RECENTLY, news spread like wild fire on the internet after songbird, Viola Banda announced the transition from secular to gospel.
The soulful Zambian songstress believes that it’s her time to change and serve God with the voice he has given her.
Viola shared with #Kalemba that she became a born again christian at the age of 14 but was producing secular music.
For people who have a vivid memory, Viola was part of the top three talents of the Celtel Star search that saw Theo Kamungoma emerge as winner, with Kapuka claiming the second prize.
Viola told #Kalemba that while she pursued her journey in music she found a church that accepted her as a musician in the secular world without judgement.
She said the church supported her journey and prayed for her, letting God guide her and as she grew in faith, she realised she needed to enhance her singing talent by venturing into gospel music.
“When I started going to my church, I went there as Viola the musician. I started participating in the choir and I felt conflicted singing at church on Sundays after performing at disco events on Saturdays. This made me reconsider my priorities and focus on my faith through gospel music,” she stated.
“When it comes to things of God, there is no grey area, it’s either white or black or either you are for God or not. The bible says it clearly that you cannot save two masters at the same time, you can’t save the dark side and the light, so I realised that it’s time I just moved permanently to God.”
Viola emphasised that her decision to pursue gospel music is not driven by financial gain, as she believes that both gospel and secular music face similar monetary challenges.
She said she is motivated by her faith, recognising that her talent is a gift from God and by dedicating her music to him, she seeks to honor her beliefs and stay true to her spiritual purpose.
“God will take care of me, he will take and give me to places that will acknowledge my talent and it will pay off. Am doing this purely for ministry, it’s between me and God and it’s a decision I have made as a Christian,” she said.
Viola asserted that her job solely remains to minister to God’s people and will leave him to do the rest.
She made it clear that she is not moved by the backlash she receives from people who try to bring up her past, as her primary audience is God, and not people.
“In as much as I respect my fans, love them and thank them for their support, it’s my time to change and save God with my music, with the voice that he has given me to be used to his glory,” she said.
“I will never please everybody, there are some people that are never happy with my decision, others are happy, but with the life we have, I believe you cannot please everybody.”
Viola added that she is not seeking more fame as she’s already known by people instead, she wants to use her voice, given by God, to serve him while she’s alive.
Her switch to gospel music serves as a greater purpose, a testament to her strength and devotion.
By Sharon Zulu
Kalemba September 8, 2025
