In a twist of events dancehall artist, Nutty O has thrown his management under the bus by distancing himself from an earlier released statement.
A statement was released in the wee hours of Sunday morning by Byron Kabaira who is ABX Manager saying Nutty O had left Military Touch Movement to pursue growth.
However this afternoon Nutty O posted a 1-minute video clip saying he has nothing to do with the statement and that a lot was going on that was beyond his control.
Dancehall Star Nutty O has announced that he is leaving the Military Touch Movement (MTM) Label.
In an expected move following visible fissures in the Jah Prayzah MTM label the artist said he was leaving ‘purely for growth reasons.’
The relationship between Nutty O and Jah Prayzah seems to have come to an end following Friday’s events in which Jah Prayzah on his official Page decided to stream live a Nash TV gig in which Tocky Vibes was performing while at the same time his stablemate Nutty O was performing in another ZiFM gig which he ‘ignored.’
The move was interpreted by many as an apparant public rejection of the 2020 Star FM Music Awards Best Dancehall artist.
Nutty O in frustration posted something on his age which he later deleted.
In 2019 Nutty O posted a statement that was interpreted to be aimed at the Military Touch Movement.
He wrote: “The same hand hyping up, same hand killing. It is still the same old story. Black kill black and it’s a stubborn reality.”
However, Nutty O would come and debug the myth by posting that his then Military Touch Movement boss was the biggest artist in Zimbabwe.
He wrote in March: Give Jah Prayzah enough credit and remember Nobody is bigger than him Paden (Home). No argument.
Below is Nutty O’s management full statement on his departure from MTM
Greetings ABX People,
I hope this finds you well and in good health especially in these trying times when the world faces a common enemy: Covid-19. As an entertainment brand we hope that you continue to stay served from the comfort of your homes.
In light of the recent events that have fueled multiple sentiments as well as the speculation of Nutty O’s MTM exit I feel it can only be put to rest with an official statement making clear what needs to be.
Nutty O joined MTM at the fall of 2016 with the official label work commencing in January 2017. This move still remains one of the brand milestones having received the privilege to work alongside a heavyweight talent like Jah Prayzah.
Over the years the Nutty O brand has continued to grow both home and abroad and it is unthinkable not to appreciate how much the MTM association has helped prop up the Nutty O brand where possible.
We wish to put it on record that Nutty O will be leaving the MTM arrangement purely for growth reasons. One can only conquer the forests by walking through them.
It will always not be easy setting foot on unchattered ground but it is through exploration that great discoveries come. With everything learnt we hope to continue pursuing the ABX Vision simply summarized as ‘the never ending pursuit of growth’.
We call upon the support of anyone who believes in ABX and what we seek to achieve as a homegrown Zimbabwean brand aiming to carry the national flag to the global stage. Nutty O will not be extinguishing his affiliation with MTM but exploring a different working space.
Keep enjoying the music and don’t forget to share with your family and friends; that’s the easiest way you can help to grow the Nutty O brand.
Sony/ATV Music Publishing South Africa announced it has named Munyaradzi Chanetsa (Munya) A&R Manager, Africa, effective June 1.
In this role, Munyaradzi will be responsible for finding new talent throughout the continent, promoting songwriters’ copyright and careers, and connecting them to larger opportunities around the world.
He will also work closely with colleagues to pitch new and existing repertoire into the marketplace.
Munyaradzi is a prominent music executive in South Africa and throughout the continent. With his A&R and licensing experience spanning over ten years, he has engaged mobile and online platforms, independent record labels, artists and music publishers.
He has also been a featured presenter on music copyright at leading forums in South Africa, Angola, Uganda, Ghana, Nigeria and Zimbabwe.
Rowlin Naicker, Managing Director of Sony/ATV South Africa said, “I have worked with Munya previously and I have no doubt we have a person here who brings with him dedication, passion and experience, which is key as we expand our publishing business across the continent. We are excited to work with him to achieve our goals.”
“Munya is a creative talent with vast experience and a perfect fit for our company and its creative ambitions. With Munya’s position in the creative community both in South Africa and across the African continent he will be a great addition to our global team,” said Guy Henderson, Sony/ATV President, International.
