DJ Tira promotes emerging local talent

Mbulelo Mpofu

South African award-winning record producer and DJ, Tira, has encouraged established artistes to embrace opportunities for collaboration and support emerging talents.

DJ Tira’s remarks came this past weekend following a memorable performance in  Bulawayo at musician Sandra Ndebele’s belated birthday party, held at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre. The event, which also featured Afro-pop sensations, the Qwabe Twins, provided a platform for DJ Tira to express his desire for mutual collaborations.

“I believe we (artistes) should give each other a chance and collaborate. We need to support one another. Let’s create opportunities for emerging artistes to grow and become the next DJ Tira or Jah. I’m all about positive vibes, and I’m here for it,” said DJ Tira on the sidelines of the event.

Showcasing his dedication to promoting local talent, DJ Tira, who has previously collaborated with local musicians Nox and Valee Music, invited the local No Name Dance Crew from Bulawayo to join him on stage. The trio, renowned for their energetic performances and unique style, aced the set.

One of the No Name Dance Crew members, Prince Chibansha, expressed his surprise at DJ Tira’s kindness. 

“We were surprised by his generosity and eagerness to perform part of his set with us, especially considering it was impromptu. It feels great to be appreciated and trusted after all the hard work we’ve been putting in,” Chibansha said.

Chibansha said this performance has motivated them to keep pushing with the aim of gaining international recognition. 

“We look forward to collaborating more with both local and international artistes in a dance capacity so that more attention can be given to dancers, which is one of our main objectives,” said Chibansha, the 2020 Roil Bulawayo Arts Awards Outstanding Male Dancer.

Reflecting on Sandy’s event, DJ Tira expressed his admiration for her, describing her as one of Zimbabwe’s most prominent artistes, destined for greatness. 

“Sandra is definitely onto something. She knew exactly what she was doing. Shout out to her for organising such a beautiful event with the Denim and Pearls theme. I had a great time interacting with people, taking pictures and dancing. It was nice and relaxed, and I’ll definitely be back soon.”

He added that, as one of the big artistes from Zimbabwe, he had been admiring Sandy from a distance.

“As one of the big artistes from Zimbabwe, I’d been watching her and little did I know that one day, she’d invite me to perform at her event in Zimbabwe,” he reflected.

On the possibility of a collaboration with Sandy, DJ Tira said, “We actually talked about that and how we need to do a studio session together to see what we can come up with. So we’ll see how it goes.”

DJ Tira, who has become a regular in the country, has earned an invitation to return to the city for the Bulawayo Shutdown gig, scheduled for April. (@The Chronicle)