Prince Chigwida hints at surprise album at inaugural Resona Experience
GOSPEL musician Prince Chigwida is considering unveiling a surprise album when he stages the inaugural Resona Experience at the 7 Arts Theatre in Avondale on November 21.
Chigwida, who rose to prominence through the popular gospel song Ndiringei Mambo, says preparations for the concert have coincided with the completion of new music, raising the possibility that fans could hear a fresh project on the night.
“I might as well surprise my people with an album on the day,” Chigwida said.
“God has been speaking. The songs are ready. If the timing is right, we release it at Resona.”
The potential album release adds another dimension to the first edition of the Resona Experience, which Chigwida and his management are positioning as more than a conventional gospel concert.
The musician said the concept was inspired by the word “resonate” and seeks to create an intimate space where music carries a lasting spiritual and emotional message.
“That is exactly what we want,” Chigwida said.
“A space where people come together, be motivated, be encouraged, and leave feeling God has spoken to them through music. We are tired of just coming, singing and going.”
The November concert is expected to blend live music, worship, prayer and testimony, with organisers opting for the 7 Arts Theatre to create a closer connection between Chigwida and his audience.
Management is also working on a supporting line-up, although the artistes set to join Chigwida have not yet been announced.
The show comes as Chigwida continues to build on the success of Ndiringei Mambo, a song which helped broaden his audience beyond his traditional following within the Zion Christian Church (ZCC) Mutendi.
He has since released other songs, including Ndireverere Ndipone and Gore Rino, as he continues to establish himself on Zimbabwe’s gospel music scene.
For Chigwida, however, Resona is intended to provide an experience in which the message takes precedence over simply staging another live performance.
Organisers say the production will place emphasis on live instrumentation, vocals and worship, while creating room for audiences to engage with the spiritual themes behind the music.
Should the proposed album be released on November 21, it would turn the inaugural concert into a double celebration and provide Chigwida with a platform to introduce the new material directly to his audience.
Details of the album, including its title, track listing and number of songs, remain under wraps.
Chigwida has also stopped short of confirming the release, saying the final decision will depend on timing.
Meanwhile, organisers are expected to announce supporting acts as well as ticket and VIP package details ahead of the concert.
For Chigwida, the ambition is to establish Resona Experience as a platform where audiences leave with more than memories of a performance.
“A night where the sound doesn’t just play it stays with you,” a source close to Prince Chigwida Management said.
With the new songs already prepared and November 21 approaching, attention will now turn to whether Chigwida follows through on his biggest tease yet and uses the first Resona Experience to unveil his next musical chapter.
