I'm back _ Lee_Zie Taylor anñounces her return

Artist: Lee_Zie Taylor

Track: I’m back

Production: K-Switch

Mixing and Mastering: K-Bling

Genre: Urban Hip Hop

Lee_Zie Taylor, the name that raises heads in the local music scene. She is an upcoming femcee who has taken steps to ensure her rise will be undeniable this time around. Her latest offering, I’m back,’ is a strong call reminding the big BYO that she is the missing leader of the game. Going in with an explicit type of flow, Lee_Zie minces no words in her claim to clean up the streets from the weak rappers flooding it.

In the past year she has been around many platforms and performing at various shows. At some of these she used to share the stage with the infamous Whinn Queenz. I’m back also serves to assert that she is not and has never been a part of the exotic dance group Whinn Queenz. The song has a catchy hook and uptempo trap beat. Production is a collaboration of K-Switch and K-Bling. 

Overall rating. I give the track a 3/5mics. Note could havrbeen done with production and lyrical delivery. Lee_Zie is potentially one of the hottest fencers to hit the sound waves. Hope to hear note from her.

F: Lee_Zie Taylor

T: @LeeziekTaylor

Ig: Lee_Zie Taylor

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I don't care by Saint Africano: The Review

Artist: Saint Africano

Track: I don’t care

Production: Iam_Dozzic

Label: Movement Records

Saint Africano, formerly known as King Man-Bee, released this track in late February and used it to announce his change of name. This is probably a good move as the previous name would have anyone fooled and take him as a Zim Dance hall artist. Not taking away anything from the two genres it’s only fair to have a clear identity as to where one stands and what they want to present.

The track fades in a real dope instrumental reminiscent of the Lexx Luther days. It has some hard kicking 808s and good melody. I totally appreciate the sample lead string underlying everything. The hook is all about attitude. Saint here is stating his case that he doesn’t care about people’s opinions, whether they ever heard of him nor how high in the industry. It’s a simple rap along to chorus that fits well with the beat.

Saint says he only respects Kats who make money move. He is all about action and disregards the other rappers who he claims are all talk. “Step in my way I’ma beat you with passion.” this passion is evidenced in his energy when laying them bars.

“I’m flames a thousand degrees.” The energy gets more intense in the second verse. The attitude presented here is that of a hungry emcee looking to tear is way to the top. Saint Africano’s delivery reminds me a lot of the south side rapper Ace Hood. He is currently working on an album that looks to have this much energy and hopefully seal his place up the bottle neck of Zimbabwe’s mainstream.

Overall rating of the track: I would give him a 3/5 mics. It’s a good song and I see a lot of potential in Saint. Hopefully good things are coming to the airwaves.

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Lights Out and Richie F Ginde Challenge Review

Artists - Lights Out and Richie F

Track – Ginde Challenge

Production – MZTV

https://youtu.be/f-Yx5lpKKJQ

By fire by force. The words chanted at the beginning of this latest musical challenge within the Zimbabwean border. The idea of a #challenge is to invariably promote the original track whilst getting as many alternative versions by various artists who take up the challenge. ‘Ginde’ is no different.

 

The rap duo of Lights Out and Richie F has done much to make a name for Mzilikazi in the Hip Hop circles of Bulawayo. The hood has produced many big name celebrities in fine arts, sports, performing arts and traditional music. The rap duo also brings in a modern art and have made quite an impact. 

Accepting the challenge, Lights and Richie go all out in their rendition. They talk about the hard labor involved in being relevant to the streets and taking chances in order to establish oneself in the game of Hip Hop. Richie says, ’Fortune favors the brave,’ and describes how he has been working hard to earn money from his trade. He cleverly switches languages from English, Ndebele to Shona to flex his prowess of the local lingo. Good verse and deliveries for the times present.

Lights Out is al about representing his hustle and carrying his hood on his back. “Indlela le ng’yazcentela.’ Lights says he was given a skill and is using it to cut his own path. He refuses to follow trends set by others. With this challenge he has made certain that his people know what he is about with his music and where he is going. “Ngingena njengo ED. Straight to the top no CV,” if you know you know, you know.

The video is a display of ‘Ukutesha.’ Grinding hard for these streets represented by the industrial scenery. You can tell the meaning of Ginde, by fire by force just by watching the video even on mute. The essence of the track is well presented. Nuff respect to the duo for going as far as doing a music video for what some may see as a mere challenge. 

Overall rating for this challenge is 3.5/5 mics. 

I respect the hustle and I respect the effort. Keep working hard and believe in your craft.

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Killemol: The New Day

Who is Killemol? 

