| STILL ADDICTED: Takesure Zamar |
Hard core psalmist Takesure Zamah Ncube and his ensemble Worship Addicts have fresh wine in their devotional tavern.
The fast-rising gospel outfit’s colourful live DVD, “Worship Altar,” is a potent mix of addiction and benediction.
“Worship Altar,” which is the group’s first visual effort features hot new jams “Changamire Muponesi” and “Pane Gore” in addition to certified hits like “Prayer for Zimbabwe” and “Agere Pachigaro.”
“Ndinosimuda Ishe,” “Umoya Wami Uyadinga” and “Ndizarurirei Mwari” complete the video album.
The album is consistent with the group’s previous projects and mantains their signature worshipper-at-heart ethic.
It’s a marvel how the Worship Addicts are showing no signs of creative fatigue, having recorded seven albums in less than four years.
This eight project is not just valuable for its aesthetic value but makes a good worship toolkit at home and church.
The selection seems deliberate with all the featured tracks thirsting and panting for the manifestation of God’s presence.
The lyrics are not dense and convoluted but infectiously accessible and sing-along.
A scripture enjoing worshipers of God to worship in spirit and truth announces the group’s work ethic shortly before the action
First on set is “Ndotsvaga Imi Moga,” an extract of traditional song culled from the RCZ hymnal, followed by its Ndebele equivalent “Umoya Wami Uyadinga.” In both songs, the worshiper cries out to God to rend the heavens and shine His face on His servant.
“Agere Pachigaro” celebrates the royalty of Jesus, the Holy and Lofty One who inhabits the throne for eternity.
“Changamire Muponesi” is a thematic extension of “Agere Pachigaro,” a simple but jolly and emphatic homage to the Sovereign Redeemer.
“Moyo Wangu Unotsvaga” is a plea for relevation; for God to avail Himself at the worship alter and make Himself known to His children.
“Pane Gore Rasimuka” is a clarion call to revival presented in the latter rain motif. “Pane gore rasimuka, mvura zhinji ichanaya, kereke gadzirira gore richanaya, zvishambidzei, gore ndariona, gore rinesimba richatibvumbamira.”
The song urges the church to purify herself for a mighty move of the Holy Spirit in our time.
Last on set is the group’s most loved song “Prayer for Zimbabwe” which Takesure has performed on many platforms, including Zimpraise’s 2013 live recording, “It’s All About Jesus.”
The intercessory song, which has become a parallel national anthem, invokes God’s blessings for our country in the laudable tradition of Henry Olonga’s “Our Zimbabwe,” Culture T’s “Tendai,” Charles Charamba’s “Nyika Zimbabwe” and Zet Mundhluri and Comfort Manyame’s “Nyika YeZimbabwe.”
Said Minister Takesure: “We gathered to love Jesus and express our awe of His greatness and in the process decided to record the moments for believers who could not be there.”
“The long overdue ‘Altars’ video series is set to reestablish the potency of worship. Worship Addicts as the name states, and unlike other addictions, emphasises addiction to the worship of the Lord Jesus,” reads a statement on the group’s website.
Takesure, doubtlessly one of the best gospel acts around, says he is inspired by gospel artistes with an Afro-centric feel, especially Derrick Ndzimande and Brian Sibalo as well as international thoroughbreds like Jesus Culture and Marvin Sapp.
“I envision major changes in Christian entertainment. I see the church embracing worship in deeper and more conscious ways not just as a curtain raiser for preaching,” Takesure said.