 | Sniper Storm Role Models: Tupac, The Fugees,Dr Dre, Beanie Man, Bounty Kiler, Buju Banton, Leonard Dembo and Alick MachesoInspired by -Delani Makhalima.Favourite artist – Decibel Born in 1979,Donald Chirisa Better known to many as Sniper Storm has been a musician since his high school days at Seke 4 High in Chitungwiza, Sniper's parents divorced while the singer was still very young, Sniper was then raised by his Grandmother in Waterfalls,Singing Career: 'I entered an emceeing contest in 1999, where we battled on the mic at Live Wire Nightclub with the likes of Major E, Daddy D, Booker T and other artists. After a crowd shocking performance, it made me realise my full potential and after writing a few more songs, I started performing in clubs. |
In 2000 I was introduced to Delani Makhalima who was a producer at Shamiso Entertainment founded by Gilbert Muvavarirwa and Mo Vip Studios by Innocent Tshuma the radio personality’. In the year 2000 he recorded Dem Wanna Know Me a single featured on the Gone Platinum Compilation CD by Mo Vip studios. He also then featured on David Chifunyise’s remix of the hit, Tauya Naye which was on the ground breaking compilation CD album ‘The Future’ by Shamiso Records , which was his second studio recording. The same year, as more local artists emerged, Sniper went on to join Galaxy Records a stable founded by then hottest producer Delani Makhalima in 2002 who had left Shamiso Records. There he recorded and released a single , Gede which enjoyed extensive airplay on radio, featured on Plaxedes Wenyika’s 2002 track Zam Zam, Roy & Royce’s hit single Handirege and Willom Tight’s, Nhamo. In 2004 after leaving Galaxy records and going unsigned mid 2003, he established his name on the Zimbabwean local music scene – thanks to the much hyped 75 percent local content on radio, introduced by Former Minister of Information Jonathan Moyo. Still at Galaxy he recorded the smash hit single Bhinya followed up by ‘Skirt fulla meat’ on his self produced riddim Bubble gummer which he later released on his 2005 Debut Album, Ndakabata Mic 2009. Ndakabata Mic 2009 was the first hardcore Reggae Dancehall album to be released in Zimbabwe, which reflected life in the ghetto and youth mentality. The album included more hits like One Room, Bhinya, Muno (hazvisi bho), Mai Chisamba, Ndakabata Mic, Gede, Kechi One and just to mention a few. Ndakabata Mic and Muno ( Hazvisi Bhooo) had a videos made and released for them. All these received extensive radio and TV airplay.In 2006, 1year down the line, Sniper was a house-hold name, inspiration a cult hero for many youths growing up in the impoverished streets of Zimbabwe’s major urban centers and towns. Ndakabata Mic 2009 was well received.Sniper has featured on many projects since, Including Extra Large’s Roja Dance, Aiwa Mukoma and Wonde. Today Sniper Storm now branded as "The General ina de army" Musoja, or "Mdhara Sniper". Being the first successful hard core dancehall artist, he has set the standard on the local reggae dancehall scene in music production and performance. He is the pioneer and has always been a trendsetter.Performances at National Galas around the country remind every one of how important Sniper is in the dancehall fraternity and music industry as a whole. Sniper has performed in most venues and almost every town in Zimbabwe. |
As a musician, he has performed on all platforms prime and small covering all social sections of the population. Outside the borders he has staged in Cape Town, Jo-Burg South Africa, Zambia and Mozambique. On stage Sniper has shared the mic with reggae guru Luciano from Jamaica, Malaika, Peach Black Afro from South Africa and big names on the local scene such as Aleck Macheso. In England he performed at the SAMA music festival 2009, Zim Fest 2009 and other small club appearances MVP (Luton) alongside King Alfred and Jamaica’s Tony Mattaron, Club Escape at Strattford Rex again with King Alfred."The Voice" the album that defines Quality from Quantity is the latest release and is a cut above the rest showcasing once again Snipers' versatility in song writing and production skills. Songs to lookout for are Musoja, Paradise, Chirungu, Handimude, Dhandahead, Joy, Fat n' Sexy from the 20 track album. |  |
 | ZK aka Zimbabwe Kid From the moment you hear the drums roll and the unique vocals of this motherland wordsmith, you can tell ZK aka ZIMBABWE KID is truly something special. Born and raised in Zimbabwe, the KID's musical influences range far and wide. "I always had love for traditional Zimbabwean music, Rhumba, Kwaito, Old School R&B, Reggae and Rap. In short, I started rapping in high school, right around Form 4. I used to recite my favorite rappers' verses and I made my first beat and wrote my first rhymes in college. |
Ever since then I never stopped because it came naturally to me and it has never felt like work," says ZIMBABWE KID. GOD BLESS THE FLOW Vol. 1 & GREAT ZIM are the new independent albums by ZIMBABWE KID. Relentless production from the KID that is sure to shift the industry standards from the get go. If it leaves you feeling like you are in the Caribbean, East/West Coast, the Dirty South or even back in Africa, just chill, kick back and relax and let that KID take you on a ride. |
