Njabulo Dlamini
You've got to give it to Christ Worshippers gospel
group, that unique and upcoming group comprising visually
impaired persons.
That they have refused to allow circumstances dictate
to them is without a doubt. In recent weeks they have
endeared themselves into the hearts of critics and
fanatics alike, further confirming that disability is no
inability.
They have, with unparalleled distinction, triumphed
over situations some would have considered obstacles to
their destinations.
At some instances, doors were shut on their faces and
still some in the industry have refused to swallow the
hard fact that Christ Worshippers is a force to be
reckoned with, and here to stay.
Concept
The 10-member group comprises ex-pupils of St Joseph's
High School in Manzini who met in 1998 and it is here
where the concept of ministering in song was muted.
By 2001 when they left school, the group was clearly
destined for the studio. And history they have attained
by being the first group from people living with
disabilities cadre, not to mention being visually
impaired, to reach the recording studio. It should no
doubt please the Catholic Church to realise that the
visually impaired group is gaining popularity and would
reach stardom sooner rather than later.
Calm, cool and collected are the group members in
their daily chores and walk but give them the stage;
they'll ignite and inspire fanatics into action.
They have been denied and denounced in certain
quarters but nevertheless remained determined, ridiculed
but rose above such; yes, discouraged but diligently they
persevered on their mission. Without a doubt, this is a
group which has seen and gone through it all.
But their biggest break should no doubt be when they
met Minister of Enterprise and Employment Lutfo Dlamini
at Caritas, Manzini, a few years ago. A guest speaker at
the people living with disabilities function, the
minister was to assist the group record its second album
'Delilah Mfati Wam'.
Their debut 'Are You Ready' had not made much of an
impact and not many laid their hands on it.
Minister Lutfo's intervention of E10 000 contribution
at the EYA (Entrepreneur of the Year Awards), saw the
group purchasing a keyboard and it was good-bye to the
hiked fees paid by members as they hired the
instrument.
With Christ Worshippers, seeing is believing and if
you belonged to the list of doubting Thomases, you'll be
mesmerised were you to attend one of the many shows the
group graces. They lighten up any dull occasion and bring
widened smiles to the dejected.
Their rise to fame is no fluke or favouritism from
some quarters but a journey of patience and persistence
in anticipation of great things.
Some transport operators attempted to block their way
by denying them right to board their buses despite that
group members were prepared to pay. But patiently
Minister Lutfo awaited them in Mbabane and arrive they
did, huffing and puffing. In all, Christ Worshippers has
13 members.
Says group Spokesman Sikhumbuzo Khumalo: "We've been
humbled by the reaction and appreciation from the masses.
They are so receptive to our music that our phones just
can't stop ringing - requesting for copies of our
CDs".
But sabotage is at play in some quarters as seen with
a majority of outlets that have refused to stock copies
of the group's music. Khumalo brushes such challenges
aside, noting they will triumph over in any event.
Support
He is full of accolades for Minister Lutfo's morale
support to the group and his welcoming attitude.
"Prior to the Caritas event, the minister had not
known us but out of the blue he offered to assist us
record our album and this humbled us. It was a
consolation following the stormy situations were
underwent".
He prayed that the minister succeeds just another term
as MP and be posted to the same ministry; Enterprise and
Employment. The group's latest offering Ngitincoba
Ngemthandazo has proved the right tonic to take them to
higher levels. The album kicks off with the ballad
Bangcwele which is a call to righteous and reason. Get
the feel of Track Two Hubelani Umsindisi, which is
inspired by choral music intricacies.
It is the title track though (Track Four) that stands
out in the album, traditionally inspired and spiced with
cultural dances, making the group special and appealing
to all sectors of society. A plus to the group is that
the lyrics are in Siswati and this should please die-hard
traditionalists like Jim 'Mbhokane' Gama as well as the
ministry of education, these days promoting the mother
tongue like never before. Then you could get lost in
Siyayigandzaya and Sekuntambama.
With their stead and stature, the group is poised for
bigger things in society.
Go on mesmerise 'em; you've left your indelible marks
in the sand of time already!
Source: www.observer.org.sz
