Baba Harare: “I’m Still a Christian, But Jiti Is My Craft”

Ayesha Nyanzunda

Zimbabwean Jiti star Baba Harare (Braveman Chizvino) has made a dramatic return to secular music, just over a year after quitting the stage for gospel.

The 37-year-old, who walked away from Jiti in July 2024 to pursue gospel, has now confirmed he is back in the genre that made him famous. In a public statement this week, Baba Harare said his Christianity remains firm—but his career belongs to Jiti.

“Let me make this clear: I am a Christian, and I will continue to be. That will never change,” he declared. “However, when it comes to my career, I will be singing Jiti music. This is because I believe the two can co-exist. I can remain true to my faith while also being true to my craft and livelihood.”

The clarification follows days of speculation after his criticism of the gospel music industry sparked claims that he had abandoned his faith. Baba Harare insists his words were twisted. “My statement was deliberately misinterpreted to suggest that I am no longer a Christian and that I had gone back to being a non-believer. That is false.”

Reassuring his supporters, the Reason Why hitmaker told fans he is back to stay:
“I am definitely back to work, back in the industry I love, an industry that has given me many opportunities, and in a genre that I have helped curate and shape.

Baba Harare during his gospel haitus.

Context and Impact

Baba Harare’s gospel experiment drew mixed reactions last year, with some praising his bold step of faith while others questioned whether leaving Jiti was sustainable. His latest U-turn appears to confirm tensions between spirituality and commerce in Zimbabwe’s gospel scene, which he accused of “exploiting and manipulating gospel artists.”

Now, the self-styled Jiti Boss says he is focused on moving forward. “Being a Jiti artist does not make me less of a Christian than someone who solely sings gospel music,” he said.

With his return, Baba Harare is set to reclaim his place in a competitive entertainment landscape dominated by Zimdancehall and amapiano. For fans of his high-energy sound, the message is simple: the Jiti train is back on track.