KWEKWE – Rachel Maketa is the latest find in gospel music. Hailing from the city of Kwekwe, the 27-year-old beauty believes music is the best way to reach out to different people, places and hearts.
The gospel rookie who singles out Mai Olivia Charamba as her inspiration says music is her calling and would stop at nothing to earn her place as one of the talented songstresses.
Since she dropped her debut album No Wonder Why Rachel has never looked back.
Blessed with a soulful voice and the stamina, she is poised to scale dizzy heights with a fresh sound.
Journalist Jonathan Mbiriyamveka (JM) had a one-on-one interview with Rachel (RM) to find out more about the new voice from Kwekwe, a city which played host to the late sungura star Tongai Moyo.
JM: Describe yourself
RM: I am a simple person, focused and a go getter, if I want something I put everything into it. I was born on 3 September 1986 in a family of two girls and a boy. I was raised in a Catholic Church. I went to Manunure High School and then studied Cosmetology at Kwekwe Polytechnic. I am also a fashion designer and I love cooking, no wonder why I love food.
JM: Who is your inspiration?
RM: I listen to all the gospel artistes because music is just music. However, I am inspired by those who are talented in everything they do. What is important is to minister through songs and it is easy to see those with talent and those who don’t have it. Locally, I listen to the music of Fungisai (Zvakavapano-Mashavave) and Mai Charamba and other upcoming artistes who inspire me. But during my childhood Mai Charamba and Rumbi Zvirikuzhe was my favourite.
JM: When did you start composing songs?
RM: I started writing songs at a tender age of 12. However, I only started thinking about recording music after I left Catholic Church because my kind of music is different from the catholic songs.
JM: Coming to the latest eight-track album which one is your favourite track?
RM: I would say Tichengetei because it is a prayer. It likes I will be praying not just for me but for other people. Basically in that prayer we ask God for his mercy. The prayer also looks at the beginning of the New Year where people thank the Lord for his kindness and mercy.
When I look at life I see that there are things I wouldn’t be able to achieve without God’s grace. Just as I was coming to Harare I witnessed an accident and I believe if it wasn’t for God’s grace it would have been me or another person. So there are life experiences that I sing about in my music. I have departed friends who never made it to this year some died of sickness others drowned and so on. Now that I know it’s all God’s grace I am thankful and giving my life to Him.
JM: Just how successful was your debut album?
RM: It didn’t do well to say the least. Firstly, it was tough to make a breakthrough especially for a person like me who had to travel all the way from Kwekwe looking for a recording contract. Maybe, that’s the way it is for most upstarts that you always find the going tough. I sought help from people but it was all in vain. Money for recoding was another problem and it was only until I got to Ngaavongwe (Records) that I got a contract. But getting there wasn’t easy and even when I got the contract the album wasn’t marketed well. However, Ngaavongwe managed to arrange several radio interviews and that was quite an experience.
JM: What was the most difficult part to get your music out?
RM: Well, Ngaavongwe and Gramma Records were two reputable companies at the time. Nowadays there are recording studios everywhere but imagine it was my first time to be in a studio and I had to cover all the expenses by myself.
JM: One of the plug tracks on the latest album is the title track Tichengetei tell us about the song?
RM: One the song I featured Rumbi Zvirikuzhe who is also provides backing vocals on the album. On Tofamba Naye talks about God’s grace which is upon everything. It’s like the heaves have opened to those who believe. Zarura encourages people to pray all the time and also asking the holy spirit to reveal to us the day Jesus will come while Mutsvene is basically Jesus’ righteousness. On Mwari Vanehanya I will be talking about the love of God for his children, all races and nations.
JM: What has been your biggest challenge so far?
RM: I think the most important thing is appreciation. It is not easy for a rookie to get recognition later alone appreciation in the industry. You really work hard for people to share your vision and thoughts before they can accept you.
JM: Is it not about where you come from?
RM: In part, that is so true that most people that everything happens in Harare. But remember we had artistes like Dhewa who made it although they were from Kwekwe so it doesn’t where your are but what you sing. I think gospel is different because you need the exposure and airplay.
JM: Have you staged any shows?
RM: I have only performed during church crusades and the response so far has been good. I have also massive support from my church Omega Family Church Families. At one time I felt like giving up but thanks to Apostle Chrispen Mahovo and his wife Yvonne. They encouraged and supported me spiritually.
JM: Parting shot?
RM: My favourite food is briyani and I love to eat salad and my favourite drink is coke or orange juice. I enjoy travelling with my friends one in a while because we have other commitments. The Herald
