The ZimTainment

Social media was set ablaze recently after raunchy dancer Beverly 'Bev' Sibanda claimed that she was carrying Andy Muridzo's baby.

Beverly Bev Sibanda

The two had been dating and Bev claimed that they engaged in unprotected sex ever since they started seeing each other.

After Andy had made comments about the issue, his ex mistress made a selfie video threatening to stop being talkative or else she was going to do what Olinda Chideme did to Stunner.

Zimbabwean Hip Hop sensation, Tendai “Tehn Diamond” Nguni, is set to embark on a nationwide tour to promote his latest album, A Few Good Poems (AFGP).

Tehn Diamond

The tour which is dubbed Tehn Outta Ten will see him staging 10 shows in different cities across the country starting on February 18.

The album which was released online early this month has been doing well, with tracks such as No Stress (which has an upcoming video) receiving positive spins on national radio stations.

The multi-talented artist will be supported by Ammara Brown, Simba Tagz and Thaiwanda Thai who is a South African based rapper.

The tour will kickoff at Stars Night Club in the capital, before it hits Mutare, Bulawayo, Marondera, Kadoma, Gweru, Zvishavane, Masvingo, Chinhoyi and ends up in Chitungwiza on March 24.



“Although I will be promoting my latest album through this tour, what is important is to get hip hop to a state, where it can compete on a continental scale,” said Tehn Diamond.

“If we can have our own people supporting the genre, it then makes it easier to export," he added

Tehn Diamond

“Zim hip hop must be represented on Africa’s big stages like the MTV Base and the call is for the genre’s followers to support the movement.”

The ten shows have been organised in partnership with Zimboy and Tehn has promised a performance that will go down in the history books, so Hip Hop lovers and everyone else should not miss this one.

Dubbed to be the best Hip Hop Magazine in Zimbabwe, the first issue of the Plugged Inn Magazine is out and available for free download.


The magazine basically gives news of what's happening in the industry, exclusive interviews, business tips for hip hop artists as well as some opinion articles from the team criticising or analysing the status quo of the Hip Hop industry in Zimbabwe.

Be the first to get the Plugged Inn magazine and don't forget to share with your friends and colleagues.

It is a new year and new beginnings for Dobba Don and it seems as if he is one step in fulfilling his new hopes, aspirations and resolutions as he has signed a new contract with Young Gamez Entertainment.

Dobba Don

Dobba Don who is known for dropping Dancehall hits like Mudendere and Mukuru was formerly with TMG Records and efforts to get his comment why he left that camp were not fruitful.

Young Gamez Entertainment which is headed by the current producer of the year at the Changamire Hip Hop Awards, Quazor, and his brother TLB did the paperwork yesterday (28/01/17) that saw Dobba joining the camp.



"With the plans we have for him, yep anoenda kure kure", said Quazor

Quazor has already worked with Dobba Don on a number of tracks which include; Send him to jail (Zambezi riddim), Freedom fighters (Street Livity Riddim), Liar (Cold summer riddim) and he also dropped a verse on the cover of We are the world (African version).

The new contract also sees Young Gamez Entertainment taking over the managerial role on Dobba's career.

Dobba Don is a really talented young artiste and we certainly hope that he is going to blow up this year.

Singer and song writer Hillzy has just penned an appreciation song to a beautiful girl whom he feels might be the right bride for him.



Produced by Mr Masinh, the track is titled Muroora (bride) and Hillzy tells us how beautiful and well behaved the girl is.

Lately Hillzy has become a favourite of many girls because of his voice and love songs which he pens but this track resonates with both girls and boys.

His delivery on this track was on point and thanks to Mr Masinh who keeps on dropping fire beats for the South African based artiste.

Muroora is a song not to miss on your playlist right now. Below are download links and where you can buy Hillzy's music.

 

Organiser of the Harare International Festival of the Arts (HIFA) said preparations of the six-day fiesta are going according to plan and they were now vetting the applications.



The festivals associate executive director, Tafadzwa Simba said they were pleased with the response from the public, adding that the programme would be rolled out to the public in the coming weeks.

“Preparations have progressed well. The call for artistic applications closed on December 31 and they are now being assessed. The response has been terrific and applications from all over the world have come in,” he said.

Simba said audiences should expect the same high standard of local and foreign artistic talent being showcased at the festival to be held from May 2 to 7 under the theme Next Level.

Considered among the top festivals in Africa and the world, the fête covers six main genres, namely theatre, dance, music, circus, applied art and design, fashion and spoken word.

So it is now 2017 and there is probably a kid out there who is thinking about forming a Hip Hop group with his or her friends, but, the success of prior Hip Hop groups in Zimbabwe is a factor which the kid will take into consideration on whether he or she should go solo or nah.



Talking of Hip Hop or rap groups in Zimbabwe The ZimTainment has come up with a list of some of the groups which ever existed in Zimbabwe. The list might be too short but if there is any group which was/is left you are welcome to share with us.

