Veteran Zimbabwean musician Baba Harare has stirred emotions among fans after revealing why he returned to his roots in Jiti music, a decision that came after a brief but challenging foray into gospel.
The artist, known for his infectious Jiti rhythms and heartfelt lyrics, shocked many when he announced a shift toward gospel music. For Baba Harare, the change represented a spiritual journey and a fresh chapter in his career. However, in candid reflections shared recently on social media, he admitted the gospel move had not gone as he had hoped, and it left him emotionally tested.
“This journey broke many hearts, including mine,” Baba Harare wrote on Instagram. “I stepped into gospel with hope, but the road was tougher than I imagined. It was a time of learning, but it was also a time of facing rejection.”
According to Baba Harare, his gospel experience came with challenges that tested both his artistry and his spirit. While gospel offered him a platform to explore a deeper side of his music, he said he encountered a lack of acceptance within that space. Opportunities dwindled, enthusiasm faded, and the warmth he had once expected did not materialise.
Speaking openly about the experience, he explained that the gospel genre did not embrace him in the way Jiti fans had. “It was a different world,” he said. “I had to fight for recognition, and the support was not as strong. I realised that passion alone could not carry me without acceptance and love.”
His honesty resonated deeply with fans, many of whom followed his career through highs and lows. In his recent Instagram message, he wrote:
“Go where you are celebrated. Jiti family, where am I seeing you? Birmingham or Harare? Love matters.” The statement became a rallying cry among his followers and underscored the personal nature of his decision to return to Jiti music.
For Baba Harare, returning to Jiti is not merely a career choice but a homecoming. The bond between him and his Jiti audience is deep and rooted in years of shared memories, music, and celebration. He believes that genuine connection with listeners is essential for an artist’s fulfilment.
Baba Harare Returns to Jiti, Says ‘Go Where You Are Celebrated’ After Gospel Struggles
“This is about more than music. It’s about feeling appreciated, being part of a community, and knowing you belong,” he said. “My Jiti fans have always been my backbone. Their love and support give me strength.”
Since his return to Jiti, the energy around Baba Harare’s music has been palpable. Social media is awash with clips of fans dancing to his latest releases, while his live shows have drawn vibrant crowds eager to celebrate alongside him. His comeback has been met with joy and enthusiasm, affirming that his decision to go back to his roots was the right one.
Music critics have also weighed in, noting that Baba Harare’s journey is a powerful reminder that artistry thrives where there is acceptance. “Talent alone is not enough,” said music commentator Tendai Chikowore. “An artist needs to be embraced by their audience. Baba Harare’s return to Jiti shows he understands this deeply.”
Fans have echoed that sentiment. On social media, many expressed relief at his return, sharing that his Jiti songs bring them joy and a sense of cultural pride. Comments ranged from expressions of support — “Welcome home, Baba Harare!” — to heartfelt appreciation for his transparency about the challenges he faced.
The artist’s choice also sparks a larger conversation about the dynamics within different music genres. Gospel, while deeply spiritual, can present barriers to entry for artists whose style and persona don’t fully align with the expectations of the community. For Baba Harare, it became clear that his music resonates most powerfully in the Jiti space, where his identity as an artist is fully recognised.
Returning to Jiti, Baba Harare says, is not a retreat but a conscious embrace of where his artistry thrives. “I’m following my truth,” he told fans. “I want to be in a space where my music is not just heard but truly celebrated. And that space is with my Jiti family.”
His recent post has become more than a personal announcement — it’s a statement about artistic integrity and emotional wellbeing. “Go where you are celebrated” is a message that transcends music. It speaks to the importance of finding environments where one’s work, spirit, and identity are valued.
For Baba Harare, the journey has come full circle. From the excitement of gospel to the realities of rejection, and finally back to the joy of Jiti, his story reflects resilience and authenticity. His fans have welcomed him back with open arms, dancing, singing, and celebrating his return.
Baba Harare’s journey is now a testament to the idea that success is not only about pursuing new directions but also about recognising where one truly belongs. His choice to return to Jiti music is a reminder that celebration — both by oneself and by one’s community — is at the heart of lasting artistry.
And for Baba Harare, there is no question where he belongs. “This is home,” he said. “This is where I am celebrated.”
Source- iHarare
