The last time Afro-Jazz and gospel diva Vanessa Phumudzo Mphanama Muntswu was in the recording studio was in 2015, when she released her second album, Ebenezer, featuring gospel sensation Rofhiwa Manyaga on the track Vha Mudzimu Wa Ngoho.
The musician, better known as Vanempha in music circles, then stepped out of the spotlight. A decade later, she resurfaced during the Worship House live recording, where Limpopo Mirror caught up with her.
Now a lead pastor and the founder of the Christian Worship Centre, Vanempha promised her fans she would be releasing new music. True to her word, on 9 January 2025, she released two hot tracks: Azwihuli Zwa Fhira Mudzimu and Duvha Langa Ndi Leli.
These two tracks are a prelude to her forthcoming album, Isaiah 66:22. The project was recorded, mixed, and mastered at Big A Studios in Pretoria, with production by Maanda Nenguda.
Vanempha's music career began in 2012 with the release of her debut jazz album, Untold Story. She has collaborated with industry greats such as Hanie Mutele and the late Emmanuel Mamphogoro.
Asked about her long absence from the limelight, the 2013 Tshima Best Female Artist winner pointed out the financial challenges of the music industry. "The music industry today is full of challenges. The expenses are so high that many musicians have thrown in the towel. Some are forced to opt for poor-quality recording sessions because they cannot afford professional studio rates. My aim is to release a full album soon, but it will depend on the finances," she said.
Vanempha revealed that she has a wealth of new songs ready to record and could complete an album in just one day. "My new songs are already making waves, with Azwihuli Zwa Fhira Mudzimu being the people's favourite because of its powerful message," she said.