 | Winky D Winky D is one man who has lyrics that will continue inspiring you long after the track has stopped playing. His emotionally charged lyrics are the opposite of his soft spoken and sociable personality. He is the kind of person whom one would not hesitate to spend the whole day chatting to. His ghetto schooling was a prophetic reflection of the powerful lyrics which have become his life. He is armed with a hunger for educating the people about the group of people very much taken for granted and life taken for a joke. |
On the other hand, his love lyrics inspire people to love others truly, for what they are not reflections of their images of what they want them to be. Basically, my drive is that malnourished child, that man who is angry at whoever made plastic sneakers which became torn after being worn for a week, that teenager who is abusing drugs and other harmful substances, girl listening to the voices of peer pressure and suddenly engages in 'DARK' activities. In our youthful days we always impatiently look forward to the days when we will be grown ups. Different people have differing views concerning what it means to be a grown up. Many point at being 'independent of my parents and community in whatever I do'. However, the above is not true for Winky D, who ever since his youthful days felt that this concept of independence was overemphasised very much to the expense of significant others in our lives. In the ghetto he feels independence should mean 'having a loving heart for all the others'. This mindset is greatly shown in his powerful lyrics. Negligence of these others will lead to 'continuation of problems inherent in the ghetto like prostitution, robbery, thuggery, poverty, to mention but a few. This guiding principle is one distinctive feature about Winky D's lyrics. Born Wallace Chirumiko on 1 February 1983 in Harare, Winky D always showed a lively interest in music ever since his childhood years as the mother confirms. He, very much unusual for ghetto youths at this age strived to keep a collection of Ragga audio tapes as early as Grade 3. Winky D started featuring in the GHETTO LANE CLASHES against elderly contestants, and his victories in these contests came as a result of his skill at selecting the best dancehall tunes. This earned him great respect amongst the Ghetto youths who gave him the nickname Winky D from Wicked Deejay. At secondary school came another boost for the talents of Winky D, when he was nominated by his colleagues to play music at all school functions. This led to a sober appreciation of Winky's musical talents by his elder brother, Wellington who volunteered to buy him CDs and vinyls if he started a sound. He started off as Supa Youths with a friend, but due to the friend's continued absence because of school commitments, Winky collaborated with Garry B, another friend to form Dark Child. Winky D became the first school kid to play at the popular Tube Nite Spot at the tender age of 16. He clashed with big names in Dancehall like Alkebulani, New Generation, Shocking Vibes and Delta Force. He won several of these clashes and in no time Winky was a force to reckon with in the dancehall industry. |
In 2002 Winky D won the prestigious Sports Centre Cup Clash hosted by the big name in dancehall Jah B of Stereo One. In the same year Winky D earned a contract to play at Club Tropicana (Dancehall Segments). Much to the surprise of people Winky D hosted the above-mentioned Cup clash in 2003 alongside Rough Mix's Templeman. In the same year Winky D thrashed the seasoned champion sound, Silverstone, after which he revived the Ghetto VS Ghetto sound wars to help boost the dancehall skills of other Ghetto youths. His voice, unlike the voices of other MC's as people noticed was worthy of loads of praise than mere admiration. There was a golden side to it, which led people to encourage Winky D to try his voice at singing. However, this was no new field to Winky D as he said' l had written so many songs as I was growing up. With the help of Bonslag of BlackLab Records, Winky went into the recording studio. His first songs in the dancehall like Chamba, Zhing Zhong, Zvindakwenya, Kumbudzi, Mu Rasta, The Don & Head Inna War coupled by his ingenious stage performance set the dance floors very busy and the single was reviewed in the national weekly, SundayMail |  |
Ever since Winky D has not turned back, we have seen Winky being invited to present Rockers Vibes, (a musical programme) on Zimababwe national television, ZTV. Winky D has become the new icon for Zimbabwean reggae with nicknames like, “King of Dancehall”, “The Prophet”, “Mutumwa”, "The Poor People Devotee", "The Big Man" and “Truthsayer” being attached to him in the ghettos. Info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winky_D |
