Songs of Healing and Regeneration: Pentecostal Gospel Music in Zimbabwe

Abstract

AbstractThis study examines the texts of Zimbabwean gospel music to illustrate images of hope, healing, and regeneration. By analysing songs that were recorded between the late 1990s and 2005, the study highlights the importance of the social context to religious music performance. The study provides a description of the socio-economic context in which gospel music in Zimbabwe has been performed. The message of hope found in selected gospel songs is outlined, the theme of healing in gospel music is examined and the theme of Africa's renewal in Zimbabwean gospel music is highlighted. The study also describes how artists look forward to a new era of Africa's prosperity and progress. Throughout, reference is made to specific biblical passages that have inspired the different songs.