Zimbabwe Legit

A Peace of Ebony

MMT 

Few Kings

Masofa Panze 

Blacperl and Noble Stylz

Other Hip Hop groups which were influential in the rise of the genre were Blazer Boys which consisted of Alkami and Yachi and also DiElectrict Blue which had Upmost and Outspoken.

There might be more Hip Hop groups in Zimbabwe which might not have been mentioned but the above mentioned had an impact on the growth of the genre and some of them are still putting in work to cement their relevance in the genre.

So if you were thinking of starting a Hip Hop group then you should pull up your socks, work hard and make sure you become the best in what you will be doing. Hip Hop is not easy in Zimbabwe.

Please use the comment box below if you feel there is something we missed or if you want to make a contribution. Your feedback is important to us.

Zimbabwe Legit, featuring MCs Akim Ndlovu (known as simply Akim) and Dumisani Ndlovu (aka Dumi Right), were the first African group to record Hip Hop in America. 

Dumi and Akim

Signed to Hollywood BASIC, they debuted in 1992 with "Doin' Damage in My Native Language," produced by Mista Lawnge of Black Sheep. Hollywood BASIC shut down before an album was completed, but that lone 12" became a collector's item, one known to fetch hundreds of dollars due to a remix from a young DJ Shadow. (The mix, one of Shadow's first appearances on record, resurfaced on the 1996 Mo' Wax compilation Headz II.)



In 2005, the Glow in the Dark label issued the duo's Brothers from the Mother, including material intended for the unfinished album and other assorted tracks. Two years later, the duo reconvened for the all-new House of Stone (Redline), featuring collaborations with Mike Gee (the Jungle Brothers), YZ, and Vast Aire. 

Dumi later teamed with Cadence to form Alternate Reality, an act that released a self-titled set in 2011. He also put together a solo album, Connect the Dots, in 2012. - ALL MUSIC 

We would like to Thank Ara Kani Co. and uNcube Othungayo, head designer at Ara Kani Co, to whom the song is named after, for granting us this opportunity. 

It's been a great pleasure bringing a song to life that supports a local fashion brand within our SADC region (South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Mozambique). Supporting local is key. We have to believe in ourselves because we are all we got.

Get in touch with @KamzThxPxpe on Twitter for more info about the new track or request it and we will send it to your email.

It appears things are falling apart at Harare’s Kenako Musik studios as its disgruntled artistes are making a beeline to Jah Prayzah’s new studios.


Sources told The ZimTainment that the exodus was driven by Kenako’s failure to pay artistes on time.

The record label is credited for unearthing talent, among them hit-making producers Oskid and Dj Tamuka who have propelled several artistes to stardom with their  creativity.

Jah Prayzah and Nutty O

The ZimTainment has it on good authority that among the musicians who have left Kenako and switched over to musician Jah Prayzah’s JP Studios is former resident producer Dj Tamuka, Nutty O, Taurai Mandebvu, Soul Africa and ExQ

While some of the artists were reluctant to speak about their move, DJ Tamuka who tried to be diplomatic said: “I cannot say much on that issue [leaving Kenako] as I am currently working with JP studios. Someone will call you with more information on that.”


However, Kenako's boss Peter Gwaza lashed out at those who have left the record label, saying they were not patient and failed to realise his vision.

It is unfortunate that at times people fail to notice  the vision, or could it be that they might see the vision but are not patient to work towards its success, Gwaza said.

He said the short-term mentality and “dealership approach” was not in tandem with his aim to create a billion-dollar business.

In the process of building this industry we have people who have hazy ideas of the vision and where we are going, Gwaza said.

They are used to quick cash, forgetting that a billion dollar industry cannot be shaped in a dealer kind of setup, so people have come and gone.

He said he was unfazed about the big names dumping his brand because the establishment was multifaceted and his main focus was content creation. - K Nyavaya

The year 2017 seems to be a good and one to remember for Flint Bedrock as he has started the year by dropping his single track titled 'Can't Bring Me Down'.


Can't bring me down was produced by Oliver Norman at Eiger Studios in Leeds, U.K.



The new single by the talented singer-songwriter, rapper and producer is a Pop song which has been described by listeners as being bouncy, epic and uplifting.

Flint wrote this song to inspire, uplift and motivate listeners who might be going through some tough times or simply need a bit of inspiration.


The song which has been complimented by a dope video has led to listeners falling in love with it the very first time they listen to it.

This is one song which you do not want to miss and it will have you on the repeat button all day.

The year 2017 seems to be a good year for Dollasign Music as one of their artistes, Tha Slayer  has started the year on a high note after dropping a fire track which is titled 'She Loves me.'


'She loves me' was produced by the award winning Fun F from Bigshots and is proving to be one of the doppest songs that have been released this year according to the feedback we are getting from people who have downloaded it.


Apparently 'She loves me' is not a love as many people might assume.

I personified the music industry as a woman, so the hook when I'm saying she say she love me I'm referring to the industry showing me an opportunity but I'm asking myself a rhetorical question when I say wayaseh, said Tha Slayer.

In the first verse when he says, "I got text from side, she told me she think that she pregnant, how do I know that its mine I'm not the only one hitting" is where he clearly addresses the music industry as he sees it.

