The Sunday News
Ntombiyolwandle Ndlovu, Sunday Leisure Reporter
BULAWAYO gospel music powerhouse, Vocal Extra-ordinarie’s two year sojourn in the music industry has seen the outfit establish itself as one of the top acts in the genre resulting in it gaining recognition locally and abroad.
The group, popularly known as Vocal Extra, is made up of 24 talented young singers from Bulawayo.
Many who have heard and seen the group perform will affirm that their musical abilities and melodious vocals are second to none.
To mark two years of spreading the gospel through music, the outfit recently held a live concert at the Family of God Auditorium in Bulawayo.
Speaking to Sunday Leisure, one of the group members Prevail Ndlovu said although the journey has not been easy they are happy with the achievements they have made in the short time in the gospel music industry .
“We are happy to have celebrated our 2 years of existence. The group was founded by an International Denominational Gospel Choir in October 2013 at the Word of Life Church in Bulawayo being inspired by Pastor Victor Adams who is now based in America. Our mission is to spread the gospel of God through music,” said Ndlovu.
Ndlovu said that Vocal Extra pays no attention to boundaries of culture, race, language, tribe or nationality hence their music caters for all.
“Our music is for all tribes and genres. We have English, Shona, Ndebele, Swahili, Xhosa, Tsonga songs. We cater for a wide audience regardless of their colour, culture and language. Most of the songs that we sing are our own we have song writers in the group the likes of Thuba Sibanda, Thembelani Sibanda, Melusi Sibanda and Luke Kamanga. We are motivated to carry at the message of hope, peace and the love of God hence we respect no boundaries to race and cultures,” he said.
Ndlovu hinted that the group will this month be taking off to Zambia and early next year to South Africa.
“Before Christmas we will be going to Zambia, Lusaka where we will be ministering the word of God through music. And early next year we will be touring South Africa and again spreading the gospel of God through music. We thank God for taking us this far,” he said.
Ndlovu said their biggest wish is to continue growing strong and be recognised internationally.
“Our desire is to be recognised not only in Zimbabwe but across the world. We also want to make a positive difference in the world and benefit the less privileged through our music. We thank God for taking us this far and we hope he takes us to all nations,” he said.
Early this October, the group was in Harare for the Zimpraise festival held at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC).
Vocal Extra has successfully hosted 6 concerts and live DVD recordings and their latest being at the Amphitheatre with Mkhululi Bhebhe and Eric Moyo, South Africa’s Joyous Celebration musical group members.
Also, the group performed at this year’s Intwasa and has shared the stage with local popular gospel figures like Pastor G, Methius Mhere, Minister Takesure Zamar Ncube and Zimpraise amongst others.
