Charles Charamba Biography
Charles Charamba is a renowned Zimbabwean gospel musician who has also served as a pastor in the Apostolic Faith Mission Church of Zimbabwe (AFM).
He has since started his own church.
With his immense talent and passion for music, Charamba has achieved remarkable success, becoming a prominent figure in the gospel music scene in Zimbabwe.
- Also Read: Jah Signal Biography | Real Name | Age | Wife | Stealing Song Lyrics | Career as a Musician | Albums
Age
Charamba was born on April 27, 1971.
Education
Charamba hails from Mudzi District, which presently falls under Mashonaland East Province.
He acquired his primary education at Masarakufa Primary School and continued his secondary education at Masarakufa Secondary School, both located in Mudzi.
In 1998, Charamba enrolled at the Living Waters Bible College in Tynwald, Harare, where he pursued a theological education and earned his bachelor’s degree in theology.
Following his notable success in the realm of gospel music, Charamba made a decision to further his education. In 2011, he went back to college and was awarded a “National Certificate in Music” from the Zimbabwe College of Music.
Building upon his academic pursuits, he later completed his studies at Africa University in 2013, where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in jazz.
Personal Life
Charamba is married to Olivia (née Maseko) who is also an accomplished gospel singer in her own right. She frequently joins him on stage during performances and collaborates with him on his albums.
Together, their harmonious musical partnership has earned them the endearing title of the “First Family of Gospel.”
Music Career
Charamba’s gospel music showcases a captivating blend of various genres including sungura, jazz, and jit, as noted by sources.
His musical style can range from mellow and relaxed to vibrant and energetic, incorporating traditional beats such as mbakumba and mhande.
Initially, Charamba released his music under the Gramma Label. However, as he amassed enough resources, he took the initiative to establish his own studio and subsequently started releasing albums under his own record label called “Fishers of Men”.
Charamba’s albums have consistently achieved remarkable success, making them the best-selling gospel music in Zimbabwe since the early 2000s.
He has embarked on successful tours in Great Britain, the United States, and various countries across southern Africa, showcasing his talent and captivating audiences in diverse regions.
Among Charamba’s extensive repertoire, one of his most renowned and beloved songs is “Machira Chete,” which has garnered widespread acclaim and popularity.
Charles Charamba Biography | Age, Education, Personal Life, Music, Controversy | Image credit @iHarare news
Albums
Charamba’s albums include:
- Tinashe Akatendeka (1997)
- Johanne 3:16 (1998)
- Vhuserere (2000)
- Exodus (2001)
- Sunday Service (2002)
- Verses and Chapters (2004)
- New Testament in Song (2007)
- Pashoko Pangoma (2010)
- WeNazareta (2014)
- Abba Father (2017)
Controversy
Fraud Charges
In August 2004, Charamba, along with his associate Sebastian Mupa, who worked as a banker at the Agricultural Development Bank of Zimbabwe (Agribank), faced charges of fraud related to a $40 million loan.
Initially, they were granted bail with an amount set at $1 million. However, as the investigation progressed, further scrutiny led to the charges being eventually dropped.
Copyrights Issues With Jah Signal
Moving forward to 2024, YouTube has removed the Sweetie video by Zimdancehall artist Jah Signal following a copyright violation claim from gospel musician Charles Charamba.
The video, instrumental in Jah Signal’s 2018 rise to fame with over six million views, featured an interpolation of Charamba’s “Kana Vanhu Vangu.” Despite not obtaining approval from Charamba, Jah Signal proceeded to record the song.
In 2018, Charamba expressed concerns about the song, finding it blasphemous and conflicting with his moral beliefs. Charles Charamba only filed a copyright strike in February 2024 after Jah Signal took another song without permission called, “Tengai Mafuta.”
References:
- Charamba’s albums have consistently achieved remarkable success
- YouTube pulls down Jah Signal’s hit track ‘Sweetie’ after Charambas’ copyright claim
- charges being eventually dropped.
