Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
South Africa-based event planner and wheel-spinner Redgis Viriri, better known as MC Gonzo, firmly believes he has revitalised his fortunes in his homeland during the festive season.
The popular club disc jockey, mentored by his Canada-based brother, Tinos “Slice T” Viriri, shared that he had an incredible experience in Zimbabwe, which he proudly calls his motherland.
In an interview with Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub, MC Gonzo expressed his excitement about his visit home. “My stay in Zimbabwe during the festive season was both thrilling and productive. I managed to work and enjoy myself all at once,” he emphasised.
“I had missed the time spent with my family, especially my mother the most. Since I am based in South Africa, it was nice to meet them again, even though I don’t have much time with them. It was well worth it.”
Regarding his assessment of the local arts landscape, MC Gonzo was impressed by the emerging young talent.
“The current showbiz scene in Zimbabwe has grown into a lucrative industry for both the young and old. Seeing the young Ngwere Diki take to the stage is awesome. This is a triumph for the sector, which needs our support.”
MC Gonzo, who is also a musician in his own right, expressed his desire to collaborate with a new crop of artistes dubbed the “Young Turks” in showbiz. “I would love to work with many artistes in Zimbabwe, including Silent Killer, Saintfloew, Nutty O and many other talented artistes, as well as producers like Tman and DJ Tamuka,” he stated.
Reflecting on the just-ended year, MC Gonzo believes he has made significant strides in showbiz. “2025 was a big year for me as I was chosen to tour North America with one of the greatest DJs in South Africa, Kelvin Momo.
I am also in talks with De Mthuda to do another Zimbabwe tour and undertake production work. I have also secured several nightclubs in Zimbabwe to showcase my talent, including Saints n Sinners in Harare and Odyssey in Kadoma.”
Unlike the proverbial prophet who does not receive honour in his homeland, MC Gonzo felt humbled after being invited as one of the event planners for the final leg of Jah Prayzah’s Ndini Mukudzei Tour, held at the Harare International Conference Centre.
“I really enjoyed not only attending, but also being part of the sound-check crew for the beloved Ndini Mukudzei album tour, which concluded at HICC. I also enjoyed following Killer T at his concerts and my younger brother Freeman during his Notebook album tour.”
Like most of his peers in the creative sector, he is looking forward to the new season. “My resolutions for 2026 are simply to rise to the top of the music industry while perfecting my skills in DJing and production. I am also working on a song, believe it or not. I want to be more recognised in my own country, which I left many years ago,” he shared.
However, he acknowledged that life as a wheel-spinner in South Africa is not without challenges due to xenophobia.
“Life as a club DJ in South Africa is tricky because you have to be able to read the crowd. There is a variety of ethnic backgrounds, so you must cater to different cultures with varying tastes in music. I enjoy the challenge, though,” he pointed out.
As a fallback plan, MC Gonzo is multitasking, which has improved his quality of life. “Besides music, I am hustling to make a decent living in South Africa. I own an outlet called Gonzo’s Chillspot at Number 6 Harts Street, Norkem Park, South Africa, where we have a car wash, Chihera’s Kitchen, a barbershop, laundry service and pool tables, plus a live DJ for your entertainment. I also run Surge Appliances, a business that repairs and retails all types of household appliances, such as TVs and washing machines. I’m also a member of music listening clubs in the South African music industry,” he added.
For all his success, MC Gonzo credited his elder brother, Slice T.
“I have learnt a lot from my big brother, Slice T, who is based in Canada. The list is endless; I have become a go-getter because of what I learned from him. He taught me never to be afraid of anyone or any situation. I have learned how to be more financially secure and to take business seriously from my brother. He has helped me push my limits and set healthy boundaries. He is my mentor,” he emphasised.
