Today at midday, the most awaited mixtape by Kapital K, T.O.S.O.M. (The Other Side Of Me) was released on his official website. It is now available online for playing . To download the mixtape, log on to the website from 6pm today.
Kapital K’s official website is –
http://www.k4kentertainment.com
So go ahead and enjoy T.O.S.O.M!!!!
Tomorrow , a brand new single ‘REVOLUTION’ by Mariachi ft Simz 27 will be officially released to the public. The track is a two part story that most people will relate to as it is real life situations turned into a song.
The first verse speaks of a talented artist who has been around, made his mark and has earned respect because of his art. But he hasnt got it all. He is faced with challenges that threaten the future of his dreams and aspirations. Despite the acknowledgement he has earned from people, not much has paid off to match his greatness and talent. But in his spirit he is quickly reminded that persistance outweighs persecution and if hes to realise his purpose he must rise above his curcumstances. So he has a personal spiritual and emotional revolution to become who he must be.
The second verse is a totally different story but with the same message. It talks about a single mother trying to raise a daughter on her own. (We have many single mothers in Zimbabwe and they are being recognised in this song) This mother has to face life with all its good and bad offerings, as both a mother and father to her daughter. She is working hard to realise her dream and hope of raising a respectful woman on her own. She brushes aside all her worries and struggles and calls for a revolution.
‘REVOLUTION’ was recorded by MacGyver at Ice Reign Records and the instrumental is the work of Jee Juh from the USA. So there it is. The count down begins to the release. Im hopeful that starting tomorrow, we are all going to get inspired to make a ‘revolution’ and turn our individual bad situations around.
October has seen quite a number of Zim Hip Hop artists celebrating their birthday. Today happens to be Spekktrumn ZW’s birthday. To celebrate his earth day, he will release a mixtape at midday today , #IMurkBeats.
#IMurkBeats is a mixtape he did as an apology to the people he kept waiting for W.U.W.4.A.M (While U Wait 4 A Mixtape) since 2010. He chose to release it on October 22 because its his birthday. #IMurkBeats comes as a bithday present FROM him to everyone. He has been rapping for a decade now but never released a mixtape. People who’ve heard him rap got impatient , putting pressure on him to release a mixtape.
By the end of this year, he plans to have released 3 mixtapes – #IMurkBeats (released today), #NoSlackingOvertime (a joint mixtape with Levonte under the alias ‘2 iLL’ (release date-December 5) and #WUW4AM :Snapbacks,Backpacks and Kickbacks (release date – December12).
Download link for #IMurkBeats will be be available online at midday today. Bars 263 would like to wish Spekktrumn ZW a happy birthday. May you continue to strive for greatness and be amazing !!
Last night Alexander Mutumha, KK and Aldrian Harrison had an interview on The Fixx on ZiFm Stereo. This trio is the ‘better’ half of the organising team of this year’s Zim Hip Hop Awards and a week ago, they were on their own, independent from the Hip Hop Unleashed magazine camp. Their interview’s aim was to shed light on preparations for this year’s event as just too many people were lost in the split nonsense.
The trio gave us the best news ever. The magazine team and them have ‘kissed and made up’. They have all sorted their differences and agreed that nothing comes out of selfishness and dis-organisation. Obviously one would ask how they all of a sudden opted for reconciliation and buried the hatchet. It is said the magazine was pressurised to release that other ‘fake’ set of nominations, which was not the ultimate decision of the whole team. They later realised their mistake and worked things out.
Another question would be ‘Should people continue voting on the Hip Hop Unleashed platforms using the rejected set of nominees or they should wait for the one being released on the 25th of October??’ Well there is amazing news. There has been a panel of judges set up to nominate and choose the winner at the end. That is how most awards are handled worldwide. The only award in which people’s input in required is in the people’s choice award. And that is the only award that everyone else will be free to participate. So my advice would be for us to quit voting on the other platform and wait for the 25th to choose your favourite personality.
