Online Reporter
Langalihle Mhiti
Zimpapers Arts & Entertainment Hub
IN today’s Zimbabwean entertainment scene, fame is no longer decided in radio boardrooms or TV studios.
It is being built on TikTok timelines, Instagram feeds and YouTube streams.
The new gatekeepers of stardom?
Fans with smartphones and data bundles.
From Harare’s buzzing streets to small towns across the country, ordinary Zimbabweans are becoming power brokers in entertainment, turning unknown creatives into viral sensations almost overnight.
Take up-and-coming musician Raymer, for example.
The young artist was virtually unknown until his TikTok videos caught fire.
Now, he commands thousands of followers and streams across platforms and is being sought after by established musicians for collaborations.
He has also recorded at Jah Prayzah’s studio and worked alongside Nisha Ts.
“I discovered Raymer on TikTok and now I follow all his music,” said Chido Murehwa, a 19-year-old fan from Warren Park.
“He’s real and relatable. We support him because he represents us —the youth.”
In the past, artists relied on radio DJs or music promoters to break through.
Now, a single repost from a fan can turn a bedroom recording into a national hit.
“Sometimes, a single repost by fans can push your video to go viral,” said Tanya, a dancer from Westlea.
“Fans are the real game-changers.”
Mavis Gondo from Kambuzuma said:
“I don’t live in central Harare but I feel close to these artists because of social media. We feel part of their journey.”
And it is not just hype, it is creating real careers.
Rising young rapper Ngwere Diki is a prime example.
His TikTok freestyle blew up, turning him from a neighbourhood talent into a national conversation.
“I first saw his freestyle on TikTok, and I was blown away. Now I follow all his performances and I even wish to see him live,” said Brian, a music enthusiast from Warren Park D.
