In the lead up to the new season of Coke Studio Africa, premiering on TV in Zimbabwe and across Africa Feb 2019, here’s a look at Zimbabwean acts who have had a stint with Coke Studio Africa—the non-competitive music collaboration show, bringing together and celebrating the diversity of African music and talent.
Zimbabwean acts have featured on Coke Studio Africa since 2017. It all started withthe husky voiced Jah Prayzah when he made history becoming the first Zimbabwean act to feature on Coke Studio Africa.
He has long courted success and is widely famed for smash hits such as ‘’Gotchi’’, ‘’Maria’’ and ‘’Dande’’. Popularly known as ‘’Musoja’’ to his fans, Jah has enjoyed an expansive career that has seen him release seven commercial albums including ‘’Sungano’’ ‘’Rudo neRunyararo’’, ‘’Ngwarira Kuparara’’, ‘’Tsviriyo’’, ‘’Kumbumura Mhute’’ and ‘’Mdhara Vachauya’’.
He made his debut alongside Ykee Benda of Uganda and Mr Bow from Mozambique on the infectious dancehall jam‘’Superman’’produced by top Tanzanian record producer Nahreel.
Recounting his 2017 Coke Studio Africa experience he said ‘’Coke Studio was a thrilling experience for me. Going into the project without knowing much about what really happens when you are there alone would make anyone nervous but getting to collaborate in making hits that would go on to light up Africa supersedes all the nervousness.
Its was two weeks that I was there but certainly some of the best weeks i will live to recount’’, adding, ‘’ The culture exchange and the way the platform unites artists for one common goal, of showing off our pride as Africa can never be matched by any other experience. It was certainly a period to remember and now forms a part of my Jah Prayzah DNA.’’
Following Jah’s stellar debut performance on the show in 2017, more Zimbabwean acts seem to have followed in his footsteps.
Coke Studio Africa recently unveiled threeleading Zimbabwean acts set to feature on the highly anticipated upcoming new season dubbed Coke Studio 2019. They include acclaimed dancehall singer and songwriter Winky D, rising star Tamy Moyoand highflying producer Young DLC.
Winky D will be
Known for his own unique and captivating twist on reggae, dub, dancehall and afro pop jams, the singer popularly known as Gafa, has managed to keep music lovers on their feet with his catchy music for over a decade now. With his hits like“Disappear” having topped the BBC 1Xtra show, Winky D has stamped his authority as a leading voice if not king to Zimdancehall.
Speaking on his debut at the recording of the show Winky D said‘’It’s a great experience, you get to meet and share ideas with an array of professionals from different backgrounds, vibes and cultures. The integration of different music markets and fraternities is just invaluable’’.
Arguably Zimbabwean hottest female artist at the moment, Tamy Moyo has risen fast commanding a huge following across Zimbabwe and beyond. With one album already under her belt titled “The 18th Roller Coaster”, the 20-year-oldafro pop vocalist is set to deliver her star power and vocal prowess when the new season premieres.
She’s paired with Lourena Nhate from Mozambique and Abush Zeleke of Ethiopia. The pair will be produced by Ugandan prolific producer Daddy Andre.
Speaking on her debut encounter on the show Tamy noted ‘’Coke Studio has been an amazing platform for me.
I got to learn more about the industry. I had a chance to meet interesting people as well and I definitely hope that this opportunity is definitely going to grow my career and my audience. Working with many creatives with different perspectives and backgrounds under one roof taught me patience, endurance and most of all tolerance’’.
Making a stab for the third time is the multi-faceted Young DLC, the record producer, composer and DJ will once again avail his production finesse at Coke Studio Africa this time producing cover tracks, remixes and Christmas jams for all the enlisted stars.
He is the show’s only Zimbabwean professional on the production team and has also long been Coke Studio Africa youngest production team member.
Speaking on his return to the show Young DLC noted ‘’It’s been a phenomenal run, I got to work with Winky D and Tamy Moyo for this upcoming season, we enjoyed a good rapport and am confident that will translate to the music.
I also got work on productions for all the enlisted superstars on various jams which was a very fulfilling experience,’’ adding, Coke Studio Africa is an inherent platform thanks to the interaction of different cultures and rhythms.’’
Once again, lovers of the show will experience new and exciting music fusions; from covers to throwbacks and original compositions.
In anticipation of the show Coke Studio Africa has already released a heartwarming Christmas Playlist set to light up the festive season across the continent. The anticipated new season will be a source of celebration for African content and music, highlighting stories and reunions that you can’t miss!
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