Bulawayo Shutdown Groove on Wheels roadshow unearths gem

Bulawayo, a city renowned for its vibrant emergence of fresh talent, has unleashed a promising dancehall artiste, Rusheed Mudzingwa, hailing from Emganwini suburb.

Discovered in his neighbourhood during one of the Groove on Wheels roadshows, which are leading up to the forthcoming Bulawayo Shutdown show, Rusheed has quickly captured local attention. He was a hit at the roadshow last week Friday, captivating the crowd with Zimdancehall tunes, leaving them clamouring for more.

So impressive was his performance at Emganwini shopping centre that the Bulawayo Shutdown organisers awarded him some money and offered him a slot at the upcoming show this Saturday at the Queens Sports Grounds.

Chronicle Showbiz tracked down the up-and-coming musician for an interview. Using the stage name Mhungu, the 21-year-old said he began his musical journey at the tender age of 11 and recorded his first tracks in 2016.

Mhungu’s upbringing was challenging; raised by his grandmother after his parents separated, he navigated a difficult childhood. He completed his primary education at Mapanga Primary School in Murehwa and later attended Hilltop Academy, a private high school in Bulawayo’s Njube suburb. His grandmother, recognising his passion for music, provided unwavering support, which greatly encouraged his artistic pursuits.

He draws inspiration directly from his environment, often composing music spontaneously during live performances. Despite having released three singles to date, he said financial constraints have hindered his ability to reach a broader audience.

“I started singing way back and I especially do freestyle when I’m on stage, instantly composing music based on whatever I lay my eyes on. I only have three recorded songs, which I recorded on a zero budget, but I have more songs that I’m unable to record due to lack of funds to support my hustle,” he said.

His dream of making it in the music industry is on the verge of becoming a reality as he will have the rare opportunity to perform for thousands of people this Saturday. Adding to this significant milestone, he will also share the stage and interact with notable Zimdancehall music producers – Chillspot Records’ Levels, Ribhe, and Fantan.

Jordan Dube, manager of Harris Entertainment, noted Mhungu’s stand-out performance. Moved by his talent, he said they initially offered him a financial reward and subsequently decided to feature him as one of the opening acts for the Bulawayo Shutdown show.

“During the roadshow, we met up with Mhungu who showcased his talent in music. We were impressed and instantly gave him some money. However, we felt that money was not enough, so we decided to include him as one of the curtain raisers at the Bulawayo Shutdown show,” Dube said.

He revealed that plans are underway to facilitate further recording opportunities for Mhungu by connecting him with DJ Fantan and Levels.

The Groove on Wheels roadshow, initially aimed at promoting the Bulawayo Shutdown show, has evolved into a significant platform for discovering and nurturing local talent, highlighting Bulawayo’s ongoing role as a cradle of artistic development.