By Felix Mwatutsa
MARONDERA- Gospel music sensation, Anunu Salanje (66), popularly known by her stage name Aunty Salanje, is putting final touches on a six-track album which she hopes to release mid-March.
In an interview with Chaminuka Entertainment, Salanje said she is finalising the name of the album.
She said: “I am currently working on an album, which I will release in the middle of the month. The name of the album is not yet clear as I have several options. My last album, Nzira ndiJesua, was released in 2022.
“Since then, I haven’t released any new songs. I have put much effort to ensure that the album becomes a success and maintains the attachment that I have with my fans.”
Aunty Salanje ventured in the music industry following her husband’s death in 2002.
“I started singing after my husband, John Chakala was poisoned in 2002. I found a way to give advice to the culprits, urging them to leave their criminal activities and change their lives for the better. I had always wanted to sing gospel music and Pastor Charles Charamba’s music inspires me.
“My type of music is gospel but it has sungura connotations. The praise and worship songs that I sing are different from those of other gospel artists,” she said, adding that she composes songs that soothes souls and inspire people to give their lives to Jesus Christ.
The gospel artist said when composing songs, she evaluates her surroundings before coming up with a theme.
“Everywhere I go, be it a church gathering, a community event or a wedding, I compose songs depending on where I am at that moment. The lyrics just come to me naturally,” she said.
The gospel musician further stated that she has been facing financial challenges and appealed for assistance to purchase a Public Address (PA) system. Her failure to have a PA system of her own resulted in the disbandment of her band.
As a result, she now looks to collaborate with other established artistes who have enough equipment whenever she performs at shows.
In recent years, she has collaborated with many artists who include Trymore Bande, Kudzi Nyakudya, Allen Katena and Josphat Somanje, among others.