 | Zizo aka Junia B Zizo aka Junia B was born in Harare in the early 80s as a young boy growing up in a family of 8 children he was introduced to different types of music by his older brothers who to him gave him the inspiration and knowledge that enabled him to be where he is now. Hip hop was his first love and then reggae music in the early 90s so much that in primary school at a mere age of 8 he would perform in talent shows imitating artists like Shabba Ranks and many more artists that were well known at that time. In 1998 he met the late great Max Nyamhondi aka N.M.E who inspired him with his potent vernacular Shona lyrics to start writing his own songs. For him at first it was just a means to get attention and respect amongst his friends then when N.M.E moved to Mutare, they later linked up and did a couple of mixed tapes together with Maraz a Swedish producer who was based in Mutare. |
He later joined a hip hop group called N.A.T.S which was founded by Abisha Mawoyo aka Duce. Naughty and Troublesome was well known in Mutare but didn’t survive long with the departure of Duce to Canada. Zizo completed his High school went back to Harare where he teamed up with his child hood friend Taurai to form yet again a group called Notely Vale writing lyrics reciting them on street corners but the break he was looking for was far from being real yet. They hosted local parties where they would freestyle and at one of these parties that’s where his breakthrough finally came when he met a childhood friend Paul Chiweza aka Horesio who was a producer/promoter and they linked up worked together with Tich Mataz,Pro flow and Flavious on the Good Shall Shine project. This was to be his first ever serious recording and with the help of Taurai he wrote melodies raps and made beats but still he got no air play on nation radio and his dreams where again smashed. |
He decided to go back to school did his A Levels and at school he teamed up with two reggae artist he had met during his days in Mutare then they started writing together and because of his multi talent he picked up a unique style of rapping that entwined into reggae so much that there was no more turning back. In 2003 Zizo relocated to Vienna Austria where he recorded his first single on the Hard Times riddim called Dangerous Times with Nana Gyan a Ghanian artist. His first single was widely played on local radio stations in Europe and in Ghana which gave him credibility when he joined the record label Rikitik, performing all over Austria with hits like A Love So True tune up selector featuring Cloud Tessa a well known East African reggae artist and his most recent single called prostitute for love featuring him and Tsitsi. Zizo is currently based in Vienna Austria where he is a free lance producer and artist working with different artist in different trades of music.He had the opportunity to work with a lot of different artists at home and abroad where he admits they all inspired him to be where he is. He worked with Allen Mushore a mentor and a teacher, Moti Mari, T.G, Item7 from Nigeria, Inzongizi Band, Ramadu, PReal to mention a few. He performed at Wiesen Sunsplash, Arena, Donau festival with the likes of Sean Paul, Buju Banton and a lot more Jamaican artist. |  |
He is currently working on his album which will be due in stores mid summer 2009. His inspiration is his late mom and all the people around him that inspire his thoughts and actions and all positive artists around the world spreading their message in art poetry and music. |
 | Cee Jay Cee Jay is a singer/rapper/producer and artist based in Texas USA since 1999. He created his Rudeboy Ent imprint upon moving to Texas having been born and raised in Harare whereupon he came up in National then Belvedere as a teenager. Cee Jay was always involved in Talent Shows and partook in TV informercials such as North Star sneakers, Aim toothpaste and StarBrite Talent Show. Known all through the High School circuit for being a singer and dancer, Cee Jay started to grow his musical gift through playing the brass section in the Prince Edward high school band, singing in the choir and learning guitar lessons from close friend Edwin Hama and Ilanga band. In the USA, Cee Jay would rap and sing in underground Hip Hop clubs as he perfected his craft and recorded and sold thousands of independent cds while creating a great following with his 05 hit single Quarterback which received spins on local love shows on K104 radio and 97.9 The Beat in Texas. |
He has shared the stage with artists like Red Rat, Jagged Edge, Tuku, Craig David, Macheso and Allan Chimbetu in UK, Kanda Bongoman, Lil Wayne and Mario, Pleasure P and Bobby Valentino but maintains his originality as a Zimbabwean artist. In 08 Cee Jay worked with more national US acts like Plies and Pleasure P .He is also a three time winner of Zimdancehall award winner for the most inspirational song dedicated to the life of Lucky Dube called Tell Me Why off the Konzeresa riddim by Jusa of ABRA. |