Munyaradzi said, “I am joining a great team of talented people who share my passion, and I just cannot wait to see what we can all achieve together.”
He joins Sony/ATV SA from CAPASSO (Composers, Authors, Publishers Association of SA) where he served as Head of Licensing.
Munyaradzi Chanetsa
Prior to that, Munyaradzi was Head of Operations at Content Connect Africa whilst also assuming the role of Managing Director of Content Connect Ghana and Content Connect International.
Earlier in his career, he was Head of Marketing & Promotions for Putumayo World Music in South Africa, which is based in New York.
Sony/ATV Music Publishing is the #1 global music publisher, which is home to world-class songwriters, legendary catalogs, and industry-leading synchronization licensing and production music businesses.
With an international network of 38 offices, Sony/ATV represents many of the most iconic songs ever written by celebrated songwriters such as The Beatles, Bob. Dylan, Michael Jackson, Carole King, Queen,
The Rolling Stones and Stevie Wonder, as well as contemporary superstars such as Beyoncé, Ed Sheeran, Pharrell Williams, Lady Gaga, Kanye West, P!nk, and Sam Smith.
Sony/ATV South African songwriters include Hugh Masekela, Abdullah Ibrahim, Brenda Fassie, Mdu, DJ Maphorisa, Samthing Soweto, E Kelly,
Freshlyground, Mafikizolo, Mi Casa, Bongeziwe Mabandla, Beatenberg, Celebration, JR, D’Banj, Matthew Mole, Busiswa, Moonchild, and Oskido.
At 25yrs old, Warren Park born rapper R Peels is one of the most visible hip hop artists at the moment.
With three albums under his name and working on his fourth, the hard-working artist can only dream bigger.
A vivid hip hop storyteller, R Peels gets his inspiration from the happenings in society.
“I grew up in the hood and I sing about what I see, the people that I interact with and the things that I meditate on,” he told Zimbuzz in a recent interview.
“I’m a storyteller. I strive to inspire the youth to do the best with what they have.”
Growing up in a time where Lil Wayne was one of the hottest acts that time, R Peels identifies with his music in many ways and says he drew inspiration from the man who brought us countless hits.
“My early hip hop inspiration was Lil Wayne because in my age group he was one artists who were popping.
“I also draw inspiration from T.I, Jay-Z, Rick Ross, Kanye West, Drake, and the likes,” he told Zimbuzz on his musical inspirations.
Locally he gets his inspiration from artists such as Maskiri, Mu Nesti, Noble Stylz, ExQ, “and a whole lot of MCs”.
It’s always intriguing finding out what our favourite artists’ day to day routines are like, but for R Peels his life revolves around the one thing he loves the most — Music.
“Because of lockdown my routine is just like that of most people but during a normal day I will be at the studio recording or selling my merchandise, I sell hoodies,” he said.
R Peel hasn’t escaped the controversial tag from being attached to his back. His disdain and fury at the Zim Hip Hop Awards and that of many platforms is no secret.
He shed light on this outspoken side of his.
“I don’t respect platforms just because they exist, I fight against the systems because that’s what I do and represent,” he explained.
“If you look at the awards, they don’t give them to artists in the hood and if they do, they give them to the whack artists, who are not putting in skill and craft in their music.
“I’m a pioneer in the game, I represent every artist in the ghetto who used the little they had to release their music. Not everyone is privileged to have sponsors,”added R Peels
What does the future look like for R Peels? Well, he dreams of a brighter day for Zim Hip Hop.
“We want to take hip hop to bigger platforms and give people content they relate to,” said the rapper.
Many fans have noted his friendship with comedian Ray Vines. The two have featured in Skits and music videos together.
Ray Vines and R Peels
But how deep does their relationship run?
“He is my friend and partner in the movement. A lot of people don’t know that he is cultured in hip hop. He can also produce and is one of my biggest hype man and fan,” revealed R Peels
And the interview wouldn’t be complete without finding which of the local rappers is the R Peel’s favourite.
He said his favourite Rapper is himself, putting himself in the first position.
