Once upon a time, a little boy who grew up in the rural areas of Murehwa and Mt. Darwin would occasionally get angry at his grandmother who would call him away from his playmates to come and lead home prayer hymns.
Little did he know the grandmother who raised him had seen something in him. This boy moved to the big city and became involved in serving and ministering in churches. This little boy has become the grown man ‘Son of Afrika’ Willis Wataffi.
The artist most famously known as one half of Afrika Revenge has become a gospel musician. Wataffi’s gospel career began in 1997 when he had the opportunity to perform at Rhema Church in South Africa.
Wataffi subsequently performed a duet with Israel Houton and ministered in many different churches including participating in the Christ Embassy Love World Carnival in South Africa and the UFIC Judgement Night. He was awarded with the Christ TV Award of Excellence in 2014.
During his tour of Dubai in 2014, Wataffi’s planned performances were not gospel but before each show he took some time to minister to his audience.
Later in his career, he had the opportunity to sing at the Forward in Faith Dubai Noble Women’s conference and also at their ‘Big Friday’ in Abu Dhabi. He spent some time with the Jebel Ali/ Jumeirah Praise and Worship team which allowed him to hone his skills.
Although Wataffi has been Christian for a long time, he was not publicly known as a worshipper, or gospel musician, but rather an afro-jazz musician. Now he is launching his gospel album to make his mark in the genre.
Wataffi says “the album entitled ‘Songs of David’ is ready and this a not a statement to say we are moving and shaking in the music industry but it’s a conviction to say God has spoken and we are listening and most of all obeying.
“The album Songs of David is purposed to worship and praise our Lord God in Spirit and in Truth without conforming to the standards of this world.
“It’s about men and women after God’s own heart like David was, who aren’t worried about making hits but simply passing on the message as God’s vessels and mouth pieces.”
Stay tuned for the new album.