‘Where will we get the new list of nominees??’ Apparently there is going to be a website separate from Hip Hop Unleashed magazine that will contain all the information anyone would need about the awards. But that doesnt not mean Hip Hop Unleashed have been alienated. They will, like always, publish the ‘official’ list. We can wait for that though.
‘Have the dates changed for the final event??’ No , its still December 12, 2012 at the 7Arts theatre. And there is exciting news!!!!! We are going to have an international artist host this year’s awards. The organising team have not yet revealed who this artist is, its a secret they say. So its not really a bad world after all. We have something to really look forward to!!!
So there it is. No more confusion and rumours. This year’s event is going to happen and we hope its bigger and better than last year’s. For everybody following events, the worst is over. Viva unity!!
I had a question and answer session with Kuda Musasiwa a.k.a. Begotten Sun, the man behind the production of Synik’s ‘SynCity’, the most anticipated Zim Hip Hop album of our time.
He says his first production was on a Yamaha PSR 400 in around 1988 in Australia. He was a kid then and he recorded his piece onto a little Sony tape Walk Man. With inspiration from his dad, he ‘inherited’ the art.
But that was a long time ago. The purpose of this article was to focus on his work now. Like a proud Zimbo and African, Begotten Sun is inspired by the Mbira Dzevadzimu. Mbira is a traditional ‘thumb piano’. Mbira is real and presents the Shona culture in an amazing sound. Because we are in the 21st century, he has decided to add the mbira to modern rhythm. Its not only the mbira that hes adopted into his music. He also has a love for the African drum, ngoma, making room for diversity.
A producer who has a distinct sound and brings out amazing rhythm, inspired by Africa is one who every serious artist wants to be associated with. Locally Begotten Sun has worked with Synik, Metaphysics, Tehn Diamond, Jnr Brown, Aura, Karizma, mUnetsi, Mc Chita and a whole lot more. His genius spread across the borders as he worked with Tumi , Zubz, DKR just to mention a few. If you can notice all the artists mentioned above are acknowledged both locally and across the borders. Most recently Synik’s ‘Syncity’ got reviewed by The Guardian UK newspaper. *a big congratulations to Synik* All of this was achieved by the touch of the master of traditional and modern sound, with Syniks amazing talent too!! It turns out being original and sticking to your roots pays. Yes, it has finacially given returns to the man and credit as well. A lesson to everybody is that where there is sweat , originality and effort there are cheques and recognition.
There is one thing that i always wonder if music producers think about, the issue of using live instrumentation. In this age of technological advancement and amazing music production software,most artists and producers have shun live instruments. Begotten Sun believes that if manipulated right, these softwares can actually replace live instruments but still bring out our African sound.
Another issue bothering me was how this generation can accept traditional sound. The answer was simple. Begotten Sun says if we blend both the old (traditional) and the modern, its easier for ‘kids’ to get it and gradually accept it. This is evident in most Synik songs (NB – Im using the Synik album because it is what most Zimbabweans are familiar with these days). Synik is a rapper. Young people love rap. So when a rapper introduces traditional sound, he is exposing his listeners to both rap and African sound. With time, people will come to accepting it.
Asked if he believes one day Zimbabwe is going to have a distinct sound that will be classified as our identity sound, Begotten Sun gave me a very interesting yet simple response. He says it all lies in Zimbabweans adopting a certain sound, nurturing it and eventually mastering it and maybe make it stand out in the world. A lot of countries world wide have a certain sound they are recognised with, for example India, China, South Africa , Spain, Puerto Rico to mention just a few. It takes all of us to stand out, defending our tradition, taking it up and not letting it die. We need a certain identification sound. Its up to every artist to make this dream happen.