He said: “R peels, T Gonzi, Asaph, Dough Major, Crooger, Scrip Mula, Union 5, Tanto Wavie, but the late Oliver Mtukudzi remains my all-time favourite artist
A year after Mlue Jay dropped his top-performing jingle Shisa Shisa he has again pulled the trigger with Shooter which is his latest video.
Shooter is a hip hop track that gives an immediate impression of the rapper which will be further revealed by the details below.
Mlingisi Dombo Moyo also known as MLUE JAY, is a Rap artist & founder of YeahWeLit Entertainment.
He was born and raised in Magwegwe West a suburb in Bulawayo. Mlue Jay was introduced to Rap Music in 2008 and he started recording in 2010.
Mlue Jay is a sound engineer and music producer by profession.
Cal Vin is the only local act who adds to the list of many rappers who have inspired MlueJay’s journey.
The emcee who is yet to record an album has so far released 3 solid projects, THE COME UP (Mix Tape) 2015 – PICTURE PAINT (Mix Tape) 2017 – THEY NEED ME (EP) 2019.
In a fair short space of time, he has performed alongside big names in the music industry such as Kwesta, Sjava, and Emtee.
Mlue Jay celebrates Six (6) nominations and 1 award (best diaspora at the Changamire Festival Awards).
The rapper chronicles his life struggles in the track Uyakhumbula and indeed shooter reflects the undying ambition to be at the top.
He is currently based in South Africa where he has been for the last 6 years and he hopes to make it beyond the African borders.
He boasts of success on his tracks Shisa Shisa and Thula ft Cal Vin which have more than 20k plays on Spotify.
This coming Monday 1 June 20202, local film Cook Off will make history by becoming the first local production to show on popular streaming service Netflix.
Written and directed by Tomas Brickhill and produced by Joe Njagu the hilarious comedy stars Zimbabwean talents including Tendaiishe Chitima, hip hop artist Tendai Nguni formerly known as Tehn Diamond and Jesesi Mungoshi, among several others.
One of the stars of the film is Eugene Zimbudzi who was only 11 years old at the time of filming, making his screen debut as Tapiwa, Anesu’s cheeky and doting son.
Cook-Off follows the journey of Anesu, a down-on-her-luck single mother from Harare’s Budiriro township who becomes a national sensation after she qualifies for Zimbabwe’s top reality TV cooking show, but then finds herself out of her depth battling against professional chefs.
Eugene is the son to one of Zimbabwe’s most successful Model Agency owners Mercy Mushaninga.
Popularly known as Catwalk, Mushaninga is former model and Zim Gossip Models agency founder.
Zimbuzz caught up with her to find out how she and her son are taking in this exciting news.
“I am so happy, and still in shock, I thought we are just going to watch it on our local TV but Joe and Tomas worked so hard and I am grateful that my son was part of a movie that has a team that worked so hard to make things happen,” she told Zimbuzz.
For young Eugene, although an academically gifted child, the ‘big’ news had to be broken down for him to understand the magnitude of the success.
Eugene Zimbudzi and her mother Mercy Mushaninga
“He now does after receiving a video call conference from Tom (Tomas Brickhill) and Joe (Joe Njagu) when the news about Netflix acquiring the movie was revealed,” she said of her son.
The gig was Eugene’s first acting role and her mum said she was shocked at the audition seeing how good he was.
“He was given a script by Tom and he only read it 3 times and he mastered it in that short time that even Tom was impressed,” said Mercy Mushaninga.
Her mother said he discovered her son’s talent when she used to give him poems to recite and perform and said that his ability to read and understand made it easy for him to land and execute the role in Cook Off
Some of Eugene Zimbudzi’s acting idols include Antony Anderson, Will Smith, and Calia Marsai Martin an American actress known for her role as Diane Johnson in the ABC comedy series Black-ish.
It’s not quite clear yet what the artist meant by a dark place, but the socials are just great their favourite singer has found his voice again.
He has been bashed by erstwhile colleague DJ Towers over the last year or so but in Takura-class, he has been nonchalant about the whole ordeal.
Takura also teased a new release, posting a picture together with the glamourous ZTN presenter Charmaine Chasweka who has found fame during the Passion Java-powered ‘Gara Mumba Iwe shows’
The tweet contains a hint on the release date of a song ‘03/06/20′ and judging this Instagram teaser the song will be accompanied by a video.