Killemol is a Hip Hop duo made up of King Rodney and Obby. The group hails from Emganwini in the City f Kings, Bulawayo. The group executes their art using local languages Ndebele and ChiShona. The aim is to break the cultural divide and provide knowledge and much needed entertainment in Zimbabwe’s main cultures, the Ndebele and the Shona.

Killemol has gone through some changes and now that they have settled on a direction are proving unstoppable. In January 2019 they released their track, ‘Nomasonto.’ The song went on to top charts across Zimbabwe. The video, which was released sometime after, received ample amount of screen time came out in the top 3 of the Hip Hop Top 50 videos of 2019. 

 

Rap style:

Killemol is a diverse group. Between the two, they agree to use their vocals as much as possible to only deliver logical and relevant lyrics but also want to produce a sound that is mesmerizing and enjoyable. Killemol displays great precision and agility. Lacing tracks with a deep sense of understanding and appreciation for what they do. 

 

Mission Statement:

Killemol aim to unite all Zimbabwean tribes in peace through music. They wish to change the world through artistic expression bringing light to issues affecting our society directly with the aim of bringing hope, peace, love and Joy to all souls going through hard times. This will be realized through music utilizing indigenous languages. Killemol is also open for features aiming to work with as many artists as possible hailing from the vast diversity existent in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s arts hub. 

Killemol wishes to break down the bar riers that exist between tribes. Most of these ‘tribal wars’ were witnessed at the local league’s major football games and in the employment sector. Their music is designed to promote peace, unity and harmony amongst the people of the motherland. 

 

How will this be achieved? 

Killemol has recorded music that it spreads through popular social media which is accessible to everyone online. Their music gets airplay from most urban radio stations. Killemol has had the privilege to share their message on stage with leading rappers Cal_Vin and Asaph, Bulawayo giants in Sandra Ndebele, Novuyo Seagirl and Jeyz Marabini, urban grooves legends Trevor Dongo and Leonard Mapfumo and a few from the African stage in Simi )Nigeria), Nandy (Kenya) and Maskal (Malawi).  

 

The way forward: 

Killemol is currently working on a compilation. They are working on building a radio station based at Bulawayo’s Music Academy. The aim is to impart knowledge to the less privileged through educative programs and give airplay to as much local artist as accessible. The group is available on popular social media platforms on the internet on the following links:

T: @kkillemol 

@obby_killemol 

F: Rodney King Mpofu 

  Obey Obby 

Ig : kingrodneykillemol  

  Obby_killemol 

 

Email: kingrodney07@gmail.com / 

kingkillemol@gmail.com

           

obinahjones@gmail.com

 Phone : Obby - +263775540602 

              Rodney - +263786810904 

- +292488138 

With such talented and open minded artists in the industry, Ndebele rap is in safe hands, as the saying goes.

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Mzistozz Mfanafuthi 'No more games' Review

Artist: Mzistozz Mfanafuthi ft R.Peels, Easy TRT, Mr Kata 

Track – No more games 

Beat by: Skido Flex 

Production: Innora Music Records 

Released 1 may 2020 

Link: 

https://youtu.be/_wwrhN5oWM

  

Mzistozz dropped his first single, ‘No more games,’ on the first of May taken from his upcoming album titled ‘Iroboriya.’  

Mzistozz Mfanafuthi is a young and upcoming Ndebele rapper hailing from the City of kings, Bulawayo. This single shows how diverse he is as a musician featuring three different types of rappers, that is, the fast growing rapper and entertainer from Chitungwiza R. Peels, Zvanhuwa Fashion founder and Changamire award winner Mr Kata and Easy TRT based in Entumbane Bulawayo. The beat is composed by Skido Flex, who is known for productions from artists in various genres.  

The track’s hook samples an outdoors children’s game with the words,” amina, amina kadeya.’ Mzistozz infused this into the song so that he may be able to reach a wide Zimbabwean audience even abroad and so that the locals can relate. The song is currently getting air play from Khulumani FM and SkyzMetro FM. 

The track is average. Nothing too significant about it. I liked the features although they then tended to flex a bit too much on the track. 

Overall Rating: 2.5 mics 

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NguDoni Ginde Challenge Review

Artist: NguDoni 

Track: Ginde challenge  

By fire by force. The words chanted at the beginning of this latest musical challenge within the Zimbabwean border. The idea of a #challenge is to invariably promote the original track whilst getting as many alternative versions by various artists who take up the challenge. ”Ginde’ is no different.  

NguDoni is one rapper who hast taken up the challenge with ulterior motives. NguDoni wants the whole of Zimbabwe, especially those in the city of Harare to know that he does not bow down to anybody. Having reigned supreme on a Bulawayo’s soil in the last year on a popular Hip Hop platform, Live bars on Rap Lab on a local radio station, NguDoni goes on to reiterate he ‘is still the Mzilikazi boy, a Byo Warrior’ and take on the whole of H-Town if he has to.  

