Stronger Gospel Reggae Family
The global gospel reggae family is about to grow even stronger as Zion the Messenger, one of Malawi’s most dynamic voices in gospel reggae and dancehall, is set to record a new track on the Kristofarian Riddim—the foundational riddim behind the groundbreaking version excursion album, The Christ in Reggae.
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Born Reuben MacDonald Liwewe, Zion the Messenger has become known not just for his spiritually driven music, but also for his deep commitment to the production side of the industry through his label, Zion Tracks Records. In an email to Odoh Diego Okenyodo, the Akweya Entertainment boss and curator of The Christ in Reggae project, the Malawian artist expressed his excitement thus:
“I have received the riddim with joy and, God willing, I’m gonna do my single on it.”
That single, when released, will join a unique lineup of songs performed by former Rastafarian artists who have embraced Christianity and are now using reggae music to spread the gospel as Kristofarians.
The Christ in Reggae project is being celebrated as the first full gospel reggae riddim album, creating a spiritual bridge between reggae roots and Christian faith. The album featured established and new musicians, and it has been gaining a fair share of airplay on Nigerian broadcast stations.
Since the release of the album on June 12, 2025, a university professor, Wilfred Uji, who is also a Kristofarian, has recorded his own song titled “Come Let’s Worship”, on the Kristofarian Riddim. Uji, who teaches history, holds the view that the Kristofarians are on the cusp of a reggae revival.
A Messenger Through Music
The Malawian artist Zion the Messenger isn’t new to the mission of fusing faith and rhythm. His signature style is a potent mix of gospel reggae, dancehall and what he terms ‘Afro-infused melodies’.
Through these genres, Zion the Messenger preaches, encourages, uplifts, and tackles pressing global issues with spiritual depth. His lyrics are often described as both prophetic and compassionate, embodying the biblical roles of a watchman and a comforter.
Influences that Shaped the Sound
In a post on his Facebook page, Zion the Messenger, disclosed that his music draws from a rich heritage of reggae and gospel figures. In the post, he disclosed that his “musical DNA features echoes of Yeshuah Hamachiach (Jesus Christ), Evison Matafale, Vic Marley, and Haxi Momba from Malawi, and reggae powerhouses like Bob Marley, Buju Banton, Sizzla Kalonji, Damian Marley, and gospel-dancehall legend Papa San.”
A Career Grounded in Purpose
Although he began recording in 2010 as a hobby, Zion the Messenger became a full-time, purpose-driven artist in 2019. Since then, he has released several singles and the powerful Christianity EP, blending dancehall energy with deeply spiritual content.
As a producer and sound engineer, Zion is also respected. His past riddims—like Whole World Riddim (2020) and Holy Riddim (2021)—have garnered global airplay and featured artists from Jamaica, the Caribbean, USA, Europe, Asia, and, of course, Malawi. He’s worked with artists like Shammah Vocals, Abambo AB, and Nepman, among others.
Why This Matters
According to Mr Okenyodo, “Zion the Messenger’s upcoming track on the Kristofarian Riddim is more than a new single—it’s a statement. It signals the increasing acceptance of gospel reggae message that we are championing as an emerging gospel reggae movement. We are a registered NGO, the Gospel Reggae Team Initiative, with the aim to promote wholesome living that is rooted in the gospel of Christ. So this is a celebration of transformation, testimony, and the power of music to minister across boundaries.”
The Christ in Reggae album continues to break new ground, and Zion’s contribution is sure to bless listeners and further establish Malawi on the map of global gospel reggae.
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