NguDoni - A knife in a 'Bar' fight - 'Sgebengu'

The definition

The rap world is known for producing classic music like ‘Dear Mama’ by the late Tupac, ‘Stan’ by legendary Eminem and conscious tracks like ‘The People’ by Common and ‘I salute you’ by KingPinn. However, what completes the 360 Circle of Hip Hop is when heads bump. This is when you get tracks, also classic, like Tupac’s ‘Hit em up’ and Common’s ‘The Bi**h in yoo.’ Bring all that heat to Zimbabwe and it is no different. Especially so in Bulawayo, the city of street kings.

The story

NguDoni, is one artist we have featured here and true to his brand, he has dropped another street gangster track titled, ‘Sgebengu’. Aggressive as ever, the song has the dark themes of gangster rap reminding you of that N.W.A. era. The track has the one element I like about a true dis track, when a brother gets off beat just to get a line in. make no mistake, it’s a well written and researched track based on actual events. 

‘Sgebengu’ , loosely translates to gangster or street hoodlum. NguDoni refers to himself as the protagonist in this track. “Limkhuze! Why lingamtsheli? Lentwana idlala lesgebengu.” This is pretty catchy for a chorus. And what of the bars? NguDoni name drops peeps like Jermain and Bubz, now the thing is this, I don’t even know how relevant these kats are to the hip hop game but seems they are an influence to some he refers to as ‘Fossil f**ks.’ BlakAwt is the one I’m putting my money on as the recipient of some of these ‘strays.’ Check the references to ‘Xolani’, Chakka Dolla and the unreleased 6220 track. All these are are associated to the ‘IAMBLAKAWT’ EP maker. Also, this alleged beef has even been featured in a popular Bulawayo Podcast. Click here to have a listen. 

The credit

NguDoni is clearly not afraid of anyone in the rap game. He has been consistent with his brand over the last half a decade bringing it to whoever wanted it. He has never backed down. One thing I do respect about him, he always acknowledges whoever he has mad respect for. In his list are people like Mlue jay, who also has a new track out, K Brizzy, Breemzy and MC Tytoh. Whether you call this d**k riding or not, its still kinda gangster to know who dope and take down who not. Check out the song on the link at the bottom and follow this saga on social media. 

See you on the next one.

Sgebengu - https://audiomack.com/ngudoni-1/song/sgebengu

NguDoni on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ngudoni?mibextid=ZbWKwL

NguDoni on X - https://x.com/NguDoniBYO?s=08

uMjabulisi 'Idlabuzane kosonkondlo'

A praise poet. An author of short stories and poems. A Master of Ceremonies. A creative consultant and a Refractionist. To the world, we present, and he is only 23 years of age, Zwelithini Dlamini best known as uMjabulisi The Poet. 

Hailing from the City of Kings and Queens, uMjabulisi The Poet is a proficient user of the Ndebele language in creating and presenting his poetry. Praises and ululations are his forte thus he has graced many weddings and anniversary celebrations. Rightfully so as he goes about his business spreading the gospel of joy through his mantra “Jabul’ujule’ which can also be found on his branded t-shirts. 

With this in mind, uMjabulisi is a poet who is also the CEO of his entrepreneurship in art. To support his craft, he has acquired an education and practices as a refractionist (eye care). Though that job maybe demanding, he always puts his art first as that is what he believes is his true calling. Inspired by Meliwenkosi, Nqobizwe and Brenda, school poets of when he was younger, the TV reality talent show Star Brite and the legendary Bhekumuzi Luthuli, uMjabulisi is looking to publish a book he has titled, ‘AKUNGIQABULE MBIJANA’ along with it some short stories, all set for the year 2024.

uMjabulisi has the goals of becoming a beacon of hope, source of inspiration, bring people together and preserving true culture through his poetry. To date he has participated on many platforms, been recognized at the Havilla School of Language in Harare and has performed at the Bulawayo spoken word event, P.O.W.E.R. Sessions as a highlight where he shared the stage with other poetic household names like Chester The Poet, Thaluso da Poet, Sage M-One and Brandon (Comedy). uMjabulisi has a typical sound of a praise poet. The moment he opens his mouth, you can feel the positive messages he is sharing imparting positivity to his varied audiences.

