By Nelson Bhebhe,Sekai Moyo

Copyright myzimbabwe

HARARE – In a dramatic career shift, Baba Harare has announced his return to Jiti music after a year-long foray into the gospel scene. This sudden U-turn has ignited speculation that his marriage may be on the rocks, compounded by dwindling income levels within the gospel genre.

Baba Harare’s associates have suggested that his wife was a major influence in his initial decision to pursue a “cleaner” musical path, steering him away from the more secular Jiti genre.

Ultimately, the allure of secular music’s financial rewards outweighed what his wife expected of him, allegedly forcing his hand in his decision to embrace the gospel genre.

However, after a year of struggles on the gospel circuit, he has made a U-turn to Jiti, a move he says was necessary for his survival.

In recent days, Baba Harare has been using his Facebook page to subtly criticise the decisions he made over the past year, leading some analysts to believe that his marriage may indeed be facing serious challenges.

The saga began with a bombshell statement posted on his Facebook page: “Good morning Jiti family. Shoko rakasvika. I am coming back to assume my rightful throne. Hazviite kuti musare musina baba. Album loading…” (Good morning Jiti family. The message has arrived. I am coming back to assume my rightful throne. It’s not right for you to be without your father. Album loading…).

These recent posts are being interpreted as a public renouncement of his earlier decision to change musical direction.

In one such post, Baba Harare quipped: “Maindisiya ndichipfeka madish towel? Jiti family hamusi right kana tazogara.” (Did you leave me wearing dish towels? Jiti family, you are not right if we stay like this.). He was jokingly implying that the move to gospel music was ill-advised, mocking the modest clothing he wore in his gospel music videos.

Some analysts suggest this sounds like a veiled criticism of his wife, who has been his closest confidante and likely influenced the kind of clothing Baba Harare wore.

Amidst a flurry of comments from his fans, Baba Harare then shared a more extensive post, outlining the problems he encountered as a gospel musician.

“This might sound controversial but it comes from my heart and from my own experience,” he wrote. “For the past year, I’ve been on hiatus from secular shows and performing exclusively at gospel events.”

“As a Christian, as someone who is part of this community, I feel I have every right to speak on this,” he continued. “I’ve been blessed to experience both worlds − the secular stage and the gospel stage. From a ministerial perspective, gospel concerts are powerful. They spread the Word, they win souls, and they glorify God.”

However, he added, “But from a business perspective, it’s a different story, and I would not advise any upcoming artist to rely exclusively on gospel shows.”

Baba Harare explained his reasoning: “Too many times I’ve been booked to minister at church events and conferences, only to struggle afterwards to recover even my basic expenses.”

“Often, people hide under the idea that because you’re ministering for the Kingdom, payment ‘shouldn’t matter.’ But let’s be honest,” he challenged. “I am not only a Christian, I am also a human being and an artist. This is my work, my livelihood, and I need to survive beyond the stage.”

He contrasted this with his experiences in the secular industry: “In the secular industry, I’ve never once had an issue with payment. In the gospel industry, it happens far too often.”

Baba Harare argued that the gospel music industry needs to improve its treatment of artists to foster growth: “If we really want the gospel genre to grow, to travel, and to stand strong, we need to treat gospel artists with dignity and fairness. This is not just ‘singing.’ It is ministry, but it is also a business.”

He then provided a specific example: “Let me give you a recent example. On Friday, I went to minister at a church. I didn’t charge them a performance fee. All I asked for was a token of US$200 to cover my fuel and expenses.”

“Instead of being met with understanding, I was met with rudeness,” he revealed. “Suddenly, I was no longer a ‘brother in Christ,’ but mocked and called a ‘comrade.’”

Baba Harare expressed his disappointment: “This is not Kingdom behaviour. This is not how we build each other. And it’s one of the reasons the gospel industry struggles to move forward − lack of respect, lack of accountability, and non-payment of artists.”

He clarified that his intention was not to attack anyone, but to initiate a meaningful discussion: “I’m not posting this to attack anyone, but to spark a real conversation. We don’t talk about this enough. If you’re a promoter, a church, or an organiser, please − do better. Honour your word. Respect the artist. Support the ministry in every sense.”

Baba Harare concluded his post with a Shona proverb: “Chandisvota is the lying and giving me the runaround. Since Saturday, kwakuzotaura chando today. Shame on those who exploit others in the name of Christ. Let’s do better as a community.”

In subsequent discussions, Baba Harare added: “P.S. ma artist eku gospel mazhinji vanofira yekunzi muKristu haadaro. But kuno tinodaro manje…” (P.S. Many gospel artists are suffering because they are told a Christian doesn’t do that. But here we do it now…)

When one commenter urged Baba Harare to remain focused on gospel music, the musician responded bluntly: “Ralph Nleya huya ubhadhare mabills angu inini ndoita focus nezvekunamata.” (Ralph Nleya, come and pay my bills, and I will focus on praying).

Baba Harare, who worked with Jah Prayzah for eight years before going solo in 2017, built his brand as a Jiti star before turning to gospel music last year.

Baba Harare has received support after he voiced frustration over what he feels is widespread exploitation of gospel artists by some church leaders.

He said it was disappointing that gospel artists are not compensated, even for the expenses they incur, to perform at church functions.

Gospel musician, Trymore Bande, said churches must honour agreements.

“If you invite me to sing at your church and you’re aware I’m a gospel artist and I’ve taken the time to prepare and come to minister, please give me what we agreed upon so I can take care of my errands and provide for my kids,” Bande said.

“I’m not just singing for the crowd; I’m ministering to them, and my time and talent are valuable,” he added.

“Getting paid for my singing doesn’t mean I don’t love God, I love my God, but I also need to sustain my livelihood,” Bande said.

UK-based gospel artist and preacher, Prophetess Phammy Macheka, agreed.

“You did well to speak out. The church sometimes behaves as if love is long gone, showing disrespect. “The problem starts with the perception that someone’s gift is of no value,” she said.

Comedienne Madam Boss, who began her career as a praise and worship singer, said she also experienced similar treatment.

“I suffered the same on my end. It’s like how can someone treat you poorly?” she said.

“Therefore, I will continue with my work; I will pray in my own space,” she said.

Socialite Chembere Good said hypocrisy in churches was to blame.

“Maiti Wolves in Sheep’s clothing yaireverwa vemunyika here? Kwairehwa ikoko kumachurch kwenyu kuno; what you see is what you get,” she said.

Prophet Praise Govera, also a gospel musician, said the issue was deeply-rooted.

“Many Christians, especially leaders, expect gospel artists to minister for free, while they themselves would never work for free,” he said.

“That double standard has hurt the growth of the gospel industry,” he said.