Anyway if you are looking for depth, African identity and world class music production, the man to connect with is Begotten Sun. We’ve seen the projects hes put his hand to go places. Its all in the originality. Be original and see if you fail. The moment you inherit someone else’s stlye, it becomes difficult for you to get recognition. For productions, advice or to just connect with Begotten Sun, send email on kudamusasiwa@gmail.com or follow him on twitter @begottensun .
Bars 263 and Begotten Sun would like to encourage everyone to stay true to their roots, be original and reach greater heights, exhausting all opportunities. Be blessed!!
Today my good friend Monica linked me up with a trio that is about to grace the Zim Hip Hop and music scene. They go by the name Afro Nature.
Afro Nature is made up of three young people, 2 guys and a girl. Sasha(Yung Gifted) and Marlvern (Briss Mbadah) are rappers and Natasha(Tasha) does their hooks. The name Afro Nature was inspired by the fact that this trio is doing hip hop but they want to be identified with the continent they are from. They are proud to be African so they present themselves in an ‘afro nature’. Proof is in the fact that they put across their music in both english and shona (an African language).
Afro Nature does mainly hip hop music, but they garnish it up with pop , rnb and electro funk. I believe variety makes everything interesting and do support this move.
The trio is still new to the scene and are currently working on their debut album thats due to be released by end of year. They are still deciding on an album name though so we will be looking forward to that. Afro Nature works with a new producer on the scene too, Adrian , so we are bound to get fresh new sounds from fresh new minds.
Zimbabwe brace yourselves for this new trio. For those interested in working with this trio, want collabos and/ or hip hop promoters, please feel free to email me on mariannn6@live.com and link up with Afro Nature. Lets all support our new artists and make them part of the Zimbabwean entertainment family. Till end of year when Afro Nature’s debut album drops, lets celebrate our Zimbo Pride!!!!
Zim Hip Hop Diva Tracy Mbeulani aka Trae Yung is turning 24 this month. Happy Birthday Girl!!! Like a diva should, Trae Yung is celebrating her birthday in style.
Trae Yung is hosting a birthday bash at Milton Bowling Club on Saturday October 20th. This hopes to be event of the year as a lot of great Zim Hip Hop and Dancehall artists are scheduled to perform . Expect appearances and performances by Tatea da Mc, Friky Don, Nico Dee, King Labash, Mr Noxa, Dija, Darkface, 8L and many more. This is a tight line up for just a party. Party host/master of ceremony will be MC Cut (dont know if the MC in his name automatically got him this job)
There will be DJ’s too showing off their skill on the decks. Expect to see DJ Nivek, DJ Crash, DJ Thembz and DJ Ash Styles and many more. Abra Simzz, Shastro, Davies Mugadza amongst others will make guest appearances so you do not want to miss this!! And to make it more fun, there will be freestyle slots so if you want to drop a couple of bars, here is your chance to shine!!
Every Zim Hip Hop head and anyone ‘breathing’ is invited to share this special day in partying with Trae Yung. Come and mingle with your favourite Zimbabwean acts and have fun! Milton Bowling Club is at No. 2 McMeekan road , Milton Park, Harare. Party starts at 3pm till very late. Do not be left out!! For more information, call or whatsapp Tendayi on 00263772721284 . Once again, a big happy birthday to Trae Yung. Keep representing the Zimbabwean Sisters!!!!
POY is one of Zimbabwe’s best MC’s and the biggest out of Zimbabwe’s second biggest city, Bulawayo. With that much acknowledgement , he decided to just make ‘more than just a statement’ about how great an artist he is in one of his 2012 offerings, the single ‘Mabomba’.
The song is a nice, great nod -along, sing – along jam perfect for a party or serious club grooving. But what is it exactly that you and i will be dancing to??
So the intro verse talks about him being a whole new super-talented act, who has skill not found in many. He (‘He’ in this case can also mean what the author assumes POY was trying to say) refers to himself as ‘shumba’, lion, which in a round about fashion means King. He says he is the best, a leader at last! He later confirms my assumption of him claiming to be king in the hook.
