Mathias Mhere
| Mathias Mhere | |
|---|---|
 Mathias Mhere | |
| Born | Mathias Mhere June 13, 1988 Masvingo, Zimbabwe |
| Residence | Gweru, Zimbabwe. |
| Occupation |
|
| Years active | 2011–present |
| Spouse(s) | Susan Dzinamarira |
| Children | Shayne, Sean and Shelton |
Mathias Mhere is one of Zimbabwe's best gospel artists. Mhere rose to prominence in 2012 with his album. "Anoita Minana" which carried the hit "Favour" which topped the gospel charts.
Background
Mhere was born on the 13th of June 1988 in Mukaro, Gutu in Masvingo and raised in Gweru.[1] He is married to Susan Dzinamarira and the couple is blessed with a son called Shayne. Mhere did his primary schooling at Saint Mary’s Primary School before proceeding to Matinunura High School for his secondary education.
Music career
Mhere's career didn't start rosy. He had a passion for music at a very young age. That passion would drive him to playing worn-out pots (zvingwendere). He would sing everywhere, that includes in the church, herding cattle or working in the garden. All the while Mhere was living with his mother in Gutu. Singing in church and elsewhere did not help to satisfy his penchant for music. He then decided to team up with his siblings Daniel, Miriro and Melody and formed a band which they called the Gospel Hurricane.[2] The band disbanded but Mhere continueD to pursue his passion and dream even at high school. He joined the group "Created to Worship" that only managed to produce some demos because of financial challenges. He later joined a group "Rock of Ages" which was based in Mkoba.The group managed to release one album "Hakuna Unoramba".
Solo career
After completing his Ordinary level, Mhere then headed to Harare were he launched his solo career. After saving the little money he got from his job as a buyer at Tiger General Suppliers, He recorded his first album 'Tinoda Nyasha'. All his efforts came to naught as the album was poorly marketed and became a big flop. He then took a four year sabbatical and only bounced back in 2011 with the album 'Anoita Minana'. It is this album that put the young man on the spotlight as almost every song on the album became a hit. Some of the songs on the album include "Favour", "Vimba NaJehova", "Areka" and "Chipostor", all hits. The album was accompanied by a DVD, which only increased his fame and established him as a competent artist. In his journey to stardom, Mhere was nurtured and pruned by legendary gospel artist, Mechanic Manyeruke.
Copycat Claims
The popular album also drew a lot of controversy as he was accused of copying Blessing Shumba. Mhere dismissed the claims but attributed their striking sound to the fact that they share the same producer.[3] Their music is produced by Lyton Ngolombi, who is also part of Shumba’s band the Holy Psalms. Further, Mhere was accused of stealing the song "Favour" from Shumba.
As an Ambassador
Mhere was in May 2013 appointed charity homes ambassador by the Zimbabwe Amalgamated Housing Association (ZAHA). His job is to identify those in need in both rural and urban areas. The people will be assisted from the proceeds of his shows. For his task to be easier he was given a low-density residential stand in Galloway Park, Norton. On top of that he was also given a facility car to use when carrying out his activities.[4]
Albums
He has three albums to his name:
- Tinoda Nyasha
- Anoita Minana
- Nguva yeNyasha
Collaboration with Oliver Mtukudzi
Between 2014 and 2015, Mhere worked with the legendary superstar Oliver Mtukudzi on one of his albums. Mtukudzi featured on the song Tsano Handei, an extract from the biblical verse found in the book of Numbers. Tsano Handei was extracted from Numbers 10 where Moses and his brother-in-law Hobab were prominently featured discussing the divine commissioned-journey from Mt Sinai to Canaan. This latest album by Mhere was a sequel o his earlier album "Nguva Yenyasha" which comprises plug songs such as Ziya Rangu, Idya Tafura, Pamazuva Angu, Mhandu Yako, Number Busy and Mweya Mutsvene among others.[5]
Controversy- Divorce Speculation
In February 2015, Mhere's wife Susan Dzinamarira was alleged to have cheated with his close friend identified as Gift Mahlupeka.[6] This was after Mhere discovered Whatsapp messages which pointed to an affair between his wife and his close friend who is also a musician. This resulted in the local media speculating an imminent divorce. Mhere's wife confessed to the cheating but maintained that the affair did not get physical as it started and ended on the Whatsapp social platform.[6] Susan also apologised and she showed her remorse as she was willing to work things out in her marriage. Mhere was however not quick to make any statements regarding the matter.[6]
References
- ↑ Ruth Butaumocho Mhere back in the studio, The Herald, Published: 2 Jul 2013, Retrieved: 10 Apr 2014
- ↑ Problem Masau, Mhere’s long walk to stardom, The Herald, Published: 27 Nov 2013, Retrieved: 10 April 2014
- ↑ Own Correspondent, Shumba speaks on ‘copycat’, NewsDay, Published: 28 December 2012, Retrieved: 10 April 2014
- ↑ Arts Correspondent, appointed ZAHA ambassador, The Herald, Published: 29 May 2013, Retrieved: 10 April 2014
- ↑ V Chaya, Tuku to feature on Mhere's new album,Daily News, Published:20 November 2014, Retrieved:14 January 2015
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 , Whatsapp Scandal:Gospel Giant, Mathias Mhere’s six year marriage collapse as friend snatches his wife!,IHarare, Published:16 February 2015, Retrieved:16 February 2015
