Diva who blends gospel rhythm with blues

By Caroline Nyanga

At 20 years old, Valence Bosibori Murumbe is winning souls through gospel music and she says the best is yet to come from her.

Based in Kisii, the gospel musician says her mission is to enlighten, educate and draw more people into the kingdom of God.

“When I decided to venture into gospel music, it was not lost on me that it would take a lot of effort to get noticed considering the immense talent and the stiff competition in the industry,” she says.

Murumbe, who is also an albino, says she is determined to succeed and will stop at no obstacle put on her way. And due to hard work, she is quickly gaining fame within the local music scene.

Murumbe, who intends to pursue nursing as a career in the future, is about to complete her second album to be released soon. Her first eight-track album Here To Be sang in English is already enjoying extensive airplay and popularity among local gospel music fans.

“I believe my album is unique and different in all ways. I did my best to ensure it does not conform to the monotony usually found in the local gospel music,” she says.

She describes her style as a blend of rhythm and blues, a tinge of Kenyan gospel and Afro-Fusion.

Murumbe owes her acceptance largely to the fact she has patterned her music after that of top gospel artistes such as Alice Kamande and America’s Cece Winans. The two are her role models.

She recalls that recording her album wasn’t easy. Produced by Dr B in New Home Studio Kisii, it took her close to one month to complete the album ready for marketing.

But even as things went well for her she had to contend with the fact that her parents were so enthusiastic about her venturing into music. She says music or showbiz being associated with hooliganism for a long time did not go down well with her family.

Composed songs in school

Nevertheless, Murumbe followed the yearnings of her heart - away from life’s prescription into doing music.

“The fact I composed most of the songs back in school made it easier for me to record faster. Also the fact that my parents were not for the idea inspired me to come up with the title of my album Here To Be - meaning I am here to stay in music as opposed to others who come and go,” she says.

Her music albums can be found in most Uchumi supermarkets and other music shops.

She says most of her tracks are based on daily life happenings and how to go about them. On the other hand, the song What Desire, is based on personal experience of the traumatising experiences people with albinism undergo.

 “It is an honour and privilege for us to learn there are people out there who love and appreciate my music. I hope and pray that with time I shall draw more people into the kingdom of God,” she adds.

The musician says the fact that her music has been well received is yet another indication that disabled artistes can compete on an equal footing with others.

Murumbe adds: “I do not regret being an albino. After all, God has a purpose for having created each one of us differently. Maybe mine was in order to praise Him. Nevertheless, all that matters is for me to strive and make a difference in the community and doing things,” she says.