The ManicaPost
Moffat Mungazi
FOR Mutare-born hip-hop artiste, Flava Baba, not even the sky is the limit as he is robustly pursuing the long-cherished dream of reaching his musical wagon beyond even the stars.
Starry-styled and with vision firmly fixed on earning Mutare recognition both on the local and international scene, the 24-year-old — born Tinashe Mutsiyo — has warmed himself up for the game and wants to score success as he steps up onto the pitch of his chosen genre.
And his fruitful spell at Tazoita Ca$h Records, during which he exchanged the microphone with Shinzoman, BaShupi, Ngoni Kambarami, Trevor Dongo, Doctor Clarence and Goodchild, under the auspices of popular rapper, Stunner (real name Desmond Chideme) of the Godo fame, whom he understudied for close to three years, has readied him up for the challenge.
Flava Baba is presently in the kitchen, baking a hot compilation that should be ready for offering anytime soon. The singles collection — an eight-tracked assortment — is set to announce his grand arrival onto the scene and pronounce him as Mutare’s master of song on the hip-hop arena.
The youthful singer is simply out to curry an appetising aroma and flavour to hip-hop.
“Finding myself living the fulfilment of a dream I have nursed since childhood gives me a unique sense pleasure and am cherishing every bit of it. My time with Stunner at his record label was a real eye-opener and a career-defining moment that immensely contributed to my musical growth that I am forever grateful for it.
“Working with some of the leading lights in this business, with whom I exchanged ideas and shared experiences, offered me great exposure to some limelight. However, I feel that I have since turned a corner and now ready to be my own man and charter a new course as I continue on this journey.
“My first collection is almost ready, with only some icing to do so as to sweeten it before release. The compilation comprises Amai, Muyedzo, Hakuna Akashata, Towaita Party, Bhudhi Mudyiwa, Lisa, Mwana and Paita Party. It features an array of other artistes like Stunner, Yozi and Mega Finton, among others. Tackling a multiplicity of themes really spiced up the album, as I touched on such subjects as love, life, beauty, temptation and partying,” said the Midlands State University Biological Science graduate.
Hailing Manicaland’s popular radio station of choice DiamondFM as a real game-changing blessing for local musicians, especially less established ones, Flava Baba felt encouraged by the generous airplay on Mutare’s own and only station.
The Maoko Mudenga singer also purred about the heavy rotation his records are receiving on the club scene. The video to the trendy track has also invaded the small screen, getting played on Zambezi TV and making it to Number 6 on the station’s chart show as well as ZTV’s Music Calabash and Musical Request.
Having already performed in the capital, City of Kings, Gweru, Kadoma and Kwekwe at some private and public functions, notably the Miss MSU and Miss Teen Harare, the silk-voiced rapper is already planning on a whirlwind tour holding live shows in and around Mutare.
“Plans for such shows, dubbed ‘The Homecoming’, have already gathered pace and I will be linking up with several other artistes hailing from the diamond-mining city. Those interested in my music and interacting with me can get in touch on social media Twitter (@FlavaBaba), Facebook (Flava Tazoita Ca$h Records) and my WhatsApp line 0772 498 016).
“For bookings, my manager Diva Mafia, reachable on 0773 524 927, is responsible,” Flava Baba told The Weekender.
