BOTSWANA-BASED gospel musician Mai Zee, real name Mary Zinyimo Mhiribidi, is making big inroads into gospel music with her music becoming a favourite for many in Zimbabwe and Botswana.
The Masvingo-born educationist, who has five albums and an EP to her name, told Standard Style that she was happy with her music career path and was counting on her recently launched music project Haiboo to entrench her position as a gospel music powerhouse not only in Zimbabwe but in the region and beyond
“I am very passionate about music, teaching and worshipping God. Music for me is a ministry and a good way to express my reverence for God and to herald his goodness and love for humanity.
“I am happy with the strides I have made since I started my music journey and I am even more elated that the new project which I launched back home in Zimbabwe early April is fast proving to be a favourite of many. The sound is enchanting and the message apt for those with a liking for well-meaning gospel music,” she said.
Mai Zee’s current project titled Haibooo comes with four high quality songs namely Dhuma dhuma, Haiboo the title track, Tsiurikai and Ndiye ega Jesu.
“My current project is an EP and it comes with four songs only. I did Ndiye ega Jesu as way of thanking God for what he has done in my life. On Tsiurikai, I was trying to tell close people we relate with to love people genuinely and stop loving people for material benefits because some just love what you have, but not you.
My songs for this EP were produced by Zolasko who is a force in Botswana and my son Farirai Zinyimo who is better known as Fuzzy Hymself in music circles. Minister Blessed did his fair share with the beats,” she said.
Of her love for music, Mai Zee said she discovered her passion early when she would sing in church.
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“I discovered my love for music a very long time ago, when I would sing in church and the school choirs. That experience helped me connect better with God and nurtured my drive for inspired music.
My journey as a professional musician started in 2017. I discovered my talent after a misfortune of food poisoning. I wanted to write a song thanking God for His mercies that is forever and from then I haven’t looked back. My first music project was in 2017 with a song called Ndakamuona Jesu,” she said.
The affable musician who is highly respected for her philanthropy and love for humanity also told Standard Style that she was working on a number of collaborations to be unveiled in due time.
“My music borders on a message of love, repentance and working hard. I want my music to inspire and minister to people in one way or another. I am also a giver and I have helped many musicians to record or launch their music, I have also helped some with school fees, wheelchairs and food
“My vision is not only local but international and for that reason I am also collaborating with both local and regional musicians so that I spread my reach. Finer details about these collaborations will be shared in due course,” she said.
Mai Zee also took the opportunity to thank her family especially her son and husband for the support in her career and shared the great plans she has for the future.
“I am grateful for a supportive family that has helped me pursue my music dream with great finesse. , My family gives me 200% support especially my husband and son. They are there in all what I do,” she said.
My plans are to have my brand for music grow and to help the music industry by starting auditions searching for talent and giving awards to those who are exceptionally talented without favour, or discrimination here in Botswana. We also intent to do more on giving back to the community.”
While her career is on a positive surge, Mai Zee also called for more support towards musicians so that they realise their dreams. She also intimated on her long term plans with her career.
“Artistes need more support if they are to go far. They need to be given fair and adequate airplay, young talent must be recognised and we must buy their music and ensure that they get royalties for the airplay,” she said.
“On a personal level I intend to continue producing great music, have international collaborations, set up a professional recording company and invest in quality live performances with an international standard.”
As she sets her sights on conquering the world, Mai Zee also thanked her loyal fans for the amazing support throughout her music journey.
“I want to thank my fans for their unwavering support. I have come this far because of their support and I pledge to continue giving them the best blend of gospel music,” she said.
To the greater populace, the message is let love lead where ever you are, admit where you are wrong, learn to forgive and move on. stay away from negative energy. Don't forget to pray to the Almighty, thank Him, love Him and love thy neighbour.”