In spite of all the roses above, uMjabulisi, just as many other artists from Bulawayo, laments about the poor spirit of support when pushing your craft within the confines of the City of Bulawayo. Whether this is due to economic challenges faced in the country as a whole or just another Jesus-in-Nazareth scenario is not known. In one comment, he mentioned that it is actually a thorn in the flesh to the serving artist as it hurts when one is not received happily in their own home town. This however does not stop him nor discourage him as he believes with consistency, the city will eventually catch up to him. It is quite obvious that being an artist is not easy, just as it is in building and keeping any other career path. uMjabulisi encourages all upcoming and existing artists to keep growing in knowledge and acquire other skills so that one may be able to sustain a livelihood besides their art.

You can find uMjabulisi The Poets works like ‘Umjolo kanti yini’ on his social media listed below. Lets work on that support and help a brother grow. 

Zweli Mjabulisi  -  Tik Tok

Zwelithini Dlamini (Mjabulisi The Poet) – Facebook

dlanini.zwelithini – Instagram

Zweli Mjabulisi - YouTube

'I don't belong here' ThirstyFrik EP review

                           ThirstyFrik

ThirstyFrik is an all-out musician who produces, raps and sings. He gave us the club hit “Chokin’,” which sent waves through the Amapiano streets of Harare. ThirstyFrik has consistently been dropping singles in 2023 and he has dropped a body of works for his growing fanbase. His brand new EP with the provoking title, “I don’t belong here” is now out on various streaming platforms. Here is a review of the FOUR track EP according to how we heard it.

BuzzSaw. That’s the first word you think of when you hear “Hufananyina” soon as you play the number one track on the EP. The more you get into it, it begins to grow on you. It has a nice mixture of Shona and English lyrics. It features Runna Rulez who jumps in with a gutsy bar: “…. Ndiri under age but handisi Ben 10,….. Ndine glock 40 and I got his name pabara.” Translated it’s a flex basically saying ‘I’m young, good looking but I can’t be taken for a ride by the older ones. I got my bars ready and the hater’s name is on one bullet.’ Its my first time listening to him and I think he made a great feature. 

The second track is called “Thotty.” It’s a proper slow jam soul trap song with great production behind it. It is also the one track where the title of the EP is mentioned. By definition, a Thot is a woman who has multiple casual sexual partners or encounters. Basically a baddie. ThirstyFrik laced the track with some great vocals and a melody that’s catchy. This track gives you vibes like those slow and sensual club scenes. I can imagine the video with quite some thot in it (pun intended). It is easy to listen to and tones down from the vibe brought in from the first track. It is a good song and sure to rock the club scenes.

“Ukumbotemba nei” is a typical hip hop track where the rappers throw shots, parry hits, and place themselves on a pedestal either through interesting creative flows or straight up bars on bars. This one is more of talking smack about ‘wanna be’s’. weith lines like, “When I pull up with your b***h ndamupa raw, uchandidi!...... Pandomuka ndisina mari, I tell myself I gotta go. Musaganze nemota dzamunopihwa nemaMhomz.” As if that’s all, he also talks about “thots” again when he says, ‘Ma bhebhi akutyisa paunopfeka pfeka 3/ Ndanga ndina Kim achiedza kukwenya sinhi/ anga ane drop achisheedzera creamy.” Like really. In his eyes the streets are not safe so to speak as there are various sexually transmitted illnesses rampant out there. After mentioning the symptoms for gonorrhoea, it is everyone’s responsibility, who is sexually active to protect themselves by using protection, getting tested regularly with your partner(s) and practising safe sex always. Overall it is a hard banging track with a lot of that gangster feel and hip hop lovers are sure to get a kick out of this one.

The final track on the compilation features ‘pretty gal’ Bouje Shepretty. This is a new name to the circuits and you can tell it is one of her first times on a record. Her bars are a mix of flex, some history and origins story. As you are reading this, I am still playing the track specifically her verse. I would like to leave it open to your own interpretation and maybe hit me up with your thoughts about it. Both Thirstyfrik and Bouje claim in the chorus: ‘Ndiri pretty boy/girl, ndozvandiri….Gevha/Musikana akanaka vaifunga ndobva mhiri.’ This is the centre of the whole track. The instrumental has an interesting sample underlying from the introduction. It has a hard bass and a flow that gets your head rolling. Ladies and pretty boys are sure to set this as their anthem. 

‘I don’t belong here’ EP by Thirstyfrik is a well balanced piece of work although one or two more tracks could have really solidified it. The hard hitting bass on most of the tracks tells me the aim is for some club bangers with a hint of a message that a true hustler just does exactly that, Hustles. It comprises of great production and the sound is not lost from the Harare sound we have become accustomed to. Check it out for yourself on the links below, subscribe or follow the man Thirstyfrik and be sure to leave your comment below and tell me what you think about this review. 

