Zimbabwe: God anointed me in my early teens – Zembe

His vocation as a gospel musician began in Rusape as a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church more than four decades ago.

A strong Christian background led him to become a preacher of the word of God in his early teens.

This meant that he must have had a penchant for gospel music, which he had been exposed to from a young age.

After completing his advanced level in Mutare, he was already an excellent songwriter, backing vocalist and bassist.

He learned most of these techniques in church.

Like many people of his generation, he couldn’t resist the lure of Harare after high school.

Before moving to Harare for greener pastures, he had a brief stint in Real Unique Natural Notion (The RUNN Family), a group that played secular music.

Prince Tendai and Fortune Muparutsa – both late – gave him the opportunity to shine when he arrived in Harare.

After this stint, he joined the Frontline Kids in the late 80s and toured Europe and Botswana with the group.

When the group broke up in the early ’90s, they returned to their roots and abandoned secular music. The rest is now the history of Noel Zembe who has recorded 13 albums to his credit.

This is precisely what sums up Zembe’s vocation as a gospel musician.

As humble as ever, this father of six children does not regret having given his life to Christ.

Taking The Herald Arts back in time, Zembe feels blessed at 55.

With over 35 years of experience at the top, he sees the grace of God.

After all, Zembe saw many artists of his generation die.

For him to be alive and well can only be the grace of God.

“For me, prayer has always been my way of life since my days at Rusape and Nyazura Mission.

“God spoke to me in a special way to serve him and that is why I could not leave his ministry through gospel music.

“I’ve tried secular music before, but I always come back to do gospel,” he said.

Despite his low profile, Zembe revealed he was still in the game.

“I can’t stop music because it’s my way of life. I actually have a 13th album titled “Ndirangarireiwo” ready to go.

“I could have released it weeks ago, but we have another collaboration with Emmanuel Thomas which is aptly titled “Chavhuvhuruka” and which has some beautiful videos.”

While many of his peers wondered how he made ends meet, Zembe responded:

“I am multitasking, like many other people in Zimbabwe at the moment. I deal in buying and selling groceries, which allows me to support myself and my family .

“Along with music, I realized it was a mistake to put all my eggs in one basket and decided to get into the grocery business. It’s a very busy industry out there -down.”

Zembe, who is still under contract to perform at religious conferences and other large events, added:

“In our industry, we have to multitask to be able to provide for our families.

“I do my best even though I always want more in life, just like any other person.”

Known for his popular hits like “Ndaiwana Hama”, “Tavekupemberera”, “Rangariro”, “Hatina Musha” among other sing-along tracks from his rich discography, Zembe misses the past when the showbiz industry was rewarding.

“I have achieved so much success that people know it, but the pirates have benefited more than us.

“The end of the 80s and the beginning of the 90s gave us good memories because the industry paid well.

“We could have smiled all the way to the bank to collect royalties, but now we record and release new things for the sake of relevance,” Zembe explained.

Recalling his formative years, Zembe said unity within the industry helped him realize his potential.

“In my early years in Harare, I met people who I can call angels of God, although both (Prince Tendai and Fortune Muparutsa) are now late.

“The two guys took me to High Density Studios where I auditioned to start recording.

“I realized I could sing and ended up working with other big bands, including Frontline Kids, where I made a name for myself.”

Zembe, who dropped out of college where he studied marketing and accounting to pursue music, believes God uses him as a special vessel.

“There are many things I have accomplished like spreading the word of God through music, through some properties from our royalty proceeds that I consider an accomplishment. I will not forget the European tours that we have exhibited on the international stage.

“We were popular back then and I am happy with the memories we made as young people when it was not easy to succeed on the international stage.

“The most important treasure that I will cherish forever is a healthy life, because I have lost many people along the way.”

Musically, he boasts of a rich catalog of albums including “Rugare”, “Masodzi”, “Mwari Wenyasha”, “Kodzero”, “Nguva YaMwari” featuring Jah Prayzah among others.

A talented songwriter, Zembe believes God anointed him to do the work of his ministry from a young age.

Everything he touched turned to gold. Armed with songwriting technique and a beautiful voice, Zembe has continued to touch the hearts of many with his music known for healing those in despair.

He is married to Chenai Moyo and the couple has been blessed with six children – four girls and two boys.