New gospel voice on the scene
There is a new voice in the local gospel music terrain and it is that of contemporary soft rock artist Rhema Barak real name Rhema Mapara.
The 26-year-old announced her arrival on the music scene with her debut album Belonging which she said has taken three years.
“My greatest pride in this life is that I belong to Jesus. And this is what I hoped to declare through my debut album. That is my identity as one belonging to God as expressed in my worship songs,” she said in an interview.
The Lilongwe-based singer said her music roots goes back to the days when hugely shaped by strong Christian setup that she was raised in. Barak said she has been an active church choir member since she was young.
She points at the influence of names such as Kari Jobe, Chris Tomlin, Kim Walker and Hill Song on her love for singing.
Barak said: “In 2010 I joined the praise team at Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG) where I play as a backing vocalist. In 2017, I was signed by Major 1 Records where I recorded my first single Behold. I was privileged to perform this song before 100 000 people at FNB Stadium in South Africa.”
Barak sings strictly in English.
“I want to preach the gospel of Jesus across the world through my music,” she said.
Commenting on Barak’s music projection, Mikozi Network coordinator Bright Excess Chiligo said: “She is an international material. Her music can speak to the masses at a global level.”
