From Drama To Saving Souls

By Stephen Ephraem

HE still remembers the time his arts talent began to pay him in 1999 when he signed as an actor under the now defunct five-member Youth Poly Arts Project (YOUPAP) in Chiredzi.

His stage name by then was Bhibho (an afro haircut) which he acted as a funny character. Now, the Bhibho character is no more leaving,  but a devoted one that is saving souls.

This is none other than Antony Marozva, a humble man whose roots are in Bikita, Masvingo.

Known in the musical circles as Pastor Antony Marozva, the former dramatist leads a gospel outfit named Soul Savers. On his musical journey, Pastor Antony Marozva reveals that his dream came true.

“I started music at school in 1993 when I was in Grade 7 when I joined a marimba troupe as a lead player at Hippo Valley, Chiredzi and later started composing meaningful songs in 1994 and learnt to play guitars in 1996 after buying myself an acoustic guitar.

“In 1999, that is when I joined a theatre group named Youth Poly Arts Project (YOUPAP). The group had the likes of Bernard ‘Pemba’ Tshuma, Isaac ‘Gusha’ Lundu, the late Gladys ‘Mawaya’ Macha犀利士
ve and its director Ephraim Lundu.

“Joining YOUPAP was my breaking point in the commercial arts world where I managed to play the keyboard and other instruments.

“It was in 2001 when I moved to Harare and formed The Soul Savers. My wife, Mai Marozva has been a member of The Soul Savers band since its inception. We do live shows as well as recording together,” said Pastor Antony Marozva.

The 42 year old gospel crooner is not a full time musician.

“I am into the construction industry where I am a painter by profession. I am also a beat maker and a producer. I sing in English and Shona and in my forthcoming project I shall include Ndebele, Northern Sotho and Tswana.

“I do gospel music wrapped in various genres such as slow rock, dance, reggae, sungura and jit. I believe that gospel must not be in one type because people love different genres and it has more punch if a reggae lover receives gospel message in her favourite genre.

“I have 4 productions so far, three audio CDs with 8 tracks each and an 8 video album currently trending on YouTube.

My hit songs are called Chipositora.

Each and every album contains a song called Chipositora. So Chipositora Vol 1, Vol 2 and Vol 3 became instant hits,” he said.

On what fans can expect in the near future, Pastor Marozva indicated that he has new offerings.

“I am having two albums ready for release, the first one is a 3 track production called Perseverance which I featured Yvette Nyikambatonga. A song titled Tichariona Denga was produced by Levels and DJ Fantan at Chill Spot Records and the rest were done by my producer Victor Paulos of Krimz Entertainment.

“The second one is a six track album yet to be named. I am expecting to release the 3 track album by mid March this year and the 6 track around August as well. Plans to do the videos for the current project are in pipeline.

“To my precious fans, I thank you for all the support. I love you so much, may the good Lord richly bless you.

“I appreciate music legends like the late Paul Matavire, Nicholas Zakaria, the late Oliver Mtukudzi, the late Admire Kasenga, Pastor Charles Charamba, Alick Macheso and Jonah Moyo. They are my inspirations,” he added.

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