Bulawayo– For Wilfred Mhlanganisi Dywili, his age did not stop him from achieving one of his dreams. Growing up from a Christian family which loved singing, it inspired him to have his own Gospel group one day.
In 2015 that dream became a reality when Dywili formed a group called the Gospel Maniacs which has since become one of the biggest Gospel ensembles in the city.
The Tenacity Post caught up with Dywili and recorded the following interview.
Q : Who is Wilfred Dywili?
A : Wifred is a Christian musician, director, music coach and founder of the Gospel Maniacs.
Q : When did you start doing music and what was your inspiration
A : I come from a family that sings, I used to sing at church and school but somewhere along the line I lost the vocals. Now am no longer much of a singer, but I know what is right and not and how to fix it. What inspired me is King David from the Bible and he still inspires me. God overlooked all his sins and calls him man after his own heart. I too wish that.
Q : You said you are a music coach and director, what are your roles in those positions
A : As a director I arrange songs, music and parts. As a coach I teach music, how to be able to do what the song requires, I am basically a teacher.
Q : Back to Gospel Maniacs, why the name maniacs
A : We are crazy about what we do. Eli the preacher once saw Hannah praying in the temple, crying and he thought she was drunk. Sometimes you need to be perceived as crazy to get to your goal. A maniac is also an enthusiastic person and yes we are enthusiastic about what we do.
Q : When was the group formed
A : The group was formed in April 2015 , back then it compromised of friends and church members.
Q : Since 2015 how much has the group grown
A : We have gone interdenominational, internationally we now have Gospel Maniacs South Africa . We have held concerts, shared the stage with renowned artists, toured the country and we working on a dvd recording on the 23rd of December with Zaza Mokhethi from SA. We still growing by grace.
Q : Besides music, what else do you do
A : I am currently a law student at UNISA, I do forex trading and livestock farming.
Q : Where do you see the group two years from now
A : As a nationally recognised group with international branches. Having our own studio and a children’s academy.
