CVerb Marks a Decade in Christian Hip-Hop with New EP Unplugged

Top Zimbabwean Christian hip-hop artist Chido Valerie Mbuvah, known as CVerb, celebrates ten years in the industry with the release of her third studio project, the five-track EP Unplugged. In an industry where gospel rap remains niche, CVerb has built a name through bold lyrics that share the good news while connecting with listeners on personal and spiritual levels.

“This is a celebration of the 10 years I endured in the industry,” CVerb says, highlighting the challenges of balancing her music career with a job at a local mine. Unplugged follows her previous projects, Eruptions (2017) and Zwana (2020), continuing her growth as an artist and storyteller.

The EP is being released staggered, one track at a time, starting with the lead single and video, Thank God (Mudenga), dropping on October 31. The song features collaboration with Pauline Njini, who also appears on As You Are. Other collaborations include Bathini with Reap3r, while No Pressure and Sunungurwa round out the EP as solo tracks.

CVerb explains that Unplugged reflects authenticity and personal growth. “The older I’ve grown I’ve come to realise that being adult is a never-ending lesson on self-discovery,” she says. “Unplugged is me conveying the good, the bad, the ugly, hoping to reach someone and let them know they are not alone and that God’s ultimately got our backs.”

Her connection to hip-hop began at age five. “Hip-hop for me is such a bold form of expression. I fused that with my faith. Christian hip-hop kept me from falling off the path from when I was a teen,” she notes.

A major career milestone came in September when CVerb opened for four-time Grammy Award-winning artist Lecrae during his Reconstruction World Tour stop in Harare. She describes it as a surreal moment, calling Lecrae’s music pivotal in her spiritual journey.

CVerb is committed to expanding Christian hip-hop, especially for female artists. She highlights the challenges women face in the genre, including navigating cut-throat industry dynamics, but notes the support she receives from her Christian hip-hop community. “There is definitely a gap when it comes to female artistes in the movement. It gets lonely, and we dream of the day when we can independently host platforms and reach as many people as possible with this message,” she says.

With a decade of experience and a new EP ready to share, CVerb continues to push boundaries in Christian hip-hop, combining bold artistry with a commitment to faith, mentorship, and community building within the genre. Unplugged signals a new chapter in her journey while reinforcing her role as a leading voice for female artists in gospel rap.