Now for the third time in 3 years Cee will take his show on the road in April around the USA, UK Aldershot at Sahara, London as a guest at Panache parties and Woking at Bed Bar and the final showdown in Harare at The Mannenberg and lastly in Bulawayo. Cee Jay will also partake in the high esteemed HIFA festival in Harare this year alongside John Lenon Pfumojena .This year Cee Jay will also be the closing act for the 3rd annual Zimdancehall awards held in Leicester on May 2nd along with Slaggy Yout. The Tour is tagged ZiyaSpora Tour meaning diaspora and sweat from hard labour .Guest artist will include Cynthia Mare, Shayndingz, Courage KillaJow, Snaka Dread,Dubbie Benzie and Melvin C.The tour is to promote his current cd realease called One Ariega. Cee Jays videos, live shows and cds and dates can be reviewed at www.rudeboy-records.com |  |
| Allen Daura When soulful hip-hop has become obscure and urban rap is too commercial and materialistic. A self-motivated lyricist steps up old school style with a blend of traditional and experimental methods to produce a distinct sound in the hip-hop underground set in the U. Currently building a buzz across the pond and back with his Tirimo Tirimo Riddim which has over 20 International Dancehall MC’s doing versions from the US, Jamaica, Canada, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Malaysia and the UK. A/D has also been commissioned to Executive Produce the Kettering’s Got Talent 09 album, with a select group of young crooners and verbal purveyors. | 
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| Cheekily poking at pressing social issues from racism, politics, family values and relationships, meanwhile abstaining from the preachy, obscene or derogatory scene. With definite party starter Jump Off’s and urban commentary A/D walks the fine line between respect for the art and mass appeal with finesse and ease. Oozing charm and metaphors on Chimbomira, A/D has a point to prove with impressive flows and grinding bass lines the world have not heard in a long time. www.dreamstateprojects.co.uk |
| Sugaspott In recent years, critics, fans and artists alike have lamented the turning tide in hip hop. It is commercially successful, it is the voice of a generation and it is the world’s music—all positive things. But, despite its diverse audience, it often seems like the artists themselves are not as diverse. How often have we read this bio: said emcee was raised in the projects, hustled drugs to make ends meet, got shot, learned his life lesson and pursued music as an alternative? How many times can we hear about rim size, candy paint, big booties and pushing weight? How many more rap videos will be shot around a pool filled with half-naked women? Hip hop can make you dance, yes. But can it make you think? What happened to the days when rappers had distinctly different personalities and styles? Has hip hop just become a parody of itself? Sugaspott is trying to fill the shoes of a rapper’s rapper. He aims to achieve this by “giving your idols a thought provoking ultimatum of vocabulary intelligence injection. Does that make sense?” he asks. No one seems to understand but he reckons that’s exactly what his purpose on earth is. It all seems to benevolent but considering he was born in the sub-Saharan wintertime in Zimbabwe on June the 14 1984, he certainly seems to know what he expects from any situation and handles himself with outstanding charisma. | 
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Attending boarding school (which he is at pains to point out that it is no easy feat in a place like Zimbabwe) and learning Literature in English, he immediately went to work developing his natural writing ability and began impressing his neighborhood friends with witty and yet intelligent militant spurning revolutionary rhymes that were to say at the very least futuristic. And while Sugaspott might enjoy the finer things in life like all of us, he’s not afraid to tackle subjects like self-empowerment, love, the importance of education and being aware of world issues. Musically, he’ll get down and dirty with a Demozilla banger, ride an R&B beat from Sunny P. or bridge the gap Okinawa-style with his cousin, Super Producer Spunky Genius. It is this artistic diversity that Sugaspott hopes will influence the next generation of emcees. “The emcee’s who don’t know who Tupac and Biggie really were. The rappers who think its okay for the one rapper to declare war and say something like I’ll end your career. I don’t know but we should start to act more responsibly. There are so many talented individuals but a failing society nonetheless.” After a lot of deliberating he eventually donned a pair of headphones and went behind the decks as he sought to establish himself in his Childhood City of Mutare in Zimbabwe. It would take a lot of hard work and critical acclaim before being acknowledged and honored in a collection of Mutare’s finest dj’s. “Being a good dj gave me access to just about all the acts who were trying to make their names coz they always wanted me to play their shit. The established artists would always want you to be on the 1’s and 2’s for their set on stage”. |
