Albert Masaka The other definitions of a trailblazer, the founder of ITEquality Ashley Allen’s version was one who doesn’t necessarily have the same opportunity as others, who has to pave that path for themselves and doesn’t look back.
In many respects, Blessing Deve’s profile fits the bill.
She is the brand ambassador for Moonlight Services and several other key brands such as Vestal Perfumes, Kusi Chemicals and The Wig Centre.
With odds heavily stacked against her in a compelling journey that is relatable to any vulnerable woman, she has earned space in the maiden edition of my weekly column, Community Trailblazers.
On a wintry day on Tuesday at her home in the upmarket suburb of Chisipite in Harare, Deve braved the chilly weather to answer questions about the evolution of both her calling and career.
The award-winning gospel musician said her faith, which cuts through barriers and obstacles, turns her dreams into reality.
Who can doubt that when her gospel videos are now playing on popular stations such as Trace TV, Christ TV and 3ktv.
In addition to her music background, Deve is known as a transformative leader who brings big ideas at her church and business.
Beyond the call of duty she has dedicated a large amount of time to her church.
“Initially when the ministry started, I was appointed as a worship leader. I want to say that I have also contributed in the fact that as being part of the choir, I had the privilege to also groom others in the praise and worship department,” Deve said.
“Of course we also have Pastor Hubert Chigumira popularly known as Psalmist Hubert C, as the director or choir leader of UFIC.
“So I have also been privileged to be part of the grooming sessions for part of the team.”
For someone who has played big roles in honouring others, it is not surprising that the major highlight in her calling was when she received the Zim Community News award.
“I was recognised for the song I had written Anoziva, as the best inspirational song of the year, which is something that really gave me so much courage to continue as a gospel artiste,” Deve said.
“Growing in a Christian background, music has always been part of my life, it’s a gift and a calling.
“It’s something that I have prayed about asking God for direction. I find it very fulfilling every time I minister through music to people. They get inspiration and I actually get testimonies as feedback to what I am also doing as I positively impact people’s lives.”
She also shared her testimonies.
“One major testimony that I would want to share is what happened to me in 2005. I nearly had a miscarriage, and I want to call that a miracle because I gave birth to my daughter at 28 weeks, close to seven months which was a pre-term and I want to thank God that she survived,” Deve said.
Another testimony is that four months ago, she was involved in a car accident. While the car was badly damaged she and other passengers came out unscathed.
Buttressed by her calling as a gospel musician, Deve also humbly credits mentors for her achievements, while working in the background.
“In this Christian walk I don’t walk alone. Firstly I have been inspired to love by the Holy Spirit himself. Secondly, I do have people who mentor me,” she said.
“I have my spiritual parents Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa and his wife Prophetess Ruth. They have been a strong pillar in my spiritual growth.
“They have given me much information as to how I should live my life as a Christian and how I should also impact other people’s lives through music.”
She also is proud of the role her biological parents played in her upbringing.
“Unfortunately, my dad is late, but I thank God that I have a surviving mom who is my greatest intercessor,” she said.
Her music mentor is none other than Minister Michael Mahendere,
“He helps guide me, and also invites me to his platforms particularly The trailblazing Too Blessed Tour, I was the opening act in Gweru and also performed in Bindura,” said the gospel diva.
Apart from owning a flourishing business in the cosmetology sector, she is also a business development officer with Christ TV, a media firm under UFIC.
“We have an annual awards ceremony, the Permican Awards. I am part of the organising committee of that event, it’s a baby of UFIC under Christ TV,” said Deve.
She has added value to the TV stations’ growth
“We are also creating content, that touches on many aspects of life including law, insurance, children’s programmes, church programmes and of course our mother is a patron for Agape Family Care,” Deve said.
Like a modern-day saint she is a champion of social issues by helping to improve the welfare of people.
She is passionate about advocating for unity among communities as well in the fight against the biggest vices facing humanity such as drug abuse.
“I have agreat passion for the youth, and seeing where the world is going, we are facing a drug abuse pandemic withour youth,” Deve said.
“So I believe that God has called me to also tough the lives of the youths because they are the future generations. Through music I can actually penetrate the lives of these youths by teaching them the way of Christ. I have a music schooling academy to groom other young people to discover their gifting.”
For a person who believes in the power derived from establishing friendships with other musicians with the goal of helping others do amazing things, she urged fellow musicians to unite.
“To my Zimbabwean fellow artistes, let us support each other, let us make impact while we still can, while we still have the energy it’s good to show the world that we are one, they say charity begins at home, maybe that can be identity for the world to know that Zimbabwean musicians are united, that way we will succeed,” Deve said.
Next week we shall feature a prominent politician. Don’t miss this column.
- The columnist Albert Masaka is the founding editor of a community newspaper entitled Zim Community News. For feedback on this column you may contact him at: Cell 0776963414 or email: albertmasaka7@gmail.com.