Harawa grows in gospel music

Four years ago, the then self-styled ragga-dancehall Queen Wendy Harawa made a surprise decision to turn to gospel music after she became born-again christian. Her decision was met with cynicism and many thought she wouldn’t last a mile. But years down the line, Harawa seems to be growing from strength to strength in her new lane and amassing several awards along the way. Our Staff Reporter BRIAN ITAI caught up with the artist. Excerpts:

Q: How has your life been since you turned to gospel music?

A: It has been amazing and wonderfully awesome. Of course I have met some stumbling blocks, but it has been all good. The peace, joy and satisfaction that I have gotten from it has been amazing. I am looking forward to more. I am not stopping here and I will take this for life.

Q: What made you switch to gospel music?

A: It is not actually a switch. I think it is a calling. God called me. I just got to come back on the right path. I became born again and as a born-again I use my voice and my music to minister and preach the word of the gospel. After being born again and knowing Christ more and accepting Jesus Christ to be my lord and personal saviour, that was when I decided to switch as you are calling to gospel music so I can serve God. I was supposed to have done that all along, but you know how the devil works, he diverts you. But it is all to the glory of God because now I know and appreciate God more after what I have been through. I know God more and I give him all the glory.

Q: Five years ago, if somebody stood here and asked you on the prospect of being a gospel musician, what would you have said?

A: I think I would simply just have said Yes! People used to ask me, but I never really considered it. I would have said yes because I come from a Christian background and I started doing my music in the Sunday School Choir. So, it was still something that I would consider, but I was still being held back by this notion where you think like I have always to be singing about problems and sorrows. But that is not the case. I discovered when God opened my eyes that everything that is in the world is for us whether it is the dancing or music. But it is the devil who chooses to penetrate into such joy. That was when I realised that gospel music is full and it is what it is. If you look at music, I have worship elements in my songs, but there is also that dance as well. We can praise God and worship and sing the gospel too in whatever way. I can say I didn’t consider it, but now I wish I did long time ago.

Q: What was probably your biggest influence for you to take this path?

A: You know I do music promotion as well. So, as a promoter when you look at a song or an artist that is trending in that time, you think of business. The song of Jimmy The Psalmist titled The Mighty Man of War was a big song. And I thought why can’t I make shows and make money out of this guy? I spoke with him then I flew him with his band. One of my friends kept insisting that I ask him to pray for her as the guy is anointed. I found that funny because I never even understood because to me music and performing is just that and not a ministry. She kept on asking until I approached him and he said he must pray for me instead. I didn’t have any problems and I was surprised. I had just flown him in and we were having a show at Bingu International Convention Centre which is one of the biggest and most expensive venues in the country. My husband was alive then and I surely had everything that I needed in life. I even laughed when he told me about it. I told him maybe my biggest problem is alcohol which I can’t stop. Because I had tried before. He asked me if I would like to stop and I told him it can’t work. So, when he was performing on stage he called and when I went there, people were kneeling on stage and they signalled me to kneel since I could not understand what was going on. He said a little prayer for me and asked for a bottle of water which he poured in my mouth as he was praying. Everyone continued to pray and I was there just making up stuff to pretend I was also praying. That episode passed. Two weeks later it was a birthday for my friend. We bought drinks for her party and I didn’t feel like drinking surprisingly. When I was drunk I did all sorts of bad things. I treated people badly and I just didn’t care. But in this instance I didn’t drink. I said I would drink in Zambia and even there I didn’t. They said I was boring when sober. They gave me a glass of my favourite brand and when I held the glass my hand literally started shaking. That’s when I remembered that prayer and being someone with strong Christian background I knew God was speaking to me. I went home and prayed. I asked God if it’s him and to give me a sign how I can serve him. That’s how it started. I grew spiritually. And I remember Prophet Shepherd Bushiri healed me in 2009 when I had a stomach problem. That is how I ended up at ECG church to follow his leadership. He is now my spiritual father.

Q: Are you ashamed of the Wendy you were before?

A: Actually, everywhere I go I carry that Wendy with me and show them how that person ended up. It is something that I would want everyone to know so that they can see the goodness of God. I went all through that as a testimony. Every stage that I step on, I do share that to show what God can do for you.

Q: What was the reaction from your fans when you made the decision to go gospel?

A: It was received well with mixed feelings. Definitely I lost some of my fans who thought my old self was better. It was not that easy as some of them could not believe. But I thank God for his grace. It was about my relationship with God.

Q: Four years later, the journey seems to be bearing some fruits. What feeling does that bring?

A: It is a great feeling. It shows me that I am in the right place and where I rightfully belong. I am very excited. I have received nominations from Channel O and won others along the way. It shows we are doing the right thing. It also shows that God is able.