Thirstyfrik - Hufananyina visualiser 

Thirstyfrik - I don't belong here EP

Ndiri Mulatto with Maynee

Coloured. Young. Daring. This is how you define the fresh face and presence on the local RnB scene, Maynee The Artist.

"Prominent people we have become... I am proud of my roots." These are the headlining lines heralding the second stanza of the single taken from Maynee's upcoming EP of the same title, "Ndiri Mulatto." The expression itself means, Cream of the crop. It can be associated with any positive action or attitude that we undertake as Zimbabweans, born hustlers.

Maynee uses this song to show how blessed we are, not only because of the tolerance of our people, but the freedom within the country as most city dwellers are tri-lingual. Being born of mixed race, he is no stranger to local language. Maynee crafted the catchy phrase, "Ndiri Mulatto" in Shona with a touch of Italian. It sure is going to be the 'Street lingo' of our generation.

The song 'Ndiri Mulatto' features prominent hip hop artist and producer, M.U.S.E The Artist, who drops crisp bars that are sure to motivate all listeners. The song is about empowerment and self-actualization as not only, black people but as Zimbabweans in spite of all the troubles we have faced trying to reach our goals.

The song is available on music platforms on the Internet and on local radio stations. Be sure to follow Maynee The Artist on all popular social media platforms for bookings, updates and brand new releases of the new crooner.

Listen to 'Ndiri Mulato' by Maynee The Artist on #SoundCloud

https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/RbEoz

Purchase/Stream on online music stores

https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/mayneetheartist/maynee

Twitter:   https://mobile.twitter.com/mayneetheartist&sa

Amazon:   https://music.amazon.com/artists/B09BL6HTR7/maynee-the-artist&sa

Facebook:   https://m.facebook.com/Maynee-100244935031004/&sa

Feelings In 7 minutes - Trap Fiend review

 

Brand new to the scene is 16 year old Mcnistelroy Tafadzwa Dube from Bulawayo to be known as Trap Fiend. Like a plethora of artists, he began his trade in 2016 when he was only 11 producing beats.

Fast-forward to date, he gave us a single, ‘Let me down’ taken from his debut album, Thank God for the Day, pictured below.

The full metadata of the song is ‘Let me down’ – Trap-fiend produced by TheSky from Denmark. It seems the chemistry between these two is really rich because it resulted in a seven minute wonder. Don’t get me wrong, the song may seem lengthy as compared to the culture these days, it is actually worth every minute. Soon as you here the instrumental and how the transitions are laid out, one is made to remember artists like Travis Scott.

 The song is an expression of his emotions as young ‘un, his conflicts at home, interactions with friends and of course the love of his “life”. The second transition introduces us to the ‘savage side’ of him as an artist and human being. He made this song to be heard.

As part of a bigger project released earlier in 2021, the idea is to show how he started doing music, the challenges along the way and day to day life as a teenager. Trap fiend has promised us and the world should expect more hits, more international features and hopefully some awards too. Looks like the boy is aiming high.

Not sure about the lines of space cookies and delusion, however as an artistic expression this song is complete and wholesome. A bit of work could be done on the mastering and overall production. This track I really good though. Definitely you can play it twice.

 

Overall review: 3.5/5Mics

Get the song on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/2bZFvGSaLs2rWMPvPOvtDQ

Follow him:

Instagram - @therealtrapfiend

Twitter - @therealtrapfiend

Youtube - https://youtube.com/channel/UCb07jyhW1966GPfVezwzscQ

Beatstars - https://www.beatstars.com/beat/21-savage-metro-boomin-type-beat-ghostface-killers-8605028  

GodFather Booth on Life and Times with Corona

 

Song title: Father God/Corona times

Artiste: Godfather Booth

Genre: Gospel rap

This could be the evolution of GOSPEL RAP in Zimbabwe. Godfather Booth is that one artist you don’t hear all the time but when he drops something, it will get you thinking.

Godfather Booth is giving us a heartfelt message that he feels needs to be heard. The song relates to the cries that have emanated ever since the onset of the novel Corona virus of 2019. He aims to use this song to encourage people to stay strong during these difficult times. 

This project comes as a call to the Almighty. Godfather Booth is offering a prayer to the One above for a light at the end of the seemingly endless tunnel. The spike in COVID-19 cases in southern Africa has put many on edge. There is no better time to release an uplifting song like this one as now. Booth used a gospel approach highlighting an element of Worship to the Almighty.

