Sharzney drops first studio album

Sharzney says, “Shilili means be still. Basically what I am trying to say is call upon Jesus in any situation; don’t talk too much, but be still and wait on Him. Sometimes as human beings, we only call on Jesus after we have failed through other options. But people should take the other approach; in every circumstance, call on God first before calling on any one else… just like the disciples on the boat called on Christ when they were faced with a storm, Christians must also learn to do such!” A University of Zambia (UNZA) upcoming gospel music sensation Sharzney Purity Nkandu has dropped her first studio album titled ‘Shilili.’
 
The album, whose title was inspired by a story in Luke 8:22-25, where Jesus calmed the storm was released mid-October this year and is expected to hit the shelves of some mega music stores in the country like Sounds.
 
“I derived the title from Luke 18:22 going downwards where Jesus and his disciples where in a boat. Jesus fell asleep and a storm arose… when His disciple woke Him up, Jesus just said one word – Shilili (translated as be still) – to the waves and calm was restored,” Sharzney narrates to the Lusaka Star in an interview.
 
The gospel artiste’s greatest hope for her new sizzling album is that once her keen followers listened to her music, they would find rest in the presence of God. She claims her music will help people listen to His voice (God) for guidance and comfort every day, especially in distressing moments.
 
“Shilili means be still. Basically what I am trying to say is call upon Jesus in any situation; don’t talk too much, but be still and wait on Him. Sometimes as human beings, we only call on Jesus after we have failed through other options. But people should take the other approach; in every circumstance, call on God first before calling on any one else… just like the disciples on the boat called on Christ when they were faced with a storm, Christians must also learn to do such!” She explains.
 
Shilili is a multi-lingual musical album which contains 12 enchanting.
 
“My album has 6 languages. For example the song KiloboWami is in Kaonde, then other songs are in Swahili, Lozi, Nyanja, English and Bemba,” the singer narrates.
 
With a profound Zambian taste, Sharzney’s new project is a blend of worship and Kalindula genres. She recounts that she did not begin her musical career singing worship songs, but rather Hip Hop and Ragger.
 
Sharzney notes that she recently changed her musical genre from Hip Hop and Ragger to what she now calls a ‘more sombre genre’ stating that her audience had changed overtime.
 
The 22-year-old believes singing gospel music is a reflection of Christ and His representation on earth.
 
The songbird, who is also a fourth year Mass Communication student at the University of Zambia (UNZA), wrote most of the songs on her album. She however left the production job to talented Superior Sounds and Visuals (SSV) music producer Victor Nyalazi, popularly known as ‘V.I.K.’
 
Meanwhile, V.I.K says producing Shilili was an interesting and easy journey. He describes Sharzney as a young, talented and focused lady who had her future all planned out.
 
He adds, “Fans should expect more from this talented young woman. They should expect a good album that would uplift their souls.”
 
When asked how she manages to balance her school with her music career, Sharzney notes that school and music are part and parcel of her life adding that balancing the two has always been an easy thing to do.
 
She however notes, “Honesty, there are times when the two would clash, especially when school pressure mounts, but where there is a will, there is a way! When you really want to do something, you will definitely find time for it.”
 
Sharzney calls on fellow young gospel musicians to be focused, love God and above all be original.
 
“To young artists, be focused, know God, know yourself, strength and just be you. Be sure to sound like you because trust me, if we all sounded the same it would be boring. Have people who inspire you in life!” She says.
 
The song bird worked with people she considers family and friends on her album, amongst them, Nelly, Deborah and Precious.
 
When asked about when she will launch her album Shilili, Sharzney says, “I can’t really single out a day or month, but people should just watch my space.”