Alice has spent several years singing in church choirs, but she says her decision to pursue a solo career came after a personal season of prayer. It was during this time that she discovered what she believes is her God-given gift for songwriting, composing and worship.
“We all have hidden gifts within us that we may not know about. I discovered my gift during a period of prayer when God revealed to me that I had a gift for writing, composing songs and worship,” she said.
The revelation encouraged Alice to begin sharing the songs she had written over the years but kept to herself. “Nasema Asante” became the first song she chose to officially release as she begins her journey as a solo artist.
The story behind ‘Zahabu’
Alice is a married mother living in Indiana, United States, where she worships at City View Church in Avon.
Her name “Zahabu,” which means “gold” in Swahili, has a special family story. She says it originated from her grandfather’s side of the family, where boys were more numerous and she was among the first girls in her generation of grandchildren.
According to Alice, her family considered her a special and precious child, which inspired the comparison to gold.
“On my grandfather’s side, there were many boys, and I came among the first girls among the grandchildren. They saw me as something special and precious, like gold, because gold is valuable and not easy to find,” she explained.
Ben and Chance inspired her faith journey
Alice says she draws inspiration from Gospel artists who genuinely worship God through their music. Among those who have particularly influenced her spiritual journey are Ben and Chance.
She says their song “Urupfu Rubabaje” played an important role in helping her grow closer to God and deepen her Christian faith. “Ben and Chance were a blessing to me through their song ‘Urupfu Rubabaje.’ It played a major role in leading me deeper into salvation,” she said.
Alice wrote “Nasema Asante” during a period of prayer. As she reflected on the things she says God had done for her, she felt inspired to turn her gratitude into a song.
The Swahili worship song carries a message of thanksgiving and encourages listeners to recognize and appreciate God’s goodness in their lives.
For Alice, the release marks more than just the beginning of a music career. It is a step into a calling she says she discovered through prayer and reflection.
Looking ahead, she hopes to use her music to reach people around the world, with a particular focus on creating songs that can inspire and transform lives.
“I want the message in my songs to reach the whole world, but most importantly, I want those songs to transform people’s hearts,” Alice said.
WATCH "NASEMA ASANTE" BY ALICE ZAHABU