Fungisai’s huge dilemna

HARARE – Gospel sensation Fungisai Zvakavapano-Mashavave has turned down a theatre role saying she has been ‘‘discouraged’’ by God.

Fungisai was supposed to feature in yet to come Theatre In The Park production, Dangerously In Love but decided not to as she was ‘‘feeling lost.’’

“It is nothing really, just my spirituality. Of late I have been feeling lost. In my humanity, being a very ambitious, aspiring and innovative person, I may have wanted to participate in Theatre In The Park and other things but I am afraid.

“I will not because the true God, the one who stopped me from frequenting Jazz 105, has discouraged me from taking part. He gave me a clear understanding that I have been raised in church for the church and his glory,” she said.

Fungisai added that right now she will be putting all her energies to God.

“It is not that there is anything wrong with Theatre In The Park and other activities but rather it is just not my calling. I have respect and appreciation for Daves Guzha, Rooftop and their works and I do wish them well. But I am afraid I won’t be able to join them.

“It is so embarrassing for me to turn them down now when I am the one who had approached them with an interest in the theatre and film industry.

“But as a Pentecostal, I am positive God has directed me otherwise and l must simply obey. Sometimes one just has to pass their wants and allow God to function. My focus right now is on God’s purpose for me, which is the word and music for his glory,” she said.

Fungisai last year started frequenting Jazz 105 and other secular places where she was performing to her fans, said it was a way of reaching out to other people at different places.

She has not been far from controversy when she reportedly said she would never play alongside secular musicians.

In a previous interview with the Daily News, Fungisai said she would perform wherever she liked as she will be preaching the gospel of God.

“As gospel artistes we face too much stigmatisation and marginalisation. People do not realise that it is our work as well as religion, I am an artiste, I need to make money and earn a living.

“I am not doing it for myself only as Fungisai but also for the nation. It is often said that money given to a woman is put to good use rather than that given to a man. What help will I be to the society when I cannot help them?”

“Yes being a Christian I can pray for the less privileged but it does not help a lot when I cannot provide for them materially. That is where people do not understand, as much as I am a Christian, I am an artiste. I have a social responsibility and that only happens when I have the financial muscle,” she said in January.