 Booth takes the time in a verse to thank the Lord for the gift of Life, his ability to grace the microphone the way he does and his continuous need to grow as an artist and fellow brother in the community.

The song is set to be released on Sunday the 25th of July 2021. I guess his vision is to incorporate it to Sunday worship. Follow him on his social media as he builds up to the official premier of the song.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/godfather_booth?s=09

YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCNYq4Zds4beFFqNsFk4htpA

Instagram: @godfather_booth_zw

 

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#20off20: Tips for artists and blogs

Good day y'all.

Its your boy M-One and I'm proud to say we have done out first 20 reviews and what an exciting achievement that has been. Here I am to just review the reviews and responses from artists.

The actual report is that of the 20 artists projects we have reviewed or previewed, only a few managed to get comments and even fewer artists ever cared to share the article which their careers really need. At WORD: The Magazine, we are currently doing blogs for free and would like to put as many artists on as we can before the tables turn. However, this is also our case study to see how serious artists actually are about their own projects and how much do they appreciate other efforts put into promoting them.

Nothing is free outchea. So if an organisation is willing to put you out, do the most and at least share your work because in reality, a blog is an extension to your work adding value to you and also informing your potential fans of what you have for them. Here are some pointers I would like to share with artists and those who would be as a way forward and steps to help grow their organic reach:

• If its a preview, share and repost article until day of release and maybe a week also afterwards so that fans may still get a feel of your project before they acquire it. A blog helps them listen with their eyes and mind first before getting to the ears.

• If its a review, share it until the end of your marketing cycle for that particular project. The reason most projects suffer minimal downloads and streams is because artists share their projects only on day of release. That is like disregarding your own project as worth but as a days listening yet it could be a classic. 

• They say the proof is in the pudding. The blogger will have heard your project so they are in a better position to assist your fans. Appreciate by communicating regularly with the writer and fill in missing gaps if any.

• Humble yourselves. People are attracted to brands that they fee they can relate to. How do we relate? By being on the same level. We ca elevate yourself through your work. Your attitude should stay put. That's what they fell on love with in the first place.

• Artists please be consistent. A blog is not the end of your projects journey. Its is part of it. Artists with their work written about prelude a certain seriousness. Appreciate this fact. Let it sink in. When feedback comes, it means you are doing something right. If non, go back to the drawing board and recheck your strategies.

• A blogger is not your marketer nor manager. We will write what we write. It is YOUR responsibility as the artist to make sure every good deed around you is made visible to everyone. We need readers. You need articles, interviews and other promos. Make sure your followers see your promos and that you give them access.

• Invest in your craft. Put money where your mouth is and see the mainstream flow in your direction with you.

• Avoid plagiarism by all means. I should have listed this first. Do not copy my article and then paste it elsewhere without tagging nor adding my link. This will get you blacklisted real quick and even charged as a criminal offence. The article is about you, but its mine. Let that sink in too.

I hope you find the above information helpful. We are Here to give as much assistance as we can. Contact us anytime and we discuss your project or other blog related issues. We would be happy to help. Until the next #twentyblogs, its Sayonara from me.

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Appreciating African music

Artist: Dylan Mtinsi

Project: Unique music mixes

Links: SoundCloud - @Dylan Mtinsi

Instagram: @dylanmtinsi

Twitter: @real_djtinsie

Dylan Mtinsi has had a an ear for good mixes ever since he got in the game. He started DJaying at the early age of 11 and has not looked back since. Usually spotted playing deep house mixes, made a special mix to celebrate Africa and its beauty and cultural richness through music. On Africa day, May The 25th he released a mix filled with rare underground house grooves, Tech, afro beat, soul and pop music that touch base with those with a love for unique and celebratory jams. The mix was dedicated to the African people and is made available from his SoundCloud, @Dylan Mtinsi. 

Dylan is influenced by other African giants like Black Coffee. And as his ‘mentor,’ is doing, he also aims to bring Africa to the world and show the continent is not a jungle as some may still perceive. Dylan also includes locally produced music to add relevance and promote his brothers and sisters in the music industry thus affording each other an opportunity to be heard. Look out for more mixes and news from Dylan Mtinsi on his social media.

