Miriam Shilwa a Rising Gospel Star

The Citizen (Dar es Salaam)

Devotha John

24 April 2011

When the gospel awards were held three weeks ago there were many surprises, but one that has kept many wondering was victory of 12-year-old Miriam Thomas Shilwa.

As many stars rise the Uhuru Mchang’anyiko Primary School girl has definitely cemented her name among the up and coming stars in gospel music, and as it was to many, even to herself it was a surprise.

“It was unbelievable to hear my name just mentioned among the top gospel singers in the country,” says Miriam.

The day had begun with other unusual happenings, first her father picked her from school on Saturday morning for medical checkups on health at the CCBRT Hospital.

“I asked him why the programme had changed from Saturday to Sunday but he didn’t say anything, instead, we went home,” says the Standard Four pupil.

It was on Sunday after prayers that her father decided to tell her the rather pleasant news that they were going to the Gospel Music Award Concert, at the Diamond Jubilee Hall.

While at the concert different artistes were mentioned in their categories. It took some time before name was mentioned in the Community Ambassador’s Category alongside Amboni Mwasigwe, Flora Mbasha, and Christina Shusho.

“For my name to be mentioned along such great artistes, was an honour itself, and finally when the panel of judges declared me as winner, it was breath taking,” she says.

It was so overwhelming that she shed some tears as frenzied cheers and hand claps greeted the announcement.

“It was the first time for me to be on such a stage and when my parents took me there I could hardly restrain the tears,” says the blind girl.

She thanks the Almighty God for giving her the talent which she wants to use to educate her peers and the general public.

Miriam’s first effort has seen her produce a 10-track album called ‘Elimu ni Mwanga,’ which contains songs, like Hakuna Kosa, ‘Unitambue Yesu’, Matatizo Mengi and the lead single ‘Elimu ni Mwanga. Other songs are Wazazi, Wanadamu Tulivyo, Tangu Nizaliwe, Imarisha Familia and Anaitwa Kila Mtu.

Her ambition is to become a lawyer in order to help people with disabilities because they face lots of problems, including inadequate education.

Miriam’s father, Thomas Shilwa said, he thanks God for blessing his daughter with such talent.

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