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Valerie Mpundu
Youth Interactive Writer
14-year-old hip-hop musician Anotidaishe Mupambirei, affectionately known as ‘Hoodkid’ says societal settings has inspired him to sing.
The teenager, who has three songs to his name, is aiming to be the biggest hip-hop star in the country.
In an interview, the former headboy at Prospect Primary, said he loved performing during school events and felt the need to develop with each outing.
“People knew I sang, but could not differentiate or link my music. However, I loved singing either way, everybody thought I was just doing it for fun, but this is my calling.
“There is not much focus on arts in schools, especially at primary level. In as much as I loved performing, not many people understood my kind of art,” he said.
In 2022, he recorded his first single, “Kalife” after being inspired by musical group, The Bees.
“That song had a simple meaning. We all dream big and all want to be somebody in life one day, but it does not come on a silver platter.”
“l want to become an icon and help build the hip hop genre in Zimbabwe, while spreading my wings abroad. When all has been done, I will enjoy fruits of my labour living a soft life,” he reckoned.
In street lingo, “soft life” means comfortable living.
It is often challenging for families to accept their child when they choose music as a career.
The talented singer said despite the stereotypes within some families about their children taking on music,, on the contrary, his family had been supportive since day one.
“I am still in school yes, and my family is very supportive. They have warned me to value education and never stray from my books.
“Their support is amazing. Maybe it is because I have always been a straight ‘A’ student,” he said with a soft chuckle.
Asked how he juggles school and music, Hoodkid, said he had time for everything.
“l do music on holidays since I attend a boarding school. It has never been difficult to focus on as I have a set schedule I follow religiously with the help of my family and manager,” he said.
Hoodkid has three songs and is showing no signs of stopping as he is working on his next track called “Areka.”
“I am about to release, ‘Areka’, I cannot get into further details because it’s a school term and my focus is on school.”
“Trust the process, this will blow you off,” he said.
“Besides ‘Kalife’, I did ‘Rota’, a song about being positive despite circumstances and never stop following your dream. l worked with my friend, Narga ,on this one.”
“I also did ‘Tambudzai’, a track in which I was challenging society to address issues affecting the youth.”
“In this case Tambudzai was the victim.
He said he wants to be a full-time rapper after school.
“My role models are Volts JT, The Bees and Bagga weRagga.”
An oasis of wisdom for his tender age, Hoodkid urged his peers to never stop working towards achieving their goals and desist from drug and substance abuse.
“Do not be scared just go for anything you want. Keep focusing. Stay away from drugs and illicit substances. Value your life and be a better person every day,” said Hoodkid.
Online Reporter