The song is like totally different from what people think it is  and I did that deliberately because everyone is into love and I wanted to creatively challenge myself, he added.

You can download or stream the song below. Please don't forget to share and tell us what you think. Your feedback is important.

After dropping a her debut single Ndavapedzera which was followed by dope visuals for it's remix, the queen, Tiara Baluti has dropped her second single from her debut album which is dropping this year.



The track which is titled We Do (Black Bottles 25/8) featured Sago and was produced by Young Nash and mastered by Simba Tagz at Show Time Records.

The track simply tells how everyone wants to slay like what they do (Tiara & Sago), from popping bottles, partying and working hard, Tiara and Sago are at the top.

Straight after dropping Zvazvinhu in December, your boy Don Cavelle decided to start 2017 on a high note as he dropped his latest track titled 'Beautiful' which featured Phante and was produced by Victor Enlisted.

‘Beautiful’ is ode to one’s significant other, a celebration of a love between to people who have withstood and endured through all kind of obstacles that come with a relationship," he said  

The song is heavily influenced by dancehall music and old school R&B. It samples Gerald Luvert’s Casanova and contains elements of Marvin Gaye’s ‘Sexual Healing’.

Here is Candy Maine's official video for his track 'Fashion Star' which was directed by the man of the moment  behind the camera, Vusa Blaqs.



Please watch, enjoy and share with others, don't forget to tell us what you think

Yesterday was a good day for the happy Smurf as he was shooting the video for his first single titled 'No stress'.

Kikky Badass

Among the people who starred in the video is the Zim Hip Hop sexiest queen Kikky Badass who was showing off her curvy body in her sexy attires.

The video was directed by the man of the moment, Vusa Blaqs who been dropping dope viduals lately.

As The ZimTainment we managed to get a sneak into what was happening behind the scenes and below is a video of the sexy Kikky Badass showing off her sexy bikini bottom.

Mbira songstress Hope Masike has challenged local female musicians to up their game and stop being content with being backing vocalists for their male counterparts.

Nikky Gibson

Hope Masike

The talented musician, who is also a fashion designer and a painter, is among a few Zimbabwean female musicians who have taken the bull by its horns as she leads her own band Kakuwe.

Masike is also a key instrumentalist for Kakuwe.

In an exclusive interview, she said that local female musicians should take leading roles and prove they can also be good leaders and not limit themselves to promote their careers.

“We need more women-led music businesses, from fronting and music promotions as times have changed and in this era, women should be seen taking leading roles and even playing instruments instead of just being mere backing vocalists,” Masike said.

She said women must be empowered to create jobs through music.

“Gone are the days when we would think that we are unable to take leading roles in the music industry,” she said.

“I want to continue to be an example [to show] that women are capable of running businesses just like their male counterparts in this creative industry in Zimbabwe.

“As women, we should run our own record labels; let’s run online music stores, festivals and media houses as businesses even more effectively than we run our own kitchens.

“Let’s make money through this music industry.”

Masike said as a way of showing her courage, she will in March be organising a tribute concert themed Gwenyambirakadzi to celebrate the women that paved way for fellow female artistes to be accepted and respected in society.

“In celebration of all those who fought for our space in this male-dominated profession, I will be hosting a tribute concert to the female mbira players who went against societal expectations and played instruments that were only played by men,” she said.

“This inaugural concert will honour artistes, among them Mbuya Stella Chiweshe, the late Chiwoniso Maraire and Tete Joyce Warikandwa who defied the odds and took on a culture, which some shun even today.”

Masike’s band has grown tremendously over the years and has become one of the best examples of professionalism in Zimbabwe’s music industry.

The mbira  specialist said she wanted to take her brand to another level as she prepares to release her third album.

Since her breakthrough in the music industry, Masike has performed at prestigious events that include Bergen Afro Arts Festival in Norway and has rubbed shoulders with world renowned musicians such as  Salif Keita.

She has also collaborated with seasoned artistes like Anniken Paulsen, a Norwegian composer cum pianist, Ibou Cissokh of Senegal, Sheila Massungue of Mozambique and Anthony Maina from Kenya.

The first person who has taken Zim Hip Hop to mainstream with only three hit singles has announced some of the producers he is going to work with on his next album.

Takura

Takura, the golden boy took to his Snapchat account and dropped a list of some of the producers he is going to work to his followers.

Zimbabwe's own Mr Kamera who has produced for Ice Prince, Yemi Alade and a whole lotta African stars is one of the people behind the production.

Mr Kamera

Nigerian producer E Kelly whose real name Emmanuel Kelechi is also part of the production. E Kelly is responsible for most of Patoranking's joints.

E Kelly

UK based Nashe who produced 'Kutaura newe' and 'Mari 'Hairambwi' is also going to drop some fire beats on Takura's next album.

Spirit Fingers a.k.a Jeremiah, Sess Beats and C.O.G Beats complete the list which Takura gave on his Snapchat account.

We surely can't wait for Takura's offering.

Stunner and Olinda