Interview: Gospel singer Walter Chahwanda

Journalist Macdonald Chimbizi meets with young gospel hotshot Walter Chahwanda for a One to One interview touching on his latest music offering that is set to rearrange the status quo of the already overcrowded gospel market.

1. Name: 

Walter Chahwanda

2. Stage Name: 

Walter

3. Born: 

29/07/1991

4. Hometown: 

Originally Chegutu, Zimbabwe now Liverpool, England.

5. Marital Status & Children: 

Single

6. Which schools did you go to? 

Kaguvi , Chemhanza, St John Almonds and Childwall Sports College.

7. How did your interest in music start? 

I was born in to a family that loves music. My dad was once upon a time a choir master so he was always into music so it rubbed off. Also my dad’s was brought to salvation through music.

8. Are you signed to any record label? 

Currently unsigned

9. Who produces your music? 

Pastor Sonny Ncube Moyo from Wolverhampton produces my music.

10. How would you describe your music? 

My music is derived from a place or worship from within, so if i was to describe my music i would say it is inspirational, encouraging and life changing.

11. The Gospel is a bit overcrowded how do you intend to set yourself apart? 

Gospel is overcrowded yes but i think its lacking relationship with God. People nowadays just do music from talent and no anointing there for it is good to the ear but lack in the spiritual aspect of it. I intend to be different in keeping it pure and allowing it to flowing from the true vine.

12. Why gospel and not R’N’B or soul music? 

There was a time that i was into R’N’B music but when God began to work on me he took away the hunger and thirst i once had for it that to this day i do not listen to anything but gospel music.

13. What’s the biggest crowd you have performed in front of and where? 

The biggest crowd i have ministered to is about 2000 at the Apostolic Faith Mission International Ministries (AFMIM) Conference.

14. Your single ‘Oh Give Thanks’ is selling like hot cakes on I tunes, talk us through.

The single is out on ITunes, Spotify, mp3 Amazon, google play, Radio, Deezer, Xbox Music, Rhapsody, eMusic, simfy, Muve Music, MySpace Music, iHeartRadio, Nokia, MediaNet, VerveLife, Wimp and Amazon On Demand. On that note to sound is going crazy with ratings on iTunes. To get the track all you have to do is go on iTunes store and type (Oh give thanks) then you will see the song. Buy it and rate while you at it . Don’t miss the hype!!!!!!!

15. Talk us through your Album ‘More Of You’? 

The album more of you came from a season that God was ministering to me about how his people had lost the love that they once had for him. When a person is saved they have such a love and zealousness for God to the extent that all they talk about when they wake up and when they go to bed.

The lord had grace on me and opened my eyes to see how people now seek after material things forgetting scripture which says seek ye first the kingdom.

This is not a message for Africans nor is it for Europeans or Asians it is the word for call creation ( what the world needs at the point in time is not prophet with itching ears gospel, money to satisfy their carnal needs.

You can try and search everywhere but i promise you that till we begin to seek Gods face and ask for more of him we are going nowhere.) The album has a mixture of praise as well as worship song that will get you dancing bopping your head, clapping your hands and above all stir up a heart of worship.

16. How do you plan to Market your album? 

I have already started the process of marketing the album and after the show that we had on the 11th of may i think we made enough noise everywhere.

Where we had people from all over the country and they left as ambassadors of the good news as the concert was a huge success left everyone soaked in the Holy Ghost. I have a facebook page personal page as well as a fan page where people can find me and get more information on the album.

I am also working on my website which is going to be out anytime from now and will have more information which will make my material accessible. I will also be making appearances in different places and this will help put my name out there as new kid on the block.

17. How did you team up with producer Jusa Dementor? 

I approached Jusa a.k.a Tatenda to do a collaboration with me on one of my tracks and he agreed and thought it was worth doing as its a good contrast in music styles but its definitely something to look out for.

Many may think this is a publicity stunt from an upcoming artist trying to get on the limelight, but this is one of the instructions that i had straight from God to join forces with Jusa and it just so happened that I had the right song for him so even i am excited.

In fact if he reads this it will be the first time of him actually hearing the real reason why I  approached him lol.

18. Who inspires you musically?

Detrick Haddon/ Micah Stampley inspires me musically diversity in music is nothing short of wow. Vocally I must say i do prefer Micah’s voice to Detrick but both are exceptional.

19. What are you studying at university? 

Physical activity exercise and health

20. Any particular reason you chose this subject? 

I am a sports freak love me some gym time and all that and this gives me the chance to understand sports and body movements in depth.

21. How much songwriting do you do?

I couldn’t tell you truthfully how much I can, I however can tell you its a lot and sometimes I just chuck away because i don’t think they are good enough.

With that said i do write on inspiration so whenever i feel inspired a melody drop in my spirit i start humming it and in most cases i have the first couple of lines the moment i open my mouth to sing something and I record it on my phone then when I get on my keyboard i then do the rest.

22. What’s your favorite musical instrument? 

I love playing the piano.

23. Do you keep tabs on Zimbabwean music? 

I do not keep tabs however i do listen to a bit of it especially gospel music something about my home music moves me greatly. Musically I love Zimpraise member Tendai Zhou he sounds amazing we even have Skype vocal sessions. Pride priestly is one beast of a vocal he is something special.

24. How did you intend to market your music back home in Zimbabwe? 

I am working with people that are well connected where music is concerned over here as well as back home so i do intend on making my music available for sell in Zimbabwe and also played on the radio. If i ever have a chance to work with an artist back home i think that will do wonders for me where marketing is concerned.

25. What has been your career highlight? 

My career highlight was the launch of my single on the 11th of May that was truly a proud moment i am still digesting all of it.

26. If you were to be 18 again, what would you do differently? 

I wouldn’t do anything differently because that would mean changing who i am now. Every experience has helped make me the man i am now.

27. What are you most afraid of? 

I’m afraid of missing the mark going astray from the call and the purpose i was called for.

28 Who would you most like to meet – dead or alive?

I know this might be controversial and all but I have always wanted to meet Prophet Angel this is for reasons i will not air out here but between me and my God lol. In all seriousness though in this time and season that’s my response.

29. In your opinion, what’s the best song ever recorded? 

Now that is a hard question to answer as am a huge fan of music so too many to choose but i will have to go with (Alpha and Omega) Israel New Breed.

30. Can you describe yourself in three words? 

Human (i am human just like you not perfect) Vessel ( i am available for the masters use in all humility) Anointed ( an empty vessel makes a lot of noise but a vessel filled with anointing is fruitful in the vineyard)

31. What would you not travel without? 

My phone because its my means of communication, my navigation, my bible, my music.

32. If one artist was to perform at your party, who would get the call? 

Micah Stampley every day all day!!

33. If you had the power to ban one thing in the world, what would that be? 

Satanism!!!!!

34. If you could be invisible for a day, what would you get up to? 

Lol I would turn into the biggest spy ever lol.

35. Who is the most famous person you have met?

Donnie McClurkin

38. What does the future hold for Walter Chahwanda? 

Well from here,  there is too much in the pipeline to list here however to give you a short taster myself and the team are talking about doing the video for the single Oh give thanks then release the album sometime before the end of the month if everything goes well.

This is all i am letting loose in the mean time. To keep up all the details i suggest you add me on my Facebook and Twitter and will keep you updated.