Online ReporterLatwell Nyangu
AWARD-WINNING Zambian rapper Kondwani Kaira, popularly known as Chef 187, says he is shifting his focus to the Zimbabwean market as he targets local collaborations.
The recording artist, who has released five albums and won 21 awards, said music runs in his family. He has also worked with other artists like Scales (Nigeria) and Mr. P of P-Square (Nigeria), as well as another Nigerian artist Orezi, among others. “Within our borders, within Zambia, we have done all we could and now we decided to start branching out, start taking our music outside Zambia,” he said.
“We want to explore other markets and what better way to do it than through our neighbours, which is Zimbabwe, our immediate neighbours.”He added that Zambia and Zimbabwe share more than just geography. “Zambia and Zimbabwe share a lot of culture and a lot of history. We don’t just share water bodies and fight over who owns the Victoria Falls, we actually share a lot, a lot of things in common, and a lot of history,” he said. “There is a lot of culture shared among our people. We like the Zimbabwean music scene. “There are a lot of old and young artists to learn from, and a lot of content creators are also mushrooming in Zimbabwe. “We would like to be part of whatever is going on there.”
As a fan, he said his interest in Zimbabwean music cuts across generations, from the late Oliver Mtukudzi to newer artists.
“Personally, I am also a fan of music from Zimbabwean musicians, including the late Oliver Mtukudzi, to the new generation being spearheaded by artists like Volts and Holy10,” he said.
“There is also a new artist I’m beginning to like from Zimbabwe, an artist called Senwave.”
Chef 187 said he has studied Zimbabwe’s music market for some time and believes his brand can fit naturally onto the scene. “I believe it would be very easy for the Chef 187 brand to be welcomed in the Zimbabwean music scene, because I am an artist who believes in uplifting our own culture and telling stories,” he said. “If you hear my music, you will know a lot about our culture just from the music itself.
“And I believe Zimbabwean artists also have that in them.”
He pointed to how Zimbabwean hip-hop influences him and helps him connect with the country’s identity. “When I listen to Winky D, I learn a lot about Zimbabwe just by listening to the music,” he said. “When I listen to artists like Holy10 and other artists in Zimbabwe, I feel like I am part of a community.
“I am learning a lot about Zimbabwe just by listening to these hip-hop artists.”
