Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
Mbare-born chanter Nutty O believes that while fame may be temporary, class and good character remain permanent.
Born Carrington Chiwadzwa, the award-winning musician believes that good character, focus and dedication are essential for anyone seeking to make a breakthrough in the music industry.
In a wide-ranging interview with Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub, he urged trending creatives to remain grounded, stay focused and concentrate on their work rather than allowing fame to get into their heads.
“When one is trending or at their peak, they should not get carried away because they are neither the first nor the last to enjoy such success,” said the chanter.
“In our industry, this has always been the norm kuti pane vanomborira, but we should always remember where we came from.
“We should never let fame get into our heads.”
Without mentioning any of the trending creatives, chart-toppers or crowd-pullers of this generation, Nutty O added:
“It is proof of how much people love them because they are at their peak and doing well, which is good for the growth of the industry. History is being made every day, and I simply urge fellow artistes not to forget their roots whenever they hit the jackpot in life.
“We should aim higher but remain grounded and hardworking as usual.”
Nutty O, who remains proud of his Mbare roots, revealed that hard work and focus have contributed to his success, but he is determined not to let fame get the better of him.
“To be honest with you, I still hang around with my peers in Mbare during weekends and whenever I have spare time.
“I also play social soccer with them, and that is why they still respect me. When I meet some of the people I grew up with in Mbare, they do not see a celebrity but simply Nutty O, the boy who was raised on the same streets of Mbare.
“I try to remain real and continue doing my work without putting myself under unnecessary pressure, as has become the norm.”
He also highlighted the importance of character in sustaining a successful music career.
“In my case, I can safely say character has played a big role in helping me remain relevant in the game.
“I am also a hard worker who is determined to achieve his goals, and I am taking things step by step for the sake of my career.”
Nutty O, who was once criticised for singing Afro-dancehall music in English during his formative years, says he was never deterred and continues to navigate the musical landscape with confidence.
With a rich catalogue of albums and singles, including “Boom Shelele”, “Pane Acha Chema” and “Too Much”, among other club bangers, he has remained consistent while staying humble.
Over the past decades, Zimbabwe has witnessed the emergence of several stars who went on to become household names.
While some have maintained their positions in the industry, others have gradually faded from the limelight.
Currently, Junior Spragga and Hulengende are among the trending young musicians attracting considerable attention.
At one point, Tocky Vibes was the man of the moment, while the likes of Seh Calaz, Killer T, the late Soul Jah Love, Lady Squanda and Guspy Warrior also dominated the scene.
Of these musicians, Soul Jah Love remains a subject of enduring conversation even after his death, while the current debate largely revolves around Hulengende and Junior Spragga.
Other young entertainers, such as Ngwere Diki and King Alpha Kadiki, have also had a taste of fame.
