I have grown musically, Rose Muhando says

Gospel singer Rose Muhando entertains her fans at the KICC as Kenyans ushered in new year 2014. Photo/DENNIS OKEYO   

Tuesday, February 4, 2014
By THE CITIZEN
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Following the Sony Music Entertainment record deal signed on 9 February 2011, there have been of course lots of expectations from millions of her fans in East Africa, Tanzania and across the globe.

Rose Muhando speaks to The Citizen as she delves on her musical journey since signing the first deal of its kind for East Africa .

What is the title of your latest album?

My latest album is titled ‘Yesu Kunguta’ (Wololo) meaning Jesus clean us up, it is a call for the Lord to remove the bad omen in our lives.

This is your first album under Sony what do you think has changed?

Yes it is....working with a company who are the best in the music industry has given me growth.

I have grown as a musician by understanding the entertainment industry from the production to the business level.

I have gained vast knowledge and understanding and it is a great feeling to know where you have come from and where you are going.

You have featured a couple of artistes across the continent, how has this improved your appeal continentally?

On my new album with Sony, I have featured my fellow gospel artistes William Sejake and Keke. It is always a great experience to work with fellow musicians.

We appreciate and learn from one another.

This new effort involved working with several people, how has this improved your life?

It has been a blessing to me and my family as you learn from one another and it gives you time to focus on your creativity and develop.

Apart from music CDs, how do you intend to market your music?

I am a musician and that is what I focus on. Sony stands as my management company that takes care of my business and makes sure that I make good music and they make business out of it.

That said, we are always involved with what each is supposed to know, so I understand what they will do to make my music and talent reach a bigger audience from album sales - both CD and DVD, online sales from mobile and digital and soon branch out into several other businesses that I can disclose at a later stage.

What do you think is the future of gospel music in Tanzania especially with the current trends?

I can only speak for myself because I don’t follow trends; but I normally go where God leads me... God has been good to me and has never failed to show me direction through good and challenging times of my life.

He will lead me where to go and I would happily march towards that direction.

What is your take on gospel music playing in bars?

In bars, brothels, hotels, churches, flights, offices, I think the Lord should be heard and celebrated wherever it might be.

Your rate of performances have reduced, what is the problem?

I have never heard this one before. In fact I am constantly asked the opposite or congratulated for my ever growing performance skills.

Your final words?

Kaeni ndani ya Yesu na Yesu awe ndani yenu. Nawapenda nyote . Mungu Awabariki. Live in God and God in you.

I love you all and may God bless you.

This article was first published in the Citizen