A Zimbabwean based apostolic church has incorporated a rare combination of fusing their worship with traditional musical instruments like mbira and marimba.
Mbira music has been generally regarded as a traditional instrument that is used at traditional ceremonies that are regarded as anti-Christian and evil by a huge sector of the Christian community.
Based in Waterfalls, Harare, Baba Vedu Varikenga Apostolic Church have surprised many, some who have doubted their credibility as a God believing church by playing mbira and marimba during church services and other functions.
One would be forgiven for confusing the apostolic church for one of the mbira bands like Mbira dzeNharira upon hearing the group performing.
Speaking after performing at function held in Harare recently , the leader of the church and band, Bishop Konono dismissed claims that his church was a not a traditional cult but a God believing church.
“We believe in God, Mbira hadzisi dzama svikiro, it is an instrument that the bible recommends in the book of 1st Samuel 16 and also in the book of Psalms 150 “Bishop Konono said.
“People must read and understand the bible well, the bible actually urges us to play any instrument in praising the Lord and this is the philosophy that our church follows” he added.
The group that was formed in 2007 and has recorded five albums admitted that their music was yet to be accepted well.
“We have a lot of songs that we have recorded to date but people seem not to have accepted our music well, the response is not very encouraging but as we will keep on preaching the gospel through music till we are understood’’ said Bishop Konono.
Bishop Konono also made bold claims that the mbira instrument was a healing instrument that can be used to heal the sick and troubled.
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