WHEN the Bernard Mizeki Guild (BMG) Choir appeared on the scene in 2024, they were instantly liked on the gospel music landscape, at large capturing both the hearts of Anglican worshippers and gospel enthusiasts across the country.
Their sound is marked by a vibrant fusion of traditional Shona choral harmonies and spiritual depth, elevated by precise vocal arrangements in soprano, alto, tenor and bass.
Described by critics and social media users as soul-stirring and powerfully anointed, the BMG Choir’s music carries a melorhythmic pulse which is guided by African drumming patterns that give life to each hymn they perform.
Their debut album Famba Bernard resonated widely, with the title track and songs like Dzvara Muchinjiko and Vatsvene Vepasi becoming instant favourites during major church gatherings such as the 2024 Bernard Mizeki festivals and Harare Diocese Thanksgiving ceremonies.
They sang songs from their maiden album Famba Bernard, which is also the title track that became an instant hit.
The other songs are Vatsvene Vepasi, Dzvara Muchinjiko, Jesu Unondida Ini and Vadzidzei to complete the list.
A 10-member group, Bernard Mizeki Guild (BMG) Choir has members across BMG Harare dioceses.
The members are Morgan Nyambuya (director), Fungai Chingwingwi (vice-chairperson), Taitos Muzondiwa, Patrick Chingoriwo (chairperson), Takawira Munodawafa (treasurer), John Murowanidzwa (composer), Benjamin Mudyiwa, Luckson Chapwanya, Richard Nyambodza and Kuziwa Brian Sahumani.
NewsDay Life & Style had a lengthy conversation with group director Morgan Nyambuya.
Nyambuya greatly appreciates the wide feedback the BMG Choir is receiving on several social media handles and the radio.
The BMG Choir singing style carries the Shona chorale tradition of ad-libbing and fluidity while vocal parts like soprano, alto, tenor and bass are conveniently heard.
“We were an instant hit and congregation favourites at the 2024 Bernard Mizeki festivals and the Harare Diocese Thanksgiving ceremonies respectively. We guide the congregation into hymn singing, including teaching our own songs during the praise and worship services,” Nyambuya said.
“Our maiden music album was called Famba Bernard, which is also the title track and other songs like Vatsvene Vepasi, Dzvara Muchinjiko, Jesu Unondida Ini and Vadzidzei complete the list.
“The song Dzvara Muchinjiko relates to carrying our burdens and problems while we live upon heavenly inheritance which will rescue us because of our faith.
“Vatsvene Vepasi translates to the dead and living saints who worked tirelessly by spreading the Word of God and shall receive their winning crowns and medals in heaven when Christ returns.”
He said they planned to continue singing for the Lord as it is one way to convert more people so they believe and have faith in God.
“Our goal is to spread the gospel through singing in church and anywhere so that souls of lost sheep return to God’s house,” he said.
“We strive to be torch bearers of our youth both in and outside church through music. Music is now an industry which can employ youths and keep them away from social ills like drugs and alcohol abuse.”
Central to the BMG Choir are Christian-centred moral values which they wish to have every member stand as a role model.
“We value Christianity and as members of the church. We lead by example. We respect various Guilds in Church, we complement each other, and value their territory guarding jealously ethos and the doctrine of our church. Our bishops and clergy are important partners in giving us direction and path to follow in the Christian world; we hold them in high esteem,” Nyambuya said.
“Our lives outside choir are extremely ordinary in the church and society at large. In rank and file, we have representation in church leadership, guild leaders, representation in civil services, industry and entrepreneurship and in totality, that’s the quality and composition of our membership.
“Our status as BMG Choir remains as an affiliate to the umbrella stem, BMG Guild. Being celebrities and most sought-after singers does not take away our loyalty to church doctrine and values. Enhancement and spread of the gospel to all worlds through music will remain a value we cherish with no compromise and we will remain resolute.”
Bernard Mizeki, born around 1861 in Mozambique, was a Christian missionary and martyr revered in the Anglican Church, especially across southern Africa.
He converted to Christianity and became deeply committed to evangelism.
He later journeyed to Zimbabwe (then Southern Rhodesia) as a missionary, where he worked tirelessly among the Shona people, spreading the gospel and promoting education.
His unwavering dedication to Christian teachings and resistance to abandoning his faith in the face of opposition ultimately led to his martyrdom in 1896 during the Mashonaland uprising.
His life and work continue to inspire generations of Christians and his memory is honoured annually during pilgrimages and festivals, particularly by members of the Bernard Mizeki Guild in Zimbabwe and beyond.