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Dreams can come true – Memories Preview

Artist: Freak and Kuccie

Project: Memories (Never fade) Album

Production: Team Blessed Hustle Entertainment

Links: Facebook -  https://www.facebook.com/mihla.mbambo.31

Instagram -  https://www.instagram.com/dxtniggx_freak

Twitter -  https://twitter.com/DxtNiggx_Freak/s=08

‘Memories’ is set to be an 11 track album with 7 official tracks and 4 bonus ones for the enjoyment of their fans. ‘Memories’ is heavily inspired by real life experiences that the duo has gone through and some shared by friends. Each track has its own story which will all to connect to the overall theme of the album. 

“Dreams come true if you believe them.” That’s the message delivered in the album’s lead single 3am. It dropped on the 22nd of May and is available on their social media. The song is about the time and energy spent doing what they love, music. Utilizing the optimized time expenditure theory, they talk about how they would wake up at 3amm to put in work and find their way to success. Other tracks to lookout for in the tape include ‘Summer sun,’ ‘So long,’ ‘don’t beshy,’ ‘Ilobolo which features Purple’ and ‘These walls featuring Curtis Dee Rover.’

The album was set to release early June as part of their 2020 plans. One of these is to grow as a producer, that’s Freak’s side and to grow as a name brand, that’s Kuccie’s side. They also hope to work with big artists both locally and in South Africa where Freak’s partner, Teekay Mxoexic, is based. This album is set to open doors and unlock opportunities for them. Look out for more news and the album on their social media.

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Rise of an Arian – Aries EP Preview

Artist: CJ Flex

Project: Aries EP

Tags:  Facebook – Nkosie CJ

Twitter: @CKflex

Instagram: CJ_flex1

CJ Flex is a versatile musician from Bulawayo who is known for his witty grit and upfront approach to rap music. CJ also has been known in his circles as a battle rapper. Currently he is working on his EP titled ‘Aries’.

‘Aries’, being the name of his star sign, is an EP about Motivation, Hope and Love in the journey to establish himself as CJ Flex.  The project will comprise of 7 tracks that will show his diversity and versatility. CJ has worked with a range of artists from the likes of Lynden, of The Land of the Vale fame, RapThan, Easy TRT, Lentano, dancehall come up Judgement, and even the eloquent Chester The Poet. The music will vary through genres. Experimenting with afro pop, dancehall, underground flavor rap and of course modern day trap, CJ looks to entertain a varied audience but promises all one dope project.

Asked on is view of battle rap, CJ says it’s quite a good element and its very alive in Zimbabwe. He just wishes there was more funding to it so more and more kats can participate. CJ Flex is here to spread his dominance over both the new and old skools of hip hop bridging the gap with his fresh sound. Aries EP drops on the 10th of July 2020. Be on the lookout for news on the drop right here and on his social media links above.

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The importance of adding visuals to your music

Artist: The Shoemaker

Links: https://youtu.be/VNyS8qgqm4w

https://instagram.com/rm_shoemaker

When one decides to be an artist and live off it, the one thing that they aim for is maximum exposure. One needs to be seen in order to increase their chances. Some release audios with vivid artwork. Some do lyric videos. Some do live shows and record clips for upload. The best way really, is to  invest in getting videos done for your songs so that there is a story attached to what the listeners have already heard. This usually results in maximum exposure and makes it easier for fans to see and understand ones brand creating a chain reaction leading to more airplay, with all other factors considered

One artist who utilized this avenue to get ahead is the Shoemaker. Hailing from the town that holds one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Victoria Falls, he has been putting in work to make sure that he is seen and his work gets appreciated as far as possible. The Shoemaker released his album titled Arteries, Veins and Capillaries in 2019. The album contains 9 tracks and a bonus track, Sondela. https://audiomack.com/album/the-shoemaker/arteries-veins-&-capillaries

The video debuted on ZTV and proved very popular that it was even tagged as song of the week during  Valentine’s week that February. ‘In My Hood’ was the next video from the album to be done. The song is a hardcore trap song where The Shoemaker expressed his love for Victoria Falls. The song has done very well for him and went as far as being play listed on Africa’s major channels, Channel O and One Magic resulting in international viewership and exposure. 

