tsano Havadye Derere.