By Gamuchirai Mugadzaweta

WE are now in that period when albums are released almost on a weekly basis.
Every artiste believes his/her album would be the one to make the festive season an unforgettable one.
Larry Jokonya and his group, The Experience, have released a six-track gospel album, Tinopambiri, produced by Elijah ‘Elah BASS’ Chiremba.
Born 23 years ago and bred in the dusty suburbs of Warren Park, Jokonya has big musical dreams.
Kicking off the album is the track ‘Zvinoitwa naMwari’ which sets the tone for the project.
The song encourages Christians to remain steadfast, even when answers to prayers seem evasive.
The musician emphasises that God does not fail his people, but always delivers on His promises.
It is an uplifting track which inspires a spirit to soldier on.
The typical Christian message, which is central to the gospel, is repeated.
In the second track ‘Muzita rake Jesu’, Jokonya reminds that Jesus remains the dependable refuge and guarantor of victory in whatever arena one is.
At the rate divorce cases are recorded in the country, the third track, ‘Humanology’, might be the prescription to lowering incidences of people opting to part ways.
The track urges people to be careful in the selection of a life partner.
People are encouraged, in the process of choosing a wife or husband, to listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit in this all-important decision.
The fourth track, ‘Embrace my identity’, has a patriotic flavour.
At a time some artistes are being sponsored to denounce their country, this musician expresses love for the motherland and thanks God for the stature that He gave him.
Refreshingly, he makes no apologies for being Zimbabwean but is proud to have been born here and not anywhere else.
“We were all created differently and must be thankful to the Most High God. No matter the colour, creed or stature, we were all created in a unique way,” sings the musician.
On the fifth track ‘Tinopa Mbiri’, Jokonya scales down the rhythm and introduces a soulful beat laden with lyrics of praise and worship.
The song shows how versatile and talented Jokonya is by not sticking to the common ‘everyday’ rhythm which has made most gospel musicians boring and resulted in them quickly fading away without making an impact.
‘Jesu muri Mwari’, the first song to be written by Jokonya, though it sits at the bottom of the album and features Unity Marufu, is made up of a combination of voices that enrich the deep worship song.
It complements the first track with deeply heartfelt lyrics which appreciate the significance of God in day-to-day affairs.
It is very rare for an upcoming artiste to offer a bonus track on a debut album, but Jokonya has done it.
The bonus track is the fast tempo ‘Hakuna Chombo’ which will not only uplift spirits but keep listeners on the dance floor.
The song is about Jehovah protecting His people no matter how the wicked might plot against them.
The album, is a must listen.