Anesu Lilian Marufu-Makurumidze
She started singing from a young age such that when she was in Form 2, she was spotted by a renowned gospel artist, who took her under her belt. Whilst some female musicians lack the support from their partners, she says her husband is her biggest supporter. With two albums under her name, the gospel musician cum businesswoman, vows that only the sky is the limit. To learn more about this musician, our reporter MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA (MBD) sat down with ANESU LILIAN MARUFU-MAKURUMIDZE (ALMM) for these and other issues.
MBD: Please tell me your music journey.
ALMM: I loved and started singing from a young age, from the time I was in primary school, I just loved singing. I was in the choir at school and even in high school, I continued singing in the Scripture Union. Then when I was in Form 2, I was staying in Triangle and gospel musician Amanda Sagonda moved there and we were going to the same church. There was a talent show which was held and I won. Amanda Sagonda who was one of the judges then spotted me and from then on, she just liked me and she went to my parents and asked them if I could be part of her group, to travel and sing with her. And from that time, I then started learning more about music from her and I would join her on stage, like when we had gigs at HICC and other places.
MBD: When did you record your first album?
ALMM: When I was in Form 3, Amanda started teaching me how I could compose songs and she even encouraged me to record. The first attempt was in 2009 but it was not all that good but that was my first trial. And I should point out that I kept on learning from Sister Amanda. And in 2012, I had gone for my tertiary education and I did my attachment in Beitbridge, where I was going to a church called Kingdom Light Global Church. The preaching from Pastor Savious Muleya was really powerful and I thought I could get my inspiration from his word. So I started just as a hobby, deriving lyrics from his preaching and he liked it including other members of our church. And from the guidance I had received from Sister Amanda, I then wrote an album called Chinjamagiya which had about 8 songs. In 2013 I kept on writing songs and I was also singing in church until Pastor Muleya helped me to record in 2014 at Clive Mono Mukundu’s studio.
MBD: What happened after recording?
ALMM: I got married in 2016 and I was now staying in Harare and I’m so happy to say that my husband supported my music interest because he actually said I was supposed to record a second album. I recorded the album in 2020 but that was during the Covid-19 era and this affected it a lot. But I need to state clearly that for me to have recorded that second album, it was my husband because he pushed me saying I should continue with my childhood dream. He assured me that he would provide me with everything that I wanted. And then to make things more professional, I then met my current manager, Pastor George, who encouraged me that we had to push the music more. We then decided to go back and rework on that album which was affected by Covid-19. So I have two albums and my group is called Living Praise and it has 10 members.
MBD: Why choose gospel music?
ALMM: I grew up in a strong Christian family, strongly rooted in prayer so that’s all we knew. So growing up Christian teachings were all we knew and we were led by that, such that even in church I was a member of the Praise and Worship team.
MBD: Who inspires you?
ALMM: My inspiration is Fungisai Zvakavapano-Mashavave and I know you may have a question with regards to Amanda. Amanda is my mentor and she even knows that my inspiration is Fungisai. From the time I was young, I always said I want to be like Fungisai. Her music really inspires me. Some people say I sometimes sound like her.
MBD: What are your future plans?
ALMM: I want to be a great musician in this country, to have my brand grow to become a household name. And I also want to contribute immensely to the development of music in this country. Very soon I shall be launching my album.
MBD: What do you do away from music?
ALMM: I’m a business lady, I do garage doors and generally home security, so that also keeps me busy when I’m not working on my music. I have managed to balance my work and music because for the music to succeed, it needs money, so this is the money which I have to work for. I set my days specifically taking all that into consideration, like for example, I may finish work at 4pm, then I say from 5pm to 7pm, I will be doing rehearsals with my band. So I have to really plan this and make it work.
MBD: What would be your advice to aspiring musicians?
ALMM: If you are a lady and you are into music and you happen to be married, the first level of support is from your husband like in my case. And like I said, I strongly believe in prayer, so make it a point to pray for your music so that you can succeed. I believe your music should be led by prayer.
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