By Loren Dondo
Natsai has received an award as the Best Female Upcoming Gospel Artist for 2020 from the Zimbabwe Community News Awards.
Speaking of the well deserved milestone she said: “I am feeling so blessed to receive this award.
“I especially feel grateful to God and my family and friends who were very supportive throughout the journey.
“I now know that God’s promises are Yes and Amen for He promised to hold my hand throughout this journey of singing Gospel music!”
The musician, otherwise known as Evelyn Moyo, has proven that artistry knows no boundaries.
She has defied the notion that the global pandemic is “affecting business” by continuing to succeed in her music career.
Natsai has hit the Gospel charts, last year, with her debut single “Vanokurwira” which is Shona for “He fights for you”.
The song made its way to the hitlist on Powerfm, ZiFm and StarFm.
Thereafter she released her second single Tomurumbidza in September of last year and then her debut album Vanokurwira in November 2020.
She also knocked on the top 10 of the ZCN Gospel charts and landed a number 5 spot on the Zim’s community News Weekly gospel charts.
Natsai, has always had a passion for music but especially Gospel, based on her Christian faith.
Speaking of her earliest experience with music, she always found it to be a hobby rather than work.
“I started music 12 years ago, for fun, but recently I’ve been taking it seriously since the April lock down,” she says.
The singer has been using the lock- down to her fullest potential by writing new music and recording. “I practise the usual social distancing and test for covid-19 every 2 weeks, when i go to the studio.”
Natsai grew up inspired by the likes of Zimbabwean mbira queen, Chiwoniso, and American legend, Whitney Houston. Her vocals know no limits due to the inspiration from one of the world’s greatest.
The single “Vanokurwira” is a eulogy that is pregnant with meaning, considering the stressful times that have been brought on by the pandemic.
A line that stands out in the lyric video is “Kana uine zvinokunetsa usaramba uchingofunganya” (if you are troubled, don’t overthink), because it reminisces of mental health issues that can affect a person in quarantine.
The song goes on to assure that “Mwari vanokurwira” (God will fight for you) which is a symbol of faith and belief. “When you believe you no longer have to be fearful of disasters. God has to do all the fighting for you because it is not just a physical battle but a spiritual one as well,” she affirms.
Natsai lost her mother when she was 7 years old and recalls the incident having affected her interpersonal relationships.
It is quite common for most musicians to have a story behind their music. She found solace in the memory of her mother to make motivational music through her faith in God.
Although tragedy can happen to the best of people, it can create strength and courage to face the world in tough times.
However, it is not all lemons for the singer as she is making lemonade by staying positive and focused on the bright side.
“I had to do a lot of investment to get to where I am. I try my best to use social media, in order to promote my music even though I have no sponsors or a record label. Lock down is giving me the advantage of more time for my music,” she says.
The Gospel singer hopes to make more music and impact in the music industry. It is refreshing to have music that encourages people to live on during difficult times such as the pandemic.
Natsai’s message to the youth is to keep striving and not let negative circumstances limit growth and success, especially when you have strong faith that everything will work in your favour.