HARARE - Only old timers can remember the late gospel musician Brian Sibalo, whose gospel hits rocked the airwaves in the 80’s.
Since his death in 1997, Sibalo’s music has continued to play in the hearts of old gospel lovers who believe the musician’s life was cut short.
Sibalo’s hit Tinokutendai Baba a song he composed to inspire hope after the severe 1991 drought is regarded as one of the best Zimbabwean gospel songs ever.
At long last, Sibalo’s starved fans will have something to smile about.
United States of America-based gospel artiste Comfort Manyame has released a rendition of one of Sibalo’s best songs called Ndiri Mufambi.
The venerated song is about the hardships encountered in the Christian faith and on a journey of pilgrims.
Manyame told the Daily News that he felt honoured to record a rendition of a song performed by his late music idol.
“I have always loved Brian Sibalo’s music. He is probably my biggest influence musically as far as Zimbabwean music is concerned,” Manyame said from his base in Texas.
The song maintains the original lyrics and sound, but has been blended with a modern feel of worship music.
Manyame did the lead vocals in USA but the song was mastered in Harare.
“Ndiri Mufambi is one of my favourite songs which I have always wanted to record as a cover. So sometime last year, I contacted Brian’s younger brother who gave me the go-ahead,” said Manyame who included the late Sibalo’s brother on the song.
Manyame’s voice on the song that was produced by Tremier Msipa matches that of the late Sibalo.
Sibalo remains a gospel legend in Zimbabwe having released albums like, Revival Time, Thula Moya, Jerusalem, Ndiri Mufambi (I am a Pilgrim) Oh Hallelujah and SizofikaEzulwini and his music outlived his generation.