| Being a good dj gave me access to just about all the acts who were trying to make their names coz they always wanted me to play their shit. The established artists would always want you to be on the 1’s and 2’s for their set on stage”. Back in the neighborhood his boys were itching to rap and put vocals to vinyl so he left the dj booth and moved onto a new phase. It would take 6 yrs and half a million miles walked in all before this very day would manifest itself. |
| Roki aka Rocqui Zimbabwe's own superstar, Rockford T Josphats, fondly known as Roki, has been rocking the region for close to ten years straight out of Zimbabwe’s capital, Harare. Born in Zimbabwe in 1985, Roki made his debut in 2001 after releasing hits such as Seiko, Suzanna and countless contributions to the urban music revolution of Zimbabwe. Proud holder of the "most Promising Artist for 2003" through the prestigious National Arts merit Awards of Zimbabwe (NAMA), Roki has made a name for himself as a first class producer, gifted songwriter, exceptional performer and musician extraordinaire. His album which carried the undying hit "Chidzoka"won best video of the year and song of the year in 2007. Since then he has released the forty track-album "R and L", "Karma”, “Roki At Last" and featured on two award winning compilations. |
He has done seven award winning collaborations in Zimbabwe and Zambia, with the promise of two major international collaborations with Joe Thomas and Oliver Mtukudzi. His dance teacher and choreographer Basil "Dragon" Chirengendure co-ordinates and masterminds for all the performances. He has wowed crowds with over eighty regional African performances and came third out of fifteen in a German music poll. To date his videos and songs are receiving thousands of viewings on YouTube and has received over fifteen thousand hits in the last nine months. As a passionate dancer, Roki’s work and character are manifested in the wonderfully creative routines he displays on stage. With top Zimbabwean Urban-Afro dance outfit Chocolate City, Roki has broken culture, language and color barriers by uniting all forms of dance on one stage. Apart from his famed musical career, Roki also contributed to his community by setting up studios in Zimbabwe to train and accommodate the young talent that is working its way to the main stream. One such place is S.O.S Children’s village in Harare where many artists have been discovered and produced by the man himself. Roki has also been a good hope ambassador for the United Nations since 2003, performing at charity concerts held by UNICEF, UNFPA and UNIC to promote Aids awareness and gender equality. |
As a family man Roki hopes to form a family band comprising of his four children to succeed him and carry on his work he has dedicated his life too. He is currently working on a new album which is still untitled with one of Africa s most talented and versatile Hip Hop and RnB producers Shay-Zar of Tha Mix Masterz/Gandanga Music Inc. |  |
| Shay-Zar "I Am the Dopest producer On The Planet, period!!!!!!" Tha Mix Masterz are a Zimbabwean based group of talented young music producers, Djs, artists, dance cheorographers and beat-makers.Comprised of Dj Trickx, Shay-Zar also known as Shingirayi Zimanyi and Ginx "tha brain squeeze". Their style of mixing and mastering is notorious for its amazing diversity and complex originality.They specialize in perfecting the art of high-end music production and dance cherography for music videos,hence they called themselves tha Mix Masterz. Under its watchfull wing they have recently recruited young and up-coming beat-Maker Big Midget.Currently signed to their music label is Mc Chita,Simz 27 and Kay.They are most famed for recording the biggest ever Hip Hop Albums to come out of Zimbabwe called the Zim Hip Hop Greats Volume series and for taking Zimbabwean Hip Hop to the next international level.Management of Tha Mix Masterz is done with Gandanga Records executive Metaphysics aka herbert Swamborn. |
 | Mc Chita Son of a Zimbabwean Ambassodor to New York,USA Steven Chiketa,Mc Chita aka Chitariso Chiketa,spent most of his life travelling from country to country.In 2004, Mc Chita released his debut album Destination Reality, though it didnt do as well as hoped,it helped cement Mc Chita s name in the Zimbabwean music scene. Now in 2009, he released a chart topping sophomore album "2634. The Hussle,The Struggle, The Life". Produced by Tha Mix Masterz, this album has been critically acclaimed as one of the best rap albums to ever come out of Zimbabwe in the last decade. Mc Chita was born In Moscow,Russia as Chitarisiro Chiketa, son of a Zimbabwean Ambassador to new York, USA, Steven Chiketa. He spent most of his life travelling from country to country from the United Kingdom all the way to Iran. |