The second verse has been the driving motivation for me to come up with this article. He says, or rather shuns every artist (hip hop or other genre) who uses Jamaican riddims (instrumentals) for their songs. I believe he was trying to point out their ‘stunted’ creativity. They, to him, clearly have no game plan and are no match for him. He goes on to diss all those who remix American songs plus use American instrumentals. That is a direct diss to most Harare rappers who have made it a trend to use Amercan instrumentals for their Shona songs!! To him that is the deep end of creativity and laziness. He goes on to say he is the ‘GAME HOLDER’. Let me define ‘Game Holder’, from what i derive from the song of course- One who is original, a pioneer , successful artist who is filled with fresh new ideas and concepts.
He claims he is purely chasing paper (money) whilst entertaining and blessing the masses with his amazing talent at the same time. He says in doing all that, he is maintaining a certain ‘royal’ standard, keeping it on a level. And he has made himself many haters like every successful person has, and fans too. He has created a legacy. Some ‘not so focused/talented’ rappers do ont stay around for long, but he has. It is true though. And he is proud of himself for that. So for all those without focus and determination, learn from the King! (i guess that is the message he tried to put accross)
The third verse did bring out his anger and frustration over the years. He says he has been looked down upon, shut out, ignored and not taken seriously by some ‘big wigs’ in the industry! *shout out to all those selfish and shady promoters* But now he doesnt give a damn! If you are one big promoter, producer, DJ or what not, you have nothing on him now. Rather sing along to his music than hate because he has had his fair share of ill-treatment and simply doesnt care anymore. Dance to his rhythm or get out of his way. He finds comfort though in the fact that he has become popular around the country. So poor marketing, bad publicity and everything else horrible is nolonger of importance to him. Give him respect, HE IS KING!!!
The three verses have been bridged together by a hook. Now the hook is quite addictive and very interesting. It is a nice sing along but the message carries just too much pride!! He says he is King (There is an amazing story behind this claim, POY will only allow us to publish it after The Zim Hip Hop awards). He goes on to say he has taken over the throne (Zim Hip Hop) and is dropping ‘mabomba’ (bombs), which simply are hit songs. So the only sensible thing for everyone else to do is to bow down to the king and show some respect to this Royal One. Every other rapper out there , acknowledge His Royal Highness POY for the King is here. Nobody can take him on, even if you do try, he will drop ‘mabomba’ and phase you out!! For good!!
So there it is. The next time you’re bumping this joint in your drive to Murewa or wherever, know that the man is breathing fire.
(Mabomba has a video to back this review and yes of course what the song is all about. Check it out on Youtube http://youtu.be/4XOug5wORAk )
Yesterday local radio got hit by new sounds, ‘We goin’ in’ by Trae Yung, Darkface and Mc Cut.
This jam was recorded 2 years ago, but the artists delayed the release for a suitable season, which happens to be now.
According to Trae Yung, the song was done when she (and the guys) was more focused and geared up for the industry, unlike now where she’s a bit more relaxed and used to the whole ‘being a female Zim Female Mc’ thing. When every artist starts, they are filled with so much enthusiasm to take on the world. That is common and cool. And yes, the industry has welcome the Queen and she is feeling at home. Yet at the same time, like the song suggests, she has ‘gotten in’ and took over!!
Mc Cut says the song talks about how they (Trae Yung, Him and Darkface) have come to take over the streets and show their presence whilst familiarising themselves with the general public and hip hop heads. We all can not wait !! (Its already happening though!!!!)
Behind the production is one of Zimbabwe’s best hip hop producer, Xndr, who i believe has helped a lot of local acts get onto the scene. Bars 263 salutes him for that!!
All said and done, let us all grab some popcorn and watch Trae Yung, Darkface and Mc Cut ‘goin’ in’, taking over the streets (..and the world!!!)
*link coming soon*
Bars 263 