Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Ms Mavimba is a Zimbabwean-born singer/songwriter now based in Birmingham, UK and this, her first recording, is a five-song EP available for free download from her website. As free downloads sometimes offer little more than demo-quality tracks by artists who would have got very few sales if they'd had the temerity to try and sell them I was at first reluctant to play 'Never Forsaken'. My suspicions were unfounded. I was hugely impressed by this lady's effort and I'd urge others to download this. Tino's voice is exceptional, a deep, perfectly pitched vehicle which oozes class and conviction and which would bring a chattering nightclub audience to rapt attention. But not for Tino jazz standards and songs about love gone bad. Her songs of worship are beautifully executed and even when she takes on the over-recorded "Amazing Grace" in dead slow tempo and with little more than an elegant piano accompaniment, the effect is mesmerising. Equally impressive is the title track with a full band, including some nice brass, produced by Gary Hill at Birmingham's Progress Music Academy. Tino is currently a member of the choir and worship team at Birmingham Christian Centre. One thing seems certain, British gospel will be hearing a lot more from this lady.

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