“I have always been a gospel singer, I grew up singing in church and school choirs” FORMER Green Labels lead vocalist Gloria Kabonga, popularly known by her stage name as Gloria, has released her second solo album and is currently working on a third one, foreseeing a double album launch mid this year.
Gloria’s first album titled “Sunsuntila”(Pampering) is in the Zambian traditional genre whereas her second album, entitled “Upepe”, and the up-coming album, which she hasn’t named yet, are both in the gospel genre.
“I decided to call my second album “Upepe” translated pray in English, because it’s through prayer that we interact with our Lord and offer praises and worship to our one and true God,” she explained.
Gloria said that she drew the inspiration to do gospel music from God and her entire family. In the album, she worked with her niece Yensesha, who featured on the title track, Martin, Rodney Bersha and her younger brothers, ‘The Boys’,
In an interview with the Lusaka Star, Gloria said she has always been a gospel artist and that doing a gospel album was neither for fame nor money but for service to both God and the body of Christ.
“ I’ve always been a gospel singer, I grew up singing in church and school choirs. It’s only that, when I set my foot on the professional music stage, my fans were thrilled with my performance of traditional Zambian songs, hence, I was known more for my traditional music performance than being a gospel artiste,” the song bird explained.
Meanwhile, Gloria has revealed plans to hold a double album launch in May this year. “I plan to launch the album (Upepe) by May. I am also currently working on another album which will be ready soon. The plan is to have a double launch,” she emphasized her plans.
From being a traditional Zambian artiste to a gospel minister, Gloria described her current music genre as blend of different gospel tastes across the globe. “My music is mixture of both praise and worship, it has the Zambian, South African and western touch,” she said.
The album has 11 songs on it with two instrumentals.
“Upepe” the title track and track number three on the album has a South African touch, but track number one Lesa Aliwama (God is Good) featuring “The Boys” is a danceable pure Zambian praise song.
Gloria joined the Green Labels band officially in December 1999 as one of the lead vocalist, and since the band is purely Zambia National Service based, when Gloria left ZNS in 2010, she was completely detached from the band.
“I ceased to be an active member of the band when I moved to a different department to persue my professional career,” she added.
Officially new on the gospel scene but a passionate worshipper, Gloria prays that in future God will grant her more inspiration for a new song and has expressed her love for serving the Lord.