Baba Harare Returns to Secular Music

Baba Harare (Image Source)

After a brief foray into gospel, Zimbabwean music icon Baba Harare — born Braveman Chizvino — has announced his return to secular music, reigniting excitement across the nation. Earlier this year, fans were surprised when the celebrated jiti artist pivoted to gospel, releasing spiritual tracks such as Sukai and Makanaka, which quickly climbed YouTube charts.

“I’ve walked a path of reflection, but my roots are in Jiti. I’m coming home,” Baba Harare wrote in a heartfelt post on Facebook.

Fan Reactions

The announcement sparked a wave of reactions online. Many fans who embraced his gospel journey now express mixed emotions — torn between admiration for his spiritual growth and nostalgia for the high-energy jiti rhythms that first made him a household name. Jiti, a Zimbabwean urban genre celebrated for its infectious rhythms and vibrant guitar melodies, has in recent years been overshadowed by Zimdancehall and Afrobeats. Music critics believe Baba Harare’s return could mark a revival of the genre.

“He’s not just a musician—he’s a cultural ambassador,” said Tawanda Moyo, a local music analyst. “His return to secular music is a win for Zimbabwean identity and the preservation of our local sound.”

Blending Gospel and Jiti

Industry insiders speculate that Baba Harare’s next projects may blend gospel undertones with classic jiti beats, creating a hybrid sound capable of appealing to both spiritual and secular audiences. This crossover approach, they argue, could redefine Zimbabwean music and introduce jiti to younger listeners currently drawn to Afrobeats and other contemporary African genres. Music streaming platforms have already recorded a surge in Baba Harare’s previous hits following the announcement, a sign of strong anticipation. Concert promoters are also exploring a potential comeback tour, with social media campaigns hinting at live performances to coincide with new releases.

“Fans are hungry for the rhythms and stories only Baba Harare can deliver,” said Tariro Ndlovu, a Harare-based event promoter.

A Balanced Return

As he prepares for his secular comeback, Baba Harare emphasized that he remains committed to his spiritual journey, promising to deliver uplifting lyrics while still retaining the upbeat, danceable essence of jiti.

His return is widely seen as more than a personal decision — it’s a moment that could reignite Zimbabwe’s jiti movement, ensuring the genre reclaims its place alongside the nation’s evolving soundscape.