Parish conflict stalls choir’s new video release

by Arusha Times Reporter

Arusha’s leading Church choir of Tumaini St. James is now contemplating the release of their second video (VHS) compilation, which had been shelved due to the controversy surrounding the St. James Anglican Parish.

Choir officials, who preferred anonymity because they have been "Over-printed" in recent days, said the video compilation was now ready for release.

Like their debut "Shangilieni" video compilation which was released in 1998 and became a success overnight, this second video output is also a "Radio Habari Maalum (RHM)" production.

The officials divulged that, some of the choirs popular songs like "Usinipite!" and "Njooni Tumwimbie Mwokozi" have been included in the VHS release.

Two months ago, Tumaini Choir released their 10^th audio album production entitled "Njia ya Mbinguni" from which, some of the songs for the video compilation have also been derived.

Founded in the late eighties, Tumaini St. James choir has been topping the local gospel music charts for about a decade now. The choir’s closest rival coincidentally is their sister counterpart, Upendo St. James Choir, a much older outfit than Tumaini.

St. James Parish’s lock horn conflict with the local Anglican Bishop Simon Makundi has stalled a number of projects in the church including Tumaini Choir’s second video and Upendo Choir’s latest audio release entitled "Wingu Kuu!".

(Read Front Page article - Bishop Makundi breaks silence with persecution claims)

Last modified: October 16, 2003.
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