adminMelissa Mpofu Showbiz Editor
AFTER over a decade in the music industry, South Africa-based Zimbabwean dancehall musician, Buffalo Souljah, (real name Thabani Ndlovu), has decided to call it quits.
Considering the amount of airplay he receives from international stations, especially Channel O, and the number of international awards he has won, one would swear all is well with the artiste, but according to him, all that glitters is not gold.
Speaking from his Johannesburg base yesterday, the 34-year-old artiste, who was discovered by the late Prince Tendai in 1996, said he had finally decided to retire from the music industry for fear of engaging in illicit activities such as drug abuse and joining cults to remain relevant.
“I’ve finally decided to retire from the music game after more than a decade of hustling. I’ve reached the end of my music quest.
“This is something I feel I have to do because, as artistes, we tend to suffer from depression while trying so hard to stay relevant. In the end, we resort to drug use and even suicide,” Buffalo Souljah said.
He said he had never taken drugs or smoked marijuana and did not want to do so hence his decision to leave the industry which has most of its artistes involved in drugs and dabbling in illicit acts.
Asked what had caused his early retirement, the Izandla Phezulu hit-maker, popularly known as Big Buffs, said he feared he would reach a point of no return.
“I’ve been carrying the weight for so long, all for being relevant. I love the art, but looking back, I feel bad. I feel like it’s been a burden so I’d rather leave now before the worst has taken over me,” said Buffs.
The United Nations of Africa (UNA) record label boss, whose lyrics have been inspired by real life experiences, said he was sad to be leaving the music industry as he had been battling with the decision for a long time.
“We all know that I’ve been consistent with my music, nominated 12 times for the Channel O Music Video Awards, won five of them and one Nigerian Soundcity Viewers Choice award, among others. This decision has not been easy as I have spent more than a million rand on music videos and promotions.”
The artiste, who through his UNA stable assisted former Miss Zimbabwe, Vanessa Sibanda (Queen Vee) to record her music videos, said he would continue shooting music videos for the remaining tracks on The Chosen One album.
“Queen Vee is back and is in the studio these days. Sleek Note will be coming through also and we are hoping to re-launch them,” he said.
With four albums to his name, Buffs said he was leaving his last 23-track album The Chosen One, released in August this year, for his fans. Speaking on live performances, Buffs said he would only perform at shows which are well paying.
Asked what his next move would be since he has retired from the music industry, Buffs, who this year took part in the Do Agric One Campaign in America, said he was seriously considering venturing into farming back home.
From the dusty streets of Mabvuku in Harare to the affluent Sandton in South Africa, Big Buffs has been there, done that, sharing the stage and collaborating with artistes which many only see on television. Just like Mokoomba, his success story has been outside the country where he was recognised and celebrated more.
In an industry that is constantly overshadowed by other music genres like house, kwaito and hip hop, Buffs managed to sustain his presence while fighting a battle to get ragga music on the same platform as the other genres.
Even though his career was not supported by many locally, he did not lose hope and relocated to South Africa in 1999 in search of greener pastures. The street soldier as his name suggests hustled in South Africa and got his breakthrough when he partnered with a Nigerian DJ, Waxxy who was his key to stardom. Izandla Phezulu became an instant hit, receiving a lot of airplay on Channel O. It went on to win a Channel O award.
From there, Buffs worked tirelessly, fighting hard to remain relevant in the music industry and releasing a hit song which saw him being nominated 12 times for the Channel O Music Video Awards. Up to today, he remains the only Zimbabwean artiste whose music has been heavily circulated on that music station.
Online Reporter