It feels awesome to sing in a church, a sentiment deeply rooted in the communal and spiritual experience of worship. My Afrika Magazine’s Ronald Gwatidzo (RG) sat down with Matthew Brandon (MB), also known as Brandon Garikai Govati, a 26-year-old multifaceted professional making significant strides in the gospel music circle in Zimbabwe.

RG: Would you briefly introduce yourself and what you do?
MB: My name Is Brandon Garikai Govati and my Christian artist name is Matthew Brandon. I’m 26 years of age and a bachelor (lol). Studied Hospitality and Tourism Management at Schoto in Bulawayo! I’m currently working as a music manager for Billion Music Record label under TAO (The Angel Organization). I’m also a Global Director for Goodnews Music under Spirit Embassy the Goodnews Church.

RG: How did you start music officially?
MB: Music has always been a part of Me since I was very young. Used to sing in church and play Rattles(Hosho) in the Catholic Church before I found my now home Spirit Embassy. As I joined Spirit Embassy Praise Team I was pushed from traditional style of singing to contemporary style which includes instruments, use of technology which is more modern. I joined Zimpraise kids for a while in 2014-15. After that I did backing vocals for Jonah Chivasa, Kuda Mutsvene and Janet Manyowa who groomed my music knowledge big time and I learnt a lot but in this time I hadn’t started my own artist journey then I got pushed into recording by my spiritual parents in 2022 that’s when I released my first song Grace driven Life and the rest is history .

RG: Let’s go to your upbringing, how was Matthew raised?
MB: Born and raised in a Christian family of five here in Harare by a single mother and me being the youngest. My family background is my christian bed rock , from a prayerful grandmother who taught me nothing but Love, Prayer and God’s word. To a dedicated mother who made sure church was the place I’d find solace and comfort. I was baptized at a tender age and thus came the name Matthew from my godmother. Strict would be the right word when we talk about my mother lol any funny mistake you’d learn the African way with a good Black belt lol. But all the lessons make me the Man I am Today.

RG: As an author and investigative journalist I’ve come to know that our names often carry character traits and significance in our lives, could that be the case with your names?
MB: Yes I would like to think so but as for me, the only one I think is a big manifestation is my second legal name which is Garikai. I’d like to believe that I never struggle in life but it is and it will be smooth, no hardships or any turbulence’s cause of my Prophetic name!

RG: How has been your music career so far?
MB: I believe God is doing the most. I have no hand in it but truthfully God has been pushing and really doing wonders cause this one to me it’s not a career but ministry, it’s a calling and it’s service to my Creator. But I haven’t yet started marketing and making myself visible in the industry but through our Global International Church The Goodnews Church. We’ve reached platforms and Places that I myself haven’t even been or Heard of !!! So ask me this question in the next 6months !!

RG: What could have been the most significant event that has happened in your life as an artist?
MB: Receiving recognition awards at my Church!!!

RG: How has your church, Spirit Embassy and your spiritual parents shaped the Matthew we see today?
MB: The revelation my Man of God preaches is where my song inspiration comes from at times. Some come directly from Heaven in bits and pieces. The word and character molding I have received through my spiritual parents Prophet Uebert Angel and Prophetess Beverly Angel shifted my knowledge of this thing we call praise and worship, all of this started to make sense after I heard the explanation of what worship is and how music can impact someone you have-never seen and how it can influence someone’s behavior which made me think I can actually touch lives through music, of which music to me was just for fun!

RG: What are some of the challenges you have encountered along the way?
MB: Well it’s not everyone who is interested in Christian music and not everytime do you get anything in return; Marketing Flops, Financial backing, Album flops, and People doubting your ability

RG: What would you say is the most important thing for any Christian artist to bear in mind?
MB: The goal is to be a banner that points to Christ so you do it with Jesus Christ in Mind!!…Know your Bible!!!

RG: Your words of hope to someone who supports you and those who are inspired by you?
MB: Your love and support is too visible and I’m truly honored and humbled that you support me. May God bless you more and Remember “Be a banner for Jesus to be Seen!!!”