He also does some serious name calling and accusing some of the popular mainstream brands of lacking actual talent but making solely because they friends voted them in. Bulawayo has come to be known as the Hip Hop capital despite all major radio stations, TV channels and Promoters being based in Harare. For the love of the art, Hip Hop has maintained its roots in the City of Kings. NguDoni here is very much against the idea that Harare rappers act like they in the lead and can spit better when both cities are putting in as much effort. 

This is not the first time Harare has tried to stamp its mark in Bulawayo. However it goes, Harare tends to find the going difficult when taking down Bulawayo.  

With this track in particular, I quite much enjoyed the gritty punches thrown towards all would be challengers. NguDoni asserts his post as the apex beefactor when it comes to battle tracks. A clever line in construction, pun and real life reference is the following: “I’m like Rocqui Josphat what he does with his kids, on the mic I keep coming it’s never enough.” This a bar. If you know you know.  

Overally I give this track a 3/5 mics. The flow is good although I feel NguDoni switched up and down one too many times. It’s a challenge though. No we await to see who throws one next. 

 

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Rockie DoUb Ginde Challenge Review

Artist: Rockie DoUb  

Track: #GindeChallenge 

 

By fire by force. The words chanted at the beginning of this latest musical challenge within the Zimbabwean border. The idea of a #challenge is to invariably promote the original track whilst getting as many alternative versions by various artists who take up the challenge. ”Ginde’ is no different. 

“Top five if you ask me, even a ni**a looking for assists couldn’t pass me.” What an intro. Rockie DoUb, the man currently on fire. Having released his sophomore album on the 20 th of February this year, he has been making moves to promote his brand and to keep growing as an artist. Rockie now has a rocking video and a chart topping single despite the current lockdown conditions.

Having worked with Asaph before probably prompted him to take part in the challenge as well for a bit of a flex. In this track Rockie goes all out rapping. Utilizing that unique Bulawayo bar for bar approach, he goes in hard and really shows why he is currently at the top of his game. He encourage other rappers to ‘stop trippin like newbies, it’s all god’s plan.’

I particularly enjoyed the delivery. If Rockie were to deliver with this much power and flex I am sure he would get all the more respect from the streets who acknowledge him as the hustler. Nuff respec’ to Rockie for to spreading the love and giving a shout out to his hommies who are also putting in work.

My overall rating for this track is 3.5/5 mics.

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Mlue Jay's Shooter video review

Artist: Mlue_Jay

Video: Shooter

Links: https://song.link/i/1488014019

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mlue_jay

Instagram: @Mlue_Jay

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/mluejay

Website: www.ywlentertainment.tk

Mlue Jay is one artist from Zimbabwe that I have mad respect for. He take his art and his brand real serious. This gives you the impression that he knows what he is doing, where he is going and how he will get there. This was evidenced in his 2019 grind where he switched to sharing his through music store links. This is beneficial to the artist and for future endorsements. Mlue is now currently based in South Africa and seems to be doing well there for a bubbling act.

The video for the track ‘Shooter’ was shot in South Africa through YWL Entertainment. Mlue edited most and color graded the video himself. This shows how much knowledge one can have when they are in the arts industry as contrasted to letting others handle everything when you know nothing. This is also in line with the theme of the song. 

In ‘Shooter,’ Mlue talks about the need for independence as artists. He praises his own moves in learning more about his trade. He narrates how he has big dreams and is working to build a good life for his family. Promoting independence from external influences like record label, promoters and some sponsors. Mlue Jay here encourages hard work as artists and not to sit and wait for good things but instead to go out and hustle them out.

I would say the track is a good song although he could put in more effort on his lyricism. The video is good with a side story to it and the clips were neat and well balanced.

Overall rating: 3.5/5 mics

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Image Value and Presentation

Let’s talk a little bit about graphic designing. Now this process is something of note. In today’s modern world high quality visuals are an essential part of any company’s presentation. A good design can get straight in the mix with other competing brands. A great design will not only get you noticed, it will earn you trust, the start of a loyal relationship from customers and above all, it will make your company STAND OUT.    This is the key considering that one would find it absolutely futile to have the same identity as an established brand or worse still one you are competing with. Now we’re not saying there is no trend within particular industries. However, remember earlier i said a vital point that every business sets out to be is to STAND OUT.

What does this mean?

In show business, award ceremonies are hosted annually to celebrate new and high achievers. Usually celebrities are born from these, some are born for them. One thing I would like to highlight about these special ceremonies is the award presented last, the most prestigious of them all. The highly esteemed award is presented to the most significant, the best in presentation, the STAND OUT act of that particular year. That’s our cue.