He spent most of his life travelling from country to country from the United Kingdom all the way to Iran. He has appeared on various underground Hip Hop circuits,with appearances on Ruff Cuts Miss malaika soundtrack, Brown Sugars Running laps, Pyramid Music s Pungwe and Bira lps.After appearing on those albums he released his debut album Destination Reality,which helped cement Mc Chita s name in the Zimbabwean Music scene.Mc Chita also released two mixtapes under an Australian entertainment company called Hitbangers and also appeared on Dj Peeweeys mixtape 25tolyf.His guest appearance on the critically acclaimed underground album Zim Hip Hop Greats vol 1 Compilation,which was produced by Tha Mix Masterz lead him to be signed under their label.In April 2009,Mc Chita finally released his long awaited sophomore album 2634"The Hustle,The Struggle,The Life". |
The concept of the album was about the representation of life in harare,Zimbabwe during its last turbulent decade where people hussled hard looking for a one way ticket from rags to riches (diamond dealings,the fast life of women,cars,foregn currency tradings on the stock market,politics,etc) all summed up in one album. Mc Chita is currently working on a new album titled "The Ambassadors Son". Label: Tha Mix Masterz Manager: Kuda Chiremba, Patrick Zimanyi, Shingirai Zimanyi |  |
 | Dizzy Dee Landing soulful,hard hitting lyrics, Dizzy dee a.k.a Desire Sibanda is one of the best upcoming reggae/dancehall artists to step on the Australian reggae scene. Originally from Zimbabwe he has worked and shared stages all over the Pacific with big names in the industry including the likes of Richie Spice, Luciano, Jah Mason, Mikey General (Jamaica) Rodney P & Skitz (U.K) just to name a few. Dizzy Dee has recorded many singles for compilation albums and more with his long time producer Rebel Child back in Zimbabwe. His discography boasts off more than 25 hits include unreleased material from Zimbabwe dating back to his first song with Rebel Child in 2003 entitled "RASTAMAN". He featured on the Kunta Riddim Album produced by Tony Fresh Chitungwiza) in 2004 and has shared stages with Maskiri, Madzibaba, Jacky B, Alexio Kawara, Sling Shot & Sniper Storm back in Zimbabwe (2004-2006) Currently performing on a regular basis in Melbourne, Australia...... |
Dizzy continues to rock crowds from Stradbrooke Island at the Global Carnival with Mista Savona to Reggae Fyah 2008 Tour in Vanuatu with Jah Mason and back down under! August 2009 Dizzy Dee released his first ever official single recorded in Australia entitled "U DONT CARE". Produced and engineered by Tawanda "Jusa Dementor" Sibotshiwe & Andrew "Red Lion" Shoeman. The CD is available NOW in Melbourne only and contains 5 tracks. Will be on itunes and other retailers in a few weeks. Check this space for updates. |
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 | Yardsteppa Luckmore Pumhu better Known as Yardsteppa came to fame alongside his friends Equinox and Salah King. The trio came together making up the Il’mos crew, initially the name Ilmos is a combination of their names. Yardsteppa is one of the first Generation of pioneering Reggae/Dancehall music artists from Zimbabwe. He recorded his first music at Shamiso studios and also featuring in one of Zimbabwe’s hottest timeless compilation called "The Future album" Produced By Delani Makhalima with tracks like Rastress and Pressure Dem Now. Over the years after leaving Zimbabwe, Steppa has worked on many major shows in Montreal, these included Blackstar Fundraising, Movement Against Racism ,Jamaica Day Show, Montreal Reggae Festival and several live performances. |
He shared shoulders on stage with several international and local artists from Chaka Demus & Pliers, Thomas Mapfumo, DJ Fresh among others. His 2004 Debut album titled 'The Dedication' made its way to top 20 on hitsville ZBC Radio 3 (Now Powerfm). Usacheme topped the Charts for serveral weeks. Other songs like Wave Up Ono hand, Go Girl were also dominant on the charts during that time. The journey for this creative songwriter, Composer and Producer hasn’t been an easy one to reach where he is. Just like how Dr. Dre takes his time to perfect his beat, till the long awaited Detox album comes out, if its ever going to come out? The same comparison can be said about Yardsteppa but with delivery. Based in Montreal, Steppa owns a recording Studio "Riddim Kingz" the studio has been recording underground material for many local upcoming Canadians, with the integration of BYO (Bulawayo) Studios, progress has seen him working with other Zimbabwean artists like Mr Barry among others. Riddim Kingz has been involved in many multimedia activities. The recent project "COMMEMORATION TO LUCKY DUBE" scheduled for the 14th of November has got a lot of response, both on ticket sales and attending RSVP bookings.Based in Montreal, Steppa owns a recording Studio "Riddim Kingz" the studio has been recording underground material for many local upcoming Canadians, with the integration of BYO (Bulawayo) Studios, progress has seen him working with other Zimbabwean artists like Mr Barry among others. Riddim Kingz has been involved in many multimedia activities. The recent project "COMMEMORATION TO LUCKY DUBE" scheduled for the 14th of November has got a lot of response, both on ticket sales and attending RSVP bookings. Based in Montreal, Steppa owns a recording Studio "Riddim Kingz" the studio has been recording underground material for many local upcoming Canadians, with the integration of BYO (Bulawayo) Studios, progress has seen him working with other Zimbabwean artists like Mr Barry among others. Riddim Kingz has been involved in many multimedia activities. The recent project "COMMEMORATION TO LUCKY DUBE" scheduled for the 14th of November has got a lot of response, both on ticket sales and attending RSVP bookings. Focusing on the ILMOS Mixed Tape: This great piece was put together for a listening orgasm, the fresh melodies with unique concepts, show a flipside of Steppa's composing genius, as we await for his second album which is still in the studio lab. This mixed CD will keep you hosted. |
