Karen, arguably the finest gospel diva of her generation

SOURCE |  FELIX NYAMBE – Zambia Daily Mail
THE local Christian music may have been blessed with numerous gospel album launches from the likes of Kings Malembe Malembe as well as Sydney De Captain, but have you checked out their new videos lately?
Yes, Kings’ Pye Pye Pye and Sydney’s Aboola may not be latest to those already initiated in gospel music because the duo have lived up to their testimonies.
For most of last week, however, I spent some time viewing some of the new gospel videos from the likes of Karen, Debbie, Chilombo Fundi and Emma and I have been filled-up.

Arguably the finest gospel diva of her generation, Karen has always been an inspiring minister of the gospel that she is intended to be.
She burst on the Christian music with some defining gem of an album titled Enough, on which she staggered and castigated the devil and his elements.
The album contained songs such as Azayankha, Ni Lesa Fye, Muzimu Oyera, Set Boundaries, Umubili Tautasha and Ngafweni Lesa.
I marvelled at the only video of Ngafweni Lesa and I guess there is nothing refreshing like the song itself when Karen sings her worship song.
She later announced that other videos, in addition to her stunning Chintelelwe from her previous album Who Can Say?, will be unveiled to the market “soon”.
Joining the double CHAPRO award-winning diva is Debbie, younger sister to R‘n’B singer CQ, who has just unleashed her new video aptly titled Somebody.
I have been listening to her maiden project of Never Leave, another of the Doxa Music Productions, and still feel she deserved the 2010 Born & Bred Music Awards.
In case you missed the 2010 edition of the awards, Debbie scooped two awards, in the Best Video and Best Female Artiste categories, thanks again to her amazing video of Should I.
Last week, I featured on this column fast-rising gospel recording performer Emmary Mtonga’s new album, Ombeni. Remember?
But by the time you view her new videos of the title track and another heaven-sent groove titled Heavenly Father, you shall testify that she has indeed come to stay.
I have been watching the two videos over and over and anyone who has seen the clips may be forgiven for labelling her the “new queen of worship”.
Heavenly Father is not only an amazing music cross-over, which contains some remake of some Nigerian beat, but the video is simply a classic in its own right.
Ombeni, like every believer testifies that the Lord deserves to be exalted and glorified at all times by everything that has breath, is also an edifying groove.
While the songs also feature the unmistakable voice of secular musician Angela Nyirenda, the back-up instruments are the reason for this master piece.
Now you also understand the reason behind Angela’s own gospel ditty titled Mulungu Aliko.
The backline involved the Sakala Brothers’ multi-talented guitarist Sam Gunde, whom bookmakers have come to liken to the likes of Chris Mbewe, Gideon Mulenga or even Rikki Illilonga.
From the Copperbelt, both Mt Sinai and Chilombo’s new videos of Namutekenya and Ifibi Fya Mapalo, respectively, could not have come at a better time than this.
Namutekenya is but one of the videos from the Kambenja Vunda-led Mt Sinai choir that has been striking the viewers with sincerity since the release of the album last year.
Other videos from the album include Amalumbo, Yobo, Chankwa, Balishuka, Kalunga and Nshashale.
Just like their previous DVDs of Ichipampa, Katebebe, Muntungulule and Mulopwe, Mt Sinai has managed to raise the banner of the Lord even higher.
Meanwhile, Chilombo, like I have mentioned on this column before, is simply an amazing young talent, one that is destined to praise and worship the Lord with gladness.
Her debut album and DVD of Tamuchinja plainly put it straight that the Lord never changes and He will never leave you nor forsake you.
Simply put, He is the reason for our seasons and He is the same yesterday, today and forever more. Amen!
Just like her youthful videos from her debut album such as When God Says Yes, Inewine, Iseni Mututule, Isa Wechiyayaya and Remember Me, the Lord has again remembered this adoring young talent.
And Chilombo confirms this on her new song and video of Ifiibi Fya Mapalo (the doors of my blessings), where she prophesies the out-pouring doors of her blessings!
Next week, Gospel Grooves looks at the forthcoming anointed events involving SA-based R‘n’B gospel music minister Lionel Petersen at the Bread of Life Church International.
There is also a huge gospel concert coming up at Nkoloma Stadium, where the likes of Jojo Mwangaza will be joined by South Africa’s numerous award-winning choir Joyous Celebrations.
The Nkoloma and Levy Mwanawasa stadiums concerts are being promoted by Christian Music Arts Promotions (CHAPRO). God bless!