            The STAND OUT act. Wow. In business there is no acting though. Your brand presentation is the first line of attack, as it were. It can be the make or break of your business going forward. If you are not the most significant of your industry, if you do not present yourself with the best quality image your brand deserves to communicate, if you do not STAND OUT, then your chances of receiving any significant recognition are severely marred and stunted.

            Here are some of the reasons it might be so. If you do not have high quality designs:

1)     Your visuals are not significant, striking nor attractive

2)     Your presentation may feel like something people do not want to associate with. This is a major red flag.

3)     Your presentation maybe of something that already exists and may serve to confuse or misguide potential clients.

4)     Potential clients cannot relate. The colours maybe off, style out-dated or plain uncreative (Get with then times)

5)     You do not STAND OUT. There is nothing WOW about you from your presentation.

We all agree no one needs this type of announcement first up. Your business and ideas deserve better. So what do we do?

What to do

What can you do to come out beaming and shining, relative and indeed a STAND OUT character in your industry? I know you have your well set goals and work plan to achieve those. That is great. Let’s sell this to your clients.

1)     Study your Industry.

What’s the general presentation? What are the possibilities? What are the colours? Learn the trends and visualize all the possibilities. Blend these with your own unique ideas.

2)     Study your target market.

Who are they? Where are they? How do you access them? How do they access YOU? What do they like? What do they associate with?

3)     Align yourself with the above in such a way that you come out relevant to the market. You STAND OUT from the completion. Find answers to the questions above and you are well on your way to reaching their hearts and securing potentially beneficial relationships with customers.

Remember: A great visual presentation will get you noticed, earn you trust and loyalty from clients and most valuable, it will make you STAND OUT from the competition.

Chalton V. Moyo

Marketing & Advertising Consultant

apptitudeinc@outlook.com

chaltonm1@gmail.com

www.facebook.com/ApptitudeInc

The Importance of a GOOD First Impression

Conceptual Design is the design process, in which we congest broad outlines of ideas into high quality forms. Clients spearhead this process because really, they know their idea better. Designers and Concept developers are aides to bringing their ideas to something visible and real. As a rule of thumb, the process allows for interactions, sharing of experiences for a consensual final outcome.

What this means is that of all steps taken before putting ones business out to market, one must certainly invest time and money into branding. This can be done after sitting down with your team, partner and or consultant and running some ideas and concepts so as to visualise the final outcome and begin work towards that. Please take note: THIS IS A VITAL STEP that must be taken when entering onto the market and if you have hopes of making any sort of impact and acquiring as much clients as you dream, which I’m sure you do.

Perfect example?

Now why do I say this is very important? For one, imagine this scenario:

It’s a really hot day. You are in need of a particular product to finish a job you have been paid for and u promised to deliver on time. Your trusted suppliers on that day do not have what you need. You’ve visited all of them, store after store with no success.  No one seems to have the particular variable you want in order to deliver the perfect product. You’ve encountered a few counterfeits but you know better. A shoddy job is not an option for an ethical upstanding person like you.

As you are about to give up you notice a rather strange looking store that seems to sell what you are looking for. As you draw closer you see the store has no name hanging outside or printed anywhere. No logo displaying what they do or represent. No window murals or posters. The displays through the window are haphazard. A small set of equipment showing through indicates to you they may have what you are looking for. Before you decide to enter, you hesitate. Let’s stop there. Why the hesitation? You’ve already been searching long and hard for this, why stop now?

The Red Flags

Among other things, the following could are things to take careful consideration of as one venturing into business and also to identify why there was such a reaction about the unknown store.

1.      The store has no visible name:- No identity is a big red flag

2.      No logo:- Logos go hand in glove with association

3.      No advertising (murals and posters) on the store windows

4.      Disorderly merchandise on display

5.      No one referred you. You found it by luck.

Now the last point there is something to talk about. Best tackle that issue in a future article.

The above 5 are some of the red flags presented to us and cause hesitation and eventual dislike thus not winning you over as a customer. The same can be said about your business if you don’t work on your company concepts and design presentation to the public who at first do not know you. Remember: First impressions make a lasting impression. So as you set yourself up to enter the business realm ask yourself these:

·         “How do I want people to view my business?”

·         “How do I want to make a first impression?”

·         “What perception am I giving off as an upcoming entrepreneur?”

These are some questions that can help you get started correctly.

Chalton V. Moyo

Marketing & Advertising Consultant

apptitudeinc@outlook.com

chaltonm1@gmail.com

www.facebook.com/ApptitudeInc

www.apptitudeinc.blogspot.com