ZIMBABWE'S First Family of Gospel Music, Charles and Olivia Charamba, will descend on the diamond city of Mutare in what is expected to be a cracker of a show tomorrow. The Charambas will be performing at Sakubva Stadium.

This will be their first port of call on a musical journey that will see them perform in Kwekwe, then Bulawayo, before heading back to Harare for their traditional New Year's gig at the Aquatic Complex in Chitungwiza on January 1.

Charambas spokesperson Fungai Hondo said the show dates had been conveniently spread throughout the festive season to allow their fans in the Diaspora to attend their live performances.

"Our fan base has been steadily growing over the years, as our music is now being found and shared by Zimbabweans spread across the globe.

"Since some of them will be coming back home for Christmas we want them to have an opportunity to see us perform, something they have not been able to do."

The couple, who are arguably the most popular gospel musicians in Zimbabwe, are known to deliver the best in live acts.

Backed by The Fishers of Men, the band that has been intact since its formative stages in the early 1990s, Charles and Olivia are a joy to watch and their chemistry on and off the stage is equally amazing.

Their melodious voices and highly charged performances await gospel music lovers during the festive season. Baba Charamba, as his fans call him, has a long list of diverse albums that include chart-toppers like "Vhuserere", "John 3:16", "Verses and Chapters" and "Exodus". Mai Charamba, who started off as a backing vocalist for the Fishers of Men, will be out to show her own musical prowess.

She boasts three albums -- "Amen", "Daily Bread" and "The Gospel". Her repertoire includes hits like "Rute", "Zvanga Zvakanaka" and "Africa Restore Identity".

The couple has been able to use their sungura-inspired beat to reach out to their fans.

Problem Masau Arts Correspondent