The Shoemaker featured Hwange’s very own Ricky in the song ‘Sangalale.’ The track is an upbeat dance song performed in Nyanja and Ndebele and spent 15 weeks on the Breeze FM chart show. His latest video, shot in February 2020, is called ‘No mercy’ and has been the peak of all his social media posts. Released on the Zwigaba media page, the video amassed 15.7k views and has also been submitted to major music channels for airplay.https://www.facebook.com/950981951606625/posts/3022761531095313/?sfnsn=mo&d=n&vh=e

It’s not an entirely rosy journey even if you are putting in the hours and dishing out your best work. The Shoemaker expresses this in his single release, ‘These N***as.’ The video was shot to express grievances he has come across in the music industry. Despite a few rays of hope, he has had to contend with issues to with nepotism, favoritism when it comes to getting airplay, unfairness at award shows and unfair selections when it comes to performance line ups among other issues.

Despite challenges and rising costs of production, investing in visuals for your work is never a bad idea. You can follow The Shoemaker on his social media on the following links:

https://facebook.com/theshoemaker6

https://twitter.com/RMshoemaker

https://soundcloud.com/theshoemaker6

https://reverbnation.com/theshoemaker7

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"Panotinhira" another Kay Gee hit

Artist: Kay Gee 40 and Tension

Track: Panotinhira

Production: Mr Noxa (TMG Records)

Kay Gee 40 has been enjoying quite some airplay with his current hit track, “Jack Sparrow.” This has not made him slack at all. In fact he is back in the studio and cooking up what seems to be a banger with dancehall sensation, Tension. The song is entitled “Panotinhira” and will be released on the 1st of June 2020. Working with TMG Records and produced by Mr Noxa, whom he did his runaway hit track, “Sterek,” with, “Panotinhira” is set to be on major radio stations for the enjoyment of the masses. Kay Gee’s dream is to on everyone’s playlist and he is surely putting in the work. Look out for the track on 1 June on his social media:

YouTube: Kay Gee 40

Twitter: @kaygee40

Facebook: Kay Gee 40

Instagram: @kaygee40zw

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The Revelations by Stewie Le Savage

Artist: Stewie Le Savage

Track: The Revelations

Link:   YouTube: https://youtu.be/vD1ZgXn3Wt4

Stewie Le Savage is a spoken word and House music artist based in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. The track saw an Africa Day release and is available for streaming and download on all major online stores. The Revelations is a fusion of Spoken word and AmaPiano House and is to ask questions of the Christian community and how prepared they are for judgment day. Stewie ads this to his tracks on social commentary and helps people to evaluate their lives and how they are living and the hereafter after they die. The Revelations is a track that Stewie really wanted to deliver a message and fused all three major languages, Ndebele, English and Shona into it.

The track was produced by Shuza Drums and Tha Dawg with the video having done by Brintz Online. You can get a hold of Stewie Le Savage on his social media:

Instagram: @stewielesavage

Facebook: @stewielesavage

Twitter: StewieLeSavage

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Thain, Looking over "My City"

Artist: Thain from Kingsville

Track: My city

Release date: TBA

Links: Thain from Kingsville on all social media

Thain is a Hip Hop artist hailing from the city of thick queens and dope kings, Bulawayo. Thain recently moved to Harare to carry on his hustle, but still represents Bulawayo. As an affiliate to Kingsville Records, Thain is working his album as a follow up on an EP titled 409 he released in November 2019. For the EP he has also shot two videos that are yet to be released.

‘My city’ is a track where Thain expresses his feelings of missing home. He goes in about the grind and everyday life with hommies and how he will always represent Skies city no matter where the hustle takes him. Thain is clearly passionate about where he is from. He has also represented Kingsville in a recently released cypher, Hatcliffe Cypher Vol.1, which features the likes of Nicklaine, Chipman, Lil Pac and Trishae. Follow this link to watch it here.  https://youtu.be/cScLW3Zv5co

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Even Bosses Got Feelings preview

Artist: RapThan

Project: Even bosses got feelings [EBGF]

Twitter: @D_T_R_zw

When one talks of bosses, they refers to leaders, mavericks in the community. Bosses, as used by RapThan, are the big guys that lead their respective industry. They go through hell for their subordinates. They set examples of courage, strength and boldness to all who see them. This, however, does not mean they are not super human nor immune to physical, mental and emotional pain.

On the back drop of a heartbreak inflicted by the girl he thought was his beginning and end, his baby mama, RapThan produced this EP to share his story. He felt his friends and fans were not understanding how a person of his stature, being the leader of a label, could be so emotional and broken over a heartbreak. He has taken it upon himself to express his story and show that as much as he is a boss in his own right, he has feelings too.

The EP is set to feature industry riders like Rockie DoUb of the Monate Fela’ fame and award winner Floppy X of ‘Ngdakwe ngahamba ngeface’ fame. Three more tracks will be added to the compilation with a scheduled online release for early June. Winter is surely coming and will be bringing a lot of music with it. 

