After many years of preaching through music, legendary Zionist gospel musician Naphy Manenzhe — better known as Naphy M in gospel music circles — is taking his conservative music genre to a new level.
The Tshitavha Vhulaudzi-born artist, from the Nzhelele area, released a sizzling house/piano remix titled Rivhana Vhavho on 6 April. The track is derived from a popular 2017 hit off his album Ariyo Vhonisa. For the remix, Naphy M collaborated with well-known musicians Mike Radzilani and Elfas Denga.
Naphy M said he had embraced the piano/house sound to reach a broader audience. The move marks a dramatic departure from his last release, Baba Rilwele, in 2019.
"The youth of today do not want to associate with the old type of beats. They want something warm and relevant to their time. I felt I was leaving many souls out in the cold, and to bring them into the fold of God, I had to give them this concoction. This is dance music enjoyed by many, and hopefully they will listen to the message while dancing to the beat," he said.
He added that the new single was about love. "Let us all love each other and let us not fight each other. Let us bury our differences and let peace prevail. This can only be achieved if we all pray and look up to God," Naphy M said.
With 11 full albums to his name, Naphy M has come a long way. His earlier work includes enduring gospel favourites such as Ri Tshi Funana, Murena a nga si Tende, Ro Tendelana, Ri Khathutshele, Thoma nga Nne, Nga Lutendo, and Lutendo Lwanga.
He became a familiar figure in towns such as Biaba, Louis Trichardt, and Thohoyandou — often seen in his trademark church regalia, known as the Gusheshe, selling his music from a vehicle fitted with blaring mega speakers.