After 30 years of singing, gospel music legend Mai Charamba says she is ‘too young to retire’

HARARE – Thirty years in the industry and still going strong, gospel singer Olivia Charamba, better known as Mai Charamba, told Nehanda Radio she has no intention of retiring anytime soon, and she says she is “too young to become a retiree.”

From the era of cassettes and CDs to the current era of social media, the Charambas have remained consistent with their gospel message.

Nehanda Radio caught up with Mai Charamba, who recently released a third album this year as a way of celebrating thirty years in the music industry together with her husband, Pastor Charles Charamba.

Her album, Olive Branch, is part of the ‘Thirty Years Trinity songs’ project of celebrating three decades of singing.

Mai Charamba said that, throughout the 30 years of being in the music industry, she has learnt to focus on her calling, and that’s what explains the consistency in her message and not chasing clout but delivering the message of Jesus Christ.

“We have learnt to focus on our calling and not be swayed by negative situations and criticism,” said Mai Charamba.

The ‘Rute’ hit maker signalled that she won’t be retiring anytime soon because there is an outcry from her fans to deliver more.

“As long as the Lord Permits and grants life. We will continue in our music ministry. I may not talk of retiring from singing; I am too young to be a retiree. Considering the outcry I have been receiving from my fans, retiring definitely becomes a crime,” said Mai Charamba.

She added that, regardless of evolving times and the way people see music, she believes her music still has the same impact it had 30 years ago when she and her husband started recording music.

“Our music is timeless; it will always have impact regardless of circumstances. The message is timeless and never changes because we sing the word of God as it is,” she added.

Speaking on longevity and what sets them apart from other musicians, she said; “originality is almost everything in music.”

“I have witnessed people who put more energy and focus on the marketing side of their artworks while making very little effort on the art product they want to put in the market. The result is that hype is created, but the product would be void of longevity.”