Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
ZIMBABWEAN-American hip-hop artiste Brucella Moyo, is steadily carving out her space in the music industry by blending her rich Southern African heritage with her American upbringing.
An American-born rapper with deep Zimbabwean roots, Brucella’s sound is a vibrant fusion that reflects her bi-cultural experience, capturing the attention of fans and critics alike.
Brucella first garnered widespread recognition with her breakout single, King, featuring Def Jam South Africa’s Asaph Afrika. The track earned her multiple nominations, including Best Newcomer and Song of the Year at the 2023 Zimbabwe Hip-Hop Awards.
Alongside her music career, she has also appeared in the popular DStv young adult drama series Soulmate.
Recently, she showcased her versatility with the bass-heavy track and video Bad, featuring M.U.S.E., before shifting gears with her latest upbeat amapiano-infused music video, Remember Me, which was released to enthusiastic reception.
The music video for Remember Me is now out, offering fans an energetic and danceable tune that stands apart from her earlier hip-hop-heavy work. Brucella explained the inspiration behind the song: “So, Remember Me, is all about the longing of a past love affair, walking down memory lane of all the times fun was had, something I think everyone can relate to.”
When asked about her shift from hip-hop to amapiano, she remarked, “Yes, before I’m a branded artiste, I’m a true musician first. I love music through and through and want to celebrate it in all forms. Plus, I really love to dance, so that will always influence my choice of what song to release and when.”
Brucella’s identity as a Zimbabwean-American deeply informs her artistry. She shared candidly how her upbringing shaped her musical influences: “The reason why I don’t identify as just an American but as Zimbabwean-American, is because I grew up in an American house but a Zimbabwean household. Growing up, my parents didn’t play Michael Jackson or Whitney Houston, they played Brenda Fassie and Mafikizolo. The music I’ve been influenced by since childhood is why I work with the producers that I work with and collaborate with the artistes I collaborate with, right here at home.”
This bi-cultural perspective also gives her a unique vantage point on the similarities and differences between the U.S. and Zimbabwean music scenes.
“There’s actually a lot more similarities than one would think. I’m very familiar with the Bulawayo music scene and the Denver, Colorado music scene. Each city has their own reputation and energy and the energies between Denver and Bulawayo are amazingly similar in the sense of both cities being very supportive of the arts. There’s not a strong industry in either city, but still a strong sense of celebration for creativity. One habit I love doing is going to smaller shows and supporting local artistes. Connecting with a like-minded community of artistes and creatives just fuels me, and I brought that same habit with me when I spent time in Bulawayo.”
For the Remember Me video, Brucella chose Cowdray Park Terminus as a key location. She credits director KNG BL from 14th Avenue Digital for the choice: “So, I reached out to the director KNG BL from 14th Avenue Digital, to shoot the video and he spent a lot of time location scouting and found the perfect spot to shoot the second half of the video.
The lighting and logistics worked out and in return we got a super fun video out of it.”
Looking ahead, Brucella is optimistic and busy in the studio.
“Well I’m excited because I have more music videos on the way for the rest of the year, and a few features for other artiste that I’m also excited for them to release all of it with more singing and rapping, so stay tuned!”
With a foot firmly planted in two worlds, Brucella continues to craft music that not only celebrates her heritage but also resonates broadly, inspiring listeners through her dynamic artistry and personal storytelling. Her journey is one to watch as she pushes boundaries and uplifts communities through the power of music.
@MbuleloMpofu
