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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