In a story carried by Zimbuzz in February, the trap soul singer said he was working on the Relationship Goals 2 album.
“We did the first one two years ago, the one with the song Mai Mwana, so we ranare doing a second one and it’s going to have five songs.
It’s going be a whole new side of me, something that people have never even imagined that they could ever see from me. So I’m pretty excited about that,” he told Zimbuzz then.
Earlier in the year, Takura joined forces with the organisers of Old Mutual Amazing Voices to be one of the selectors, identifying the most suitable candidates to take part in the show, which ran on Zambezi Magic channel on DStv, in the 5pm time slot each Sunday.
King City Hip Hop Sessions is a series of monthly compilation of hip-hop songs from the city of kings – Bulawayo
The platform was created by hip-hop heads in an attempt to bridge the gap and spread hip-hop from Bulawayo to a wider audience.
King City Hip Hop Sessions is curated by some of the longest-serving hip-hop heads in the City of Bulawayo
This month’s edition features seasoned rappers Benny jones, Navy seal, CAL_VIN, k_tox,c.t.l, Tamuka (UK based) and the cipher drop is taken from a 2010 release #mic a blaze’s finest still sounding fresh which had the likes of Nafuna CEO Enqore, Tonelakeside, Prozac, Icey, orthodox six among others
Listen to KingCity Hip-hop Sessions Vol. 2 by KingCity-TV on #SoundCloud
As Africa Month comes to a close MultiChoice Zimbabwe will be hosting a ‘watch party’ that will feature multi-award-winning dancer and choreographer John Cole together with spinner DJ Smith.
The purpose of the Watch Party is to give Zimbabweans an entertainment selection of the varied music of Africa in their own homes.
The Celebrate Africa Watch Party will be broadcast on Facebook from 3pm to 4pm on Saturday May 30, hosted on the DStvZimbabwe page by MultiChoice Zimbabwe.
“Popular DJ Smith will bring the music to viewers and award-winning choreographer and dancer John Cole will add some slick moves to the fun event,” said Liz Dziva, publicity and public relations manager of MultiChoice Zimbabwe.
The pair will be based at The Venue, a leading banqueting and events centre in Avondale, Harare.
The Venue will provide a prize of a dinner for two for a lucky viewer, while MultiChoice adds to the excitement with a prize of a brand new decoder.
“It’s all about music, dance, home entertainment and fun, all centred around the fascinating and vibrant music of Africa,” said Ms Dziva.
“And even more fun, it is open to everyone and we look forward to the sharing of images of people celebrating the music in their homes as we move through an exciting hour of joy.”
Multi-Award winning rapper Stunner and DJ Towers are some of the few individuals that are preventing Zim Hip Hop from growing, said new rapper Senaboy.
The young artist said this in a video where he was responding to some of the questions that were posed to him.
On DJ Tower, Senaboy said the ‘DJ’ tried too hard to be the face of the new school but his actions ridicule the genre.
He explained that DJ Towers dances in his underwear on Instagram and that causes people to look at hip hop in a negative way.
DJ Towers was also accused of what Senaboy termed “Favour of a Favour System.”
He explained that DJ Towers only hypes up people that do favours for him and promotes them as the Faces of Zim Hip Hop which is a “misrepresentation of the data”
Another serious allegation was levelled against DJ Towers.
“If you refuse to work with him he cyberbullies you, something we don’t want our genre to be associated with because people have committed suicide over cyberbullying,” claims Senaboy.
Senaboy was referring to Towers’ incessant attacks on Takura that began sometime last year.
Senaboy said Stunner is needed in hip hop but he has been behaving like a child.
Stunner got the stick for his 2018 song ‘Maindiitisa’ in which he bemoaned the impracticality of the education system.
However, Senaboy’s interpretation was that Stunner was decampaigning education, again he said such lyrics paint a bad picture of a genre that discourages young kids from going to school.
Stunner and DJ Towers have been given what he said ‘2hrs to respond with a reasonable response and failure to do that ‘there’s danger awaiting,’
Watch the video below
Update: Senaboy has dropped a diss track titled ‘Kupindura Matadza’ (Dj Towers and Stunner Diss)