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Rulah ZW: Born in the Trap

Personality: Rulah ZW aka Shaun Edward

Role: Hip Hop influencer

The new millennium has seen new forms of the Hip Hop culture emerge. From skaters, to boppers and now we have personalities that represent the genre and are as much a part of it as any other aspect in the game. Rulah is one such personality. 

Born in the late 90s, Rulah was exposed to hip hop music early on with the main stream acts like 50 Cent, Eminem and Snoop Dogg. Now that he has found his footing with the current flow of rap music in trap and soul, Rulah has been following international acts from Bryson Tiller to Isiah Rashad and Dave East among the many he bumps to. This doesn’t mean he has no love for local flavor.

Rulah has a local top five of Zimbabwean rappers mostly from Bulawayo. Included in his list is the on fire Rockie DoUb, Excellence’s very own J. Garnet of the ‘Maleeh’ fame, Skiiny (DAV) also known for his graphic designing skills, Ashley Kempton and M-One who wrote the classic Holy_Mic track. Rulah says 2019 saw Excellence Music Records aiming for the skies as they produced an in-house mixtape, an EP for Martin Jona Tao, a series of singles by J. Garnet and KoKo and the rise of Club Excellence the blog site for promoting local artists and their works.

When asked what he sees as the future of Zim hip hop, he believes Bulawayo rap is the next big thing. He cited that there is a lot of talent in the city and various stables and movements have been putting the city on the map. Rulah says moves like having local radio stations playing Bulawayo artists has not only improved general quality of locally produced music but also increased the number of music available to the public so they also know what‘s going on with their local celebrities. He also mentioned that events like the Color Fest, Bigger than Hip Hop (BTHH) and the Annual August Rush (AAR) have helped put some artists on the map and have provided a platform for other artists to bloom and shine.

Rulah is a staunch believer in local talent and wishes to see all of them put in the work and hours so as to produce high quality music and videos and compete with international counterparts. Rulah encourages unity among artists and says the one way Bulawayo can rise is if artists work together to build the game and see them played internationally. Rulah is no hater and shares everybody’s links throughout his network freely. Get a hold of him on his social media

Instagram: RulahZW

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Umfazi Katshaywa: Promoting peace in the home

Artist: BleckHit

Track: Umfazi katshaywa

Album: The Advocate

Link: https://m.soundcloud.com/user-188344252/bleckhit-umfazi-katshaywa

#Qiniso_Rap

BleckHit, the Ndebele rap advocate gives us more of his new flavor, Qiniso rap with his single, “Umfazi katshaywa” extracted from his latest album, “The Advocate.” 

Acting as a social commentator, BleckHit here touches on an issue quite precedent in our local communities. Here he speaks to men encouraging them to treat their women, wives, mothers and daughters as precious goods. He describes them as flowers that beautify the world. With negative behavior that hurts and even kills women, men are in essence making the world an ugly place. How then should one expect respect and honor when all your partner knows is fear?

The outspoken BleckHit also speaks against child marriages exposing some religions and cultural rituals where people use young women as fortune trinkets, treatments or cures for life long illnesses and baby making machines. He encourages men to honor their vows and love their women as they would their own bodies. Gender based violence activism is very potent in Zimbabwe and can never preached enough. It is a good thing to see artists produce music with a positive message and get airplay.

The song is well produced. The instrumental has a feel of rap and dancehall to it making it easy to listen to. BleckHit did the entire song including the backing vocals and chorus. The track is currently topping the charts on Skyz Metro Fm and is enjoying good airplay. This is encouraging because it shows that not all entertainment and hip hop music making waves is about recreation, money and ‘hustling’.

I will take this opportunity also to discourage violence in the home and abuse of any kind. Be it physical, verbal, mental, economic or social. Both men and women, find better and humane means to communicate or express yourselves. We all need each other and the world is a better place when there is peace in the home.

DJ BlakAwt: Road to the Beat Tape

BlakAwt: Beat maker growing hip hop 

Artist: BlakAwt 

Trade: Beat maker/ Producer 

 

Hip Hop is a growing and vibing culture in Zimbabwe. Many artists have gained national and even regional fame.  The modern version of culture comprises of rappers, which encompasses battlers, freestylers and song makers, dancers, graphic designers, graffiti artists, videographers, DJs and beat makers. This article is about the latter. And a name that surfaces is DJ BlakAwt hailing from Mpopoma in Bulawayo. 

