Published by the government of Zimbabwe
Vivian Madoda
26 November 2007
Harare — Inmates at four of Zimbabwe's prisons have scored what might be a first by recording, a 17-track album titled Ndaive Mbavha-Ngangilisela.
The album, which is laden with gospel songs, was recorded at Harare Central Prison under the Bulawayo-based Ingwe Studios stable. It involves inmates from Harare Central, Chikurubi Maximum, Hwahwa Young Offenders' and Khami prisons.
The Zimbabwe Prison Service senior chaplain Reverend Robson Madzivanyika said this achievement was in line with the prison service's rehabilitation efforts. "This is the best thing to be done by the inmates and it will go a long way in the rehabilitation of offenders," he said. Rev Madzivanyika added that they had received sponsorship from Father David Harold Barry of the Roman Catholic Church whom he said was also a lay preacher who works with the inmates.
The title track, Ndaive Mbavha, which was composed by an inmate, Thomas Madzivanyika (not related to Rev Madzivanyika), who is serving a seven-year prison term, touches on the issue of the rehabilitation of a hard-core criminal who is transformed into a law-abiding citizen and a God-fearing man. Other notable tracks on the album include Uyai Tinamate, which exhorts inmates and society at large to turn to prayer for redemption and the popular hymn, Alpha and Omega, in which the omnipotence of God is highlighted.
The album is expected on the market soon, according to a senior ZPS public relations officer, Simbarashe Mhare. He cited the issue of royalties and other legal aspects as the major reasons behind the delay in the release of the album.
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