Rehema Simfukwe: Bio and Journey into Gospel Music

From Chanzo, drawing hearts to worship, to Ndio, lifting praise in acknowledgement to God, Rehema Simfukwe has risen in gospel music within and beyond Tanzania.

Rehema not only excels as a singer, but is exemplary in word and deed. Listen to her speak, and you won’t miss a reference to the Word. The lyrics on her songs bear a distinct scriptural weight, one worthy of a gospel song.

Take Chanzo for instance, an admission of God’s sovereign will over life in the hardest of times. The song borrows heavily from Philippians 4:11-13, one of the most significant references to contentment in the Bible.

In an era of widespread prosperity music, Rehema Simfukwe’s music stands up to the measure of true gospel music.

Short Bio

Here’s a quick bio on Rehema Simfukwe:

Rehema Simfukwe’s journey into gospel music.

Impact of family

I knew Rehema was an exceptional child by her abilities. She started singing at a very young age. She was cheerful and was adored by people.

Rehema’s mother, Pili Simfukwe on YouTube

It’s more than evident how Rehema’s family impacted her journey in music. She was raised in a largely Muslim family. Her eldest sister Lissa was first to convert to Christianity, after which she began taking choir choir lessons at her local church’s choir – Kwaya ya Uinjilisti Kigogo Kiketi.

On account of Lissa’s influence, Rehema developed a love for the church and singing, and would later on convert to Christianity. After Rehema, her mother converted next, and lastly her second sister. Rehema’s father was initially Catholic.

Simfukwe’s musical gift became evident at a young age. Her father says she may have inherited the gift from him.

The passion and self-drive

As early as Grade 5, Rehema had joined the church choir where her sister Lissa sang. Along with Lissa, she would frequent the church straight from school for choir sessions, then head back home. The choir instructor attests to how Rehema was highly motivated, and would constantly seek to learn:

I observed that Rehema was peculiar in how self-motivated she was. Determined to learn, she would often pester for new knowledge at my free time.

Martin Gongi, Choir Director

Nurturing and exposure

The church gave Rehema not only a place to nourish her young gift, but also a place to mould the gift in a sound, scriptural way. Today, Rehema Simfukwe is not just an artist, but a worship leader.

As Rehema grew absorbing musical skills, she was exposed to other musicians. At Form 2 in high school, she sang background vocals on Josephine Minza‘s debut album. While at the rehearsals, Josephine noticed Simfukwe’s voice, as well as her music director at the time, Sam Yonah.

Over her ministry time in church, Rehema worked with scores of prolific artists in Tanzania including Dr. Ipyana, Zoravo, Joel Lwaga, and Pastor Safari Paul.

By serving in church and being involved with other musicians, Rehema realized her musical talent. Many friends would encourage her to produce her own music.

Debut & Going Viral

In March 2020, Rehema Simfukwe eventually debuted with a single, Nisaidie Bwana, a cry for help on the verge of giving up. True to her alluded talent, Rehema carried off her first song with the vocal prowess of a seasoned artist.

Nine months later in December 2020, Rehema went ahead to release her most popular song yet, Chanzo. The song quickly rose to an anthem status in churches, radio and TVs across East Africa, catapulting Rehema to massive acclamation. As at the time of this publishing, the song has over 13 Million views on YouTube.

Occasionally, every Christian will face trials and tribulations. A song like Chanzo sets the stance right: Even in the face of hardship, God remains to be worshipped as the source of our being. When a song gets this correct with the faith, yet being so relatable, everyone wants to get a piece of it.

Discography

Following Chanzo, Rehema’s most popular songs are:

• Ndio – A live production masterpiece, Ndio is Rehema’s most popular song, standing at over 16Million views on YouTube. The song attests to the firmness of God’s promises. Ndio was released a year after Chanzo in January 2022. The combined effect of two consecutive hit songs was solidifying Rehema’s status as a renown gospel artist.
• Neema Yako – Premiered on January 2023, this is Simfukwe’s third most popular song after Chanzo. Its a prayer for grace; the grace that teaches men to say no to ungodliness, the grace to spurs the lost into salvation. Like Chanzo, this is an earnest, non self-seeking song, exemplary of the true form of gospel music.
• Huniachi – This is Rehema’s latest solo track, released in May 2024. Through the waters, rivers, and flames, the song testifies that God is with us.

Simfukwe’s collaborations

Rehema worked with Zoravo on the song Anarejesha, premiered June 2023.

She also featured on Agape Gospel Band‘s Amejibu Maombi in April 2023.

With the band Neema Gospel Choir, Rehema featured on the song Chukwu Oma (Nigerian Igbo for Good God).

On the song Asante Umenikumbuka released on October 2024, Rehema sang along artist Masolwa.

Natabiri is Rehema’s latest song, in collaboration with Devotha Joseph and Pastor Safari.

Awards

In 2023, Rehema bagged Tanzania’s WISAC 2023 Outstanding Woman in Music award.