BABA Harare’s departure from the high-energy Jiti genre took many by surprise.
His new musical direction, marked by a fresh hairstyle and a completely different sound, was unveiled last week with the release of his gospel album.
Baba Harare has attributed his recent career shift to a newfound faith, claiming that his decision to turn to God and leave behind his former lifestyle was instrumental in this change.
The musician's transformation has been further highlighted by his marriage to his Christian partner, who has been a constant presence at church services.
The album was expected to be launched on Friday at the 7 Arts Theatre, supported by performances from Sebastian Magacha, Michael Mahendere, and Takesure Zamar.
Despite the unexpected shift, fans have embraced Baba Harare’s new music, with two tracks, “Sukai” and “Makanaka,” already climbing the YouTube charts.
The album, titled "Repentance," boasts a total of nine tracks, featuring collaborations with Takesure Zamar Ncube, Cymlex, Fire Max Chimambe, and Spiwe Ndebele.
Reflecting on the album creation process, Baba Harare admitted to facing challenges in packaging the new sound.
“Working with different producers and creating a new sound was tough," he said.
“We experimented with various approaches before finding the right fit. I’m grateful for the support and prayers that guided us through the process."
Overwhelmed by the positive response, Baba Harare expressed his gratitude to fans.
“The love and support for ‘Repentance’ has been incredible,” he said. “It’s truly humbling to see how my music resonates with people.”