 

BlakAwt is a passionate and talented hip hop producer. He is one of the pioneers of gangster Ndebele rap, Mgiqika Cyphers with the late Don. He has been instrumental in inspiring the careers of many rappers from Mpopoma all the way to Emganwini. BlakAwt also produced the memorable track, ‘Twelve disciples of the Cypher’ produced at the former DOPE Studios and featured established kats like Cal_Vin and Floppy X. Lyricists like M-One, Mistar T, Kingson Mac and Psycho Tek  made graceful appearances among the star studded cast representing NK 9 and the Bulawayo culture as a whole. By means of this beat tape, he will be the first to bring Bulawao and Soweto together on one project.

 

BlakAwt, now based in South Africa, has initiated a movement to promote what he calls the most essential component to hip hop, whether underground or mainstream, Beat making. Without beats, most tracks would simply be poetry or lamentations. In this regard, he is putting together a Beat Tape to promote the art and trade of producers. He has put together a group of +35 beat makers, with room for growth, and as a collective will be putting out beat tapes on a regular so that beat makers get recognition, showcase their skills and be able to sell their works so as to make a living. 

 

The idea is to provide a platform for access to not only locally produced beats but to also highlight this as a viable business. Many artists and producers are short changed and under paid. BlakAwt hopes this initiative will see a boost in received revenue towards beat makers and the industry in Zimbabwe as a whole. 

 

The first of this movement will be launched May 2020. Look out for what the beasts in beats have to offer. Keep your pockets full because these producers are promising nothing but fire. 

 

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Siyathandaza’: Motivation by Luminous

 

Artist(s) – Luminous Ft. Juandez Apongo, Mawizza, Donny Chords and GTI 

Track – Siyathandaza 

Production – Represent Beats 

Artwork – Marko Designs 

Link – 

https://bit.ly/2YI84vu

  

One of the singles from his “Driven” album, Siyathandaza is one gem by Luminous. The track is a feel good anthem and samples the popular church hymn “Inzima lindlela” once done a cover for by Sandra Ndebele. Represent beats had an idea and Luminous in studio, the two part chorus was done and a motivational gospel rap song was born. 

 

It is everyone’s dream to be happy and find a measure of success in life. This song touches on exactly that. Represent Beats, being an active producer that he is, brought in the rap features in the track. Mawizza, Donny Chords and GTI are well known rappers in the Bulawayo circuit and based on their history alone are relevant features on such a track. It was easy for them to express their desires which produced a balance in the overall track. 

 

Juandez Apongo, my first time hearing of him, has some clean vocals. Luminous brought him in for the singing and bridge and surely got that down. A lot of talent is on this track. The amazing thing is how they took an old and very Ndebele concept, fused it with hip hop and gave it new life. It is an easy sing along to track that surely boosts one spirit. 

 

Please check out the stream for the track and get yourself “Driven” for the better things in life, spiritually, 

 

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Msiz'kay does it again (Ngawuzw' umoya wami track preview)

Artist(s) – Msiz’kay Ft. AWA Khiwe and Mzoe 7 

Track – Ngawuzw’ umoya wami 

YouTube – 

https://youtu.be/o-99ozxhlbl

  

At the back of a successful album, Msiz’kay once again has come to rock our ear buds with beautiful sounds of African melody. Adding sugar to our already sweetened pallets, Msiz’kay here features amazing talent in AWA Khiwe of the Ndebele Rap Queen fame and the enegetic Mr Gagagugu, Mzoe 7. 

 

The setting?  Two lovers going through an altercation then the one starts to give attention to another. A scenario common in our society. Yawuzwa umoya wakho uphuleka. A story of love, lust and jealousy. This track fuses hip hop with modern day afro pop and the production is good utilizing in full the technology now available linking artists based abroad on one project. 

 

The song was inspired by the trio wanting to give the people the familiar yet painful story in an entertaining presentation. The beat was sent out which AWA and Mzoe vibed to instantly. Creative backing vocals for the chorus were added by Mzoe for that extra flair and flex for the masses. AWA is amazing with her delivery, diction and emotional expression. The trio bring the song to life and hope the masses enjoy it as much as they enjoyed creating it.  

 

This is the first single off Msiz’kay’s upcoming album to be released later in the year. He promises great production and relatable stories that his fans and more can vibe to and share.  

‘ Ngawuzw’ umoya wami’ is available for streaming on YouTube 

 

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