Bulawayo-based gospel artiste Dorothy Chipo Madamba on Saturday launched her debut eight-track gospel album at Bulawayo National Museum.

The launch was attended by her family,  friends and some of Bulawayo's revered artistes including Takesure Zamar Ncube, Abigail Mwembe, Sindiso Dube, Simon Phiri Mambabzo and Clarence Garura among  others.

The album, titled Promises Of A Brighter Day, has eight tracks - Intro prayer, Ndosiya Zvose, Jesu Wezvishamiso, Amazing God, Anondida, Jesu Wezvishamiso Instrumental, Jesu Aneni, and A New Day, which features Comfort Manyame, a United States-based Zimbabwean artiste.

The songstress treated the crowd to a thrilling performance with some of her songs.

"I cannot express the joy I have. I am happier than a bride," she said.

The guest of honour was the principal director in the ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture, Reverend Paul Bayethe Damasane. He encouraged artistes to strive for originality.

"I want to challenge artistes that if you are going to be a musician in church, study and understand music so as to produce good music. It is possible to be the best artiste in the country but still be in church.

"As you develop as an artiste, create your identity in the arts industry, your songs should strike an identity, do not copy other artistes," he said.

The songstress, who started singing professionally in 2012, is set to have a collaboration with Takesure Ncube soon.

Madamba said she has been passionate about gospel music all her life and released her debut single Jesu Wezvishamiso, a gospel jazz track which received a lot of radio airplay.

The singer writes her own songs.

Besides being a consistent choir lead vocalist at her church, Zaoga,  Madamba is also a member of the Zimpraise Choir.

The album was auctioned off, and Garura was the highest bidder and bought a disc at a price of $60.