Grace Chinga makes posthumous return

Five years after the death of gospel music songbird Grace China, it appears her music story is far from over.

The artist’s sixth album Mesiyah, has been released posthumously. This follows the release of Esther in 2016 after her death.

Chinga’s son Steve Spesho said the 12-track album was recorded in 2015 just before her death and it was produced by Kathwa Ali Giza at his Ali Moso Studios in Blantyre. All the songs were composed and sung by Chinga, he said.

“When we released Esther some people knew that there was still some material from our mother which was yet to be released. There has been demand from people ever since asking us when we are going to release this album,” Steve said.

The album has songs such as Ndulu featuring her daughter Miracle, Aitana, Sindingalore, Mesiyah, Yesu Timulemekeze, Mulungu Pondilenga, Ndinu Wamkulu, Tsalani Bwino and Aliponso Wina.

Said Steve: “All we had to do is to rearrange the songs and design the cover, but everything was done by her before she died.”

Listening to one of the songs Yesu Timulemekeze, one gets a feel of the same old Chinga. The song wears her traditional vocal trajectory which made her a darling of many gospel music fans. Her ability to appeal to emotions is on point too in the song.

As she did in most of her songs, the praise and worship themed song lasts a staggering seven minutes and 42 seconds. She sings of her belief in God, which is never shaken regardless of the season that she is going through.

“Kaya akuchotsa ntchito, sautso, matenda, umphawi, banja latha, komabe Yesu mulemekezeke…”she sings in the song.

According to Steve, the album will be sold through various online platforms but they will also produce CDs to cater for those who prefer hard copies. He said after the Covid-19 protocols are relaxed, they will consider a nationwide tour to promote the album.