When Tapiwa “Taps” Mugadza was just two days old, he was left on the doorstep of an orphanage in Harare, Zimbabwe. He spent his later childhood at St Joseph’s Home for Boys, living through the struggles of being an orphan in an ever-changing Zimbabwe. Music was his solace. He taught himself the keyboard and guitar, and formed a small singing group with other orphan boys. To this day, his guitar has a number ‘4’ carved into it, symbolising the 4 boys in his group who were his only family.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBxkhO03gwU&feature=plcp
At age 15, he gave his life to Christ and, as well as becoming part of community, he performed in church music teams. His silver-lined voice and talent for songwriting soon became well known throughout Zimbabwe when he competed in the Zimbabwean Idols competition (‘A Academy’), securing 3rd place.
Taps joined Christian mission group ROCK of Africa, helping them lead outreach programmes in Zimbabwe, leaving a mark on all who heard him. The mission supported him on a trip America in 2009 to find sponsors to secure his future in music. He also auditioned for the Musicians’ Institute of Los Angeles where he was given a rare on-the-spot acceptance. This year he graduated from this acclaimed college and has released his debut album ‘Almost Home‘. I can only imagine the personal battles that Taps has faced to get where he is now, but it looks like he’s winning!
With thanks to Dan Wooding’s Assist News article for details about Taps’ inspiring life.
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