The DJ opens up with an Intro, then you are taken into a groovy club anthem Real Zimbabwean. This song salutes Zimbabweans and promotes the unity and integrity that we have. Some few songs appeared on the previous mixed tape like Warrior. All I know, were all digitally enhanced again. Another track that kept me repeating the CD is the song 'Problem'. Like many Montrealers deeply affected by the police shooting and killing of Freddy Villanueva, an unarmed 18 year old youth of Latin-American origin, Steppa encourages dialogue instead of blows and sends tribute towards the Late Freddy. Like an endless taste of Water, this packed CD will keep u on track. The mixed CD due to be launched on the 14th of November, already claimed over 30 reviews from many prominent figures in Showbiz. That tagged it with 5 thumbs up, based on the production and content. |  |
 | Quashani Bahd Sharon “Shaniqua” Makombeshamu is the force behind Up and Coming Solo Artist Quashani Bahd™ one fifth of Acoustic Accapella local Melbourne outfit Kundalila. Quashani Bahd has previously worked with a variety of Melbourne based Producers to name a few Gangsta Shadow 2004-2005 and Nyasha Hama (France) 2004. Quashani has also featured on tracks like “Roses” 2005 & ‘So Addicted’ 2009 for “JL”- Michael Lang (AUS) and & “The Names’s Shoc-Facta” 2004 for Shoc-Facta (UK). Quashani Bahd on the birth of Regglues… “it’s poetry and sweet melodies infused with life experiences, struggles, hopes, dreams , a passion for reggae and an adoration for the blues and ‘Regglues’ was born”. |
Quashani Bahd debuted on the 23rd of December 2009 at the World Reggae United and was supported by friend, musician and bass guitarist Achol Nhai; The Rebel Lion alongside Sam Owen- Lead Bass Guitar, Matt Graham- Drum and Simon Haeusler- Bass Guitar of local Melbourne Reggae Band Tort Tribe. Quashani has had much success on Reverbnation with her hit singles “Georgey Porgey & Mista Self Important’ which entered the charts at number 15 on the 25th of April 2010 and have since scaled up and risen to Number 4 and currently sit at Number 7. The 2 singles showcase Melbourne’s local talent; Etienne Dinanga of duo Etienne & Rene, Kundalila & Vox Congo , Achol Nhai- The Rebel Lion – Bass Guitarist and last but certainly not least up and coming Reggae Musician Ras Christian - Bongos. |
 | Kyriah Dee Kyriah Dee is a Zimbabwean-born songstress who grew up in a musical family, sister to Afro Jazz singer Prudence Katomeni. However her music interest grew when she came to Ireland and joined the Victory Christian Fellowship. At 18 years old she was leading praise and worship and writing and arranging songs with musicians including her cousin Jean Passion. “Hide me now” a song produced by Jean Passion and written and sang by her was featured on the R3V album released by the church. The two later teamed up as she featured on his Glory of A Woman album on which she did a rendition of the Pillar. At 21 she began writing for her own album teaming up with YN Hitz. The duo came up with the song Amazing Grace which gained radio play online. |
She took part in the CAM-fest (Christian Artists and Musicians Festival) where she was awarded the top prize in late 2008. Also to her credit is winning the 2009 Balbriggan’s got talent show and was also awarded the best Gospel Singer/Performer by the Gospel Music Awards organised by the God’s General Foundation at the end of 2009.She met Jusa Dementor, a producer, artist and CEO of African Bred Recording Artists known as ABRA Tribe who began producing for her album, designed to reach her host generation. As a performer she is known for connecting with her crowd and incredible vocals which have impressed the likes of Shayne Lynch from the pop boy band Boyzone, Former Eurovision Contest winner Linda Martin and creator/host of Emmy Award winning talent show Inspirational Sensation Pastor Don Willis and Mr World 2010 Kamal Ibrahim. Her most notable performances vary from council award shows to Miss Zimbabwe Ireland, Face of Africa Ireland, Miss South Africa Ireland, an opening act for Kirk Franklin live in Dublin and FGM awareness where she performed her upcoming single This Is Personal. |
She has collaborated with Chris Kabs, Jean Passion, Shayndingz, Flavour P and Jusa Dementor. As a songwriter her goal is to reach to young people and to talk about issues that concern the youth and inspire them to seek God for help rather than addiction. Her vocals along and witty song concepts have gotten the industry waiting and watching for a full release. Info: www.myspace.com/kyriahdee http://twitter.com/KyriahDee |  |
