WHAT IS AFROW?
The African Rhythms of Worship (AFROW) Project, refers to Grey & Blue’s multi-cultural music project.
THE VISION
The vision for AFROW was birthed out of a desire to capture genuine praise and worship to God in as many African languages and dialect as possible. It is said that true worship unites, and thus the AFROW family seeks to bring a confluence of worship to God which emanates from worshippers learning songs and hymns is different languages. AFROW also seeks to enthuse true worship across Africa, so that as a continent we begin to lift up the name of the LORD in one accord.
THE ETHOS OF AFROW
Music and the arts must have a greater purpose than pure entertainment. Music must address social, economic and spiritual situations to deliver inspiration and thereby birth hope in the hearts of all who hear it. The AFROW family of worshippers seek to glorify God through music and thereby usher in God’s wisdom and His favour in people’s lives.
2005 saw the realization of a dream for the Directors of Grey & Blue because that same year, the board commissioned its first gospel project: African Rhythms of Worship (AFROW) Volume 1.
AFROW Volume 1 is a thirteen-track album recorded in three languages Shona, Ndebele and English. The entire album was recorded in Harare, Zimbabwe, the project producers being Allen Mhlanga and Stanley Gwanzura (better known as ‘Pastor G’).
WHAT MAKES AFROW SO UNIQUE?
The African Rhythms of Worship (AFROW) family of praise and worshippers is unique in that it is:
- Multi-denominational;
- Multi-national;
- Multi-racial;
- Multi-ethnic; and
- Multi-cultural
The projects aim to make organic linkages and sustainable investment into communities, especially of the poor and oppressed. There is strong socio-economic justice advocacy component to the approach in ministry.
All ministers who participate in AFROW projects should be serving in and be committed to a local church for their spiritual sustenance and maturity in the faith. There should be a clear distinction between Christian ministry and secular entertainmen
THE PEOPLE BEHIND AFROW
AFROW currently has two Producers. These are seasoned musicians in their own right, whose wealth of experience in the industry is not only used in producing an album of international quality; but also in mentoring new talent in the business. These team leaders are:
- Pastor Stanley Gwanzura (Pastor G),who has produced four best-selling albums on his own, plus AFROW Volume 1 and Volume 2.
- Allen Mhlanga, a talented artiste who has produced three albums of his own. He has also co-produced both AFROW Volume 1 and Volume 2.
The Directors of AFROW who chart the way forward for the Project.
A team of gifted musicians with a rare blend of experienced artistes and new talent drawn from across the continent.
AFROW VOLUME 1
AFROW 1 drew largely upon ministers from Zimbabwe, with the exception of a couple from Lesotho and South Africa. This introductory volume comprised four hymns, four public domain songs, and three original compositions by AFROW ministers. It combined Zulu, siNdebele, Shona and English languages. This necessitated the use of at least eight lead vocalists and six backing vocals.
Although the album was well-received in the local market, there was notably an over-emphasis on Afro-fusion and Jazz. This effectively meant that most of the songs were of a slower tempo and did not lend themselves to concert presentations longer than three hours. There was minimal usage of afro-percussion forms, as well other African instruments.
The proceeds realized from AFROW Volume 1, however enabled the project sponsors to continue investing in the annual Family Night of Praise event, as well to make cash donations to deserving charities.
FAMILY NIGHT OF PRAISE
In partnership with Word of Life International Ministries, AFROW co-host an end of year family night of praise and worship every year on the 31st of December. This event has managed to showcase Christian gospel artistes from across, lending an international flavour to the event.
Proceeds are channeled to charities that actively address the needs of orphans and the elderly. Plans are at an advanced stage to expand the scope of the beneficiaries to include those taking care of people living with HIV/AIDS.
