From the land of long-standing gospel music legacy – Tanzania – here comes another artist, Zoravo, famous for ‘Wanakufananisha’. As is the case with Tanzanian gospel music, Zoravo’s songs have not only caught on in Tanzania, but also all over East Africa.
In churches, Zoravo’s songs like ‘Majeshi Ya Malaika’ have persisted in worship sets. On the media as well, he’s been one among the most played artists from Tanzania. The country, like a crucible, is bringing forth the choiciest of music and artists every so often.
Since the late 2010s, there has been an upsurge in congregational gospel music, and Tanzania has been at its forefront, consistently producing remarkable live music.
From this wave, a myriad of gifted artists have risen, including Dr. Ipyana, Paul Clement, Rehema Simfukwe, Boaz Danken, Bella Kombo, John Lisu, Zoravo, and so on.
Their quality of music is at par with live gospel standards, and the intention of their music is clear to see – worship. They have given Tanzanian music a unique identity.
Zoravo, a recent entrant has shown no deviation from the Tanzanian gospel gold standard. His music bears the reverence and acclamation of worship music, while keeping up with industry standards.
Bio
Real Name
Did you know that Zoravo, by real name is Harun Laston?
The artist was christened Zoravo by an Irish missionary while in High School. How?
Harun recounts that this name was given to him after an impressive presentation he gave for a research assignment on Judaism. Ms. Erin the missionary, pleased by the presentation began to call him Zoravo.
The meaning of the name is unclear, but to the artist, Zoravo meant that he had a special gift.
Birthday
As seen from this post on Facebook, Harun Laston’s birthday is on 2nd June.
Background
Harun hails from Mbeya in Tanzania. He was brought up in a priestly family, with his parents being church ministers. This primed him for his role today as an artist.
He had no ambition for music, his dream was to be an accountant. As a matter of fact, he has a degree in accounting, which he says he only used for four months before going full on as gospel artist.
Relationship status
The artist is single, as at the time of publishing. As would be expected, there have been online commentaries concerning his relationship status, but the artist wisely doesn’t wade into such.
Musical journey
Everyone starts from somewhere. But as far as beginnings go, being a minister’s kid is a good headstart.
From a young age, Zoravo’s mum knew that he could sing, and so she would spur him to minister in the church. This put to fire a musical streak that has continued through the artist’s life.
Having been a long time music minister, Zoravo founded a band, Pizzicato Tanzania with other youth gospel music enthusiasts. The band was officially launched in June 2015 at Iringa University’s main campus.
As evident on his social media, Zoravo was closely knit to some prominent artists in Tanzania from long ago, the likes of Paul Clement, Joel Lwaga, and Rehema Simfukwe.
However active in music, Zoravo had his sights on a different career. His ambition was to become an accountant. But through a twist of fate, his career in music took off.
Just before clearing studies in campus, the artist failed on one of his units, which prompted him into a time of reflection. As a natural musician would, he turned to the studio with a song to record.
This song, Yahweh, a song of thanksgiving and praise went on to be his first song, and thereon, Zoravo chose to be a gospel musician.
Discography
Zoravo debuted with the song ‘Yahweh’ in 2019. Since debuting, he has released two albums: Glory and Power, and The Holy Journey.
Glory and power
This album contains songs from 2019 to 2023. This includes the iconic song ‘Wanakufananisha’, and Zoravo’s big break song. Going by the view count on YouTube, the song ‘Majeshi ya Malaika’ appears to be the big break.
Other popular songs on the album include ‘Sina Cha Kukurudishia’ and ‘Yesu Jina La Kuaminiwa’
On this album Zoravo has collaborated with artists like Paul Clement, Rehema Simfukwe, Bella Kombo, Henrick Mruma and Upendo Nkone.
The Holy Journey
The second album, The Holy Journey was launched in late 2023. On this album is the popular release ‘Neema Yako Yanitosha’. As of the time of publishing, there are more songs awaiting release into this second album.
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Read on other artists here. Good times!
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