 | Liberty Bwanali Liberty Bwanali born 15 September 1986 in a little town Rimuka in the city of Kadoma. Raised by a single mother and life was very hard and struggled for survival. My mother was always finding it difficult to put food on the table for me and my siblings that’s when she left for South Africa a few years ago hoping to find better means to provide for us. Things never changed life got even tougher and that's when my brothers and sisters jumped the border and came to South Africa for a better life. I stayed since I was a little boy at that time but I saw that I had to do something for my own since I had no one to fend for me since none of my family could afford. At 15 I worked as a Gardner and housekeeper for an Indian family in Zimbabwe and I thought that was it for me. I then decided I was also going to jump the border and try see if I can make it in SA.I jumped the border in 2004 and that was the most painful thing I ever done and very dangerous and almost didn't make it. I walked for days in the jungle because of difficulties we had with the car that was taking us to a place were we where supposed to cross Limpopo. We had no food and water for 2 days, I felt on my knees and found it difficult to move but my sister told me there’s light at the end of all this struggle never give up, so we started walking again till we reach Limpopo river. |
It was full of water and we had no choice but cross, I couldn't go back to Zimbabwe life for me was just done there. We had an escort who helped us and put us into a line and we crossed the river and the water was heavy that it was almost an impossible thing to do and for a second I thought I was not going to make it. I had a silent prayer and I asked God to forgive me and make it easy on my Mother. We managed at last and rested on the South African side but soldiers heard that people were crossing; we had to lie still on the ground till they left. Two days of walking and hardships I finally got to Jozi the Land of dreams. Jozi is the place that taught me to be tough and look after myself. I slept in an abandoned house, begged for food and at that time I was living illegally in the country so it was hard to get a job. I did part time work any work I could get till I managed to seek Asylum. I struggled for years and I can tell you from the age of 14 I was gifted with the ability to write music. Most of my music is bitter and i'm disappointed by so many people in my music. I had to grow up quick when I was still a child. I never had fun when I was a teenager because I had to either run from the cops or try getting money so that I can survive. I write my own music and recently I recorded 3 demo singles and it’s already making an impact and that makes me happy and it’s hard to believe that i’m almost there. From nothing to something, my music talks more about my struggle, my family’s and my people. When I say my people its not just Zimbabwean people i’m also talking about the African children. I can go on and on about my pain and struggle but I'm happy that I found music and I'm making the best out of it. I grew up without the taste in music, I only loved sports and playing in the mountains eating fruits and a little bit of hunting. At the age of 13 I felt music for the first time and it wasn't Hip Hop or Rap, it was Sungura genre, which is very popular in my country Zimbabwe. I listened to 2pac's song (Brenda's got a baby) and (Dear Mama) and for the first time I fell in love with Rap. My situation then made me switch from Sungura to Rap music. I had many hardships growing up and that led me to writing my own music and started rapping. |
My first album which i’m currently working on is a dedication to my Mother. She played a role in my life and guides me all the way and now I am what I am coz of her. In just less than a month I’ll be dropping my EP with 12 tracks and i’m thinking of putting in a bonus track. This EP is more of me trying to win an audience and I did a track or two which talks about my pain my struggle and what i’m going through everyday I live. But my promise to the fans is that ill drop the Album just after the EP and the Album will be about Liberty Bwanali. I'm sure you will all enjoy the EP since I worked hard on it and the sound is great. I started writing 2 years ago but it was only last year when I started putting my lyrics together and recorded some demo tracks etc. Life is never easy and what we can all do is try to make the best out of it and that's what i’m doing and I’ll always write music and rap is part of who I am and nothing can take that away from me. Next up I’ll be launching my EP titled "The Experiment" which will be followed by the Album "Jumping the border" Info: www.reverbnation.com/libertymusic www.twitter.com/libertymusic www.facebook.com/libertymusic www.myspace.com/libmaister |  |
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