Online Reporter
Mthokozisi Ncube
FOR Bulawayo rapper and producer Blessing Banda, better known as Tojey Blox, the road to the global stage has not been without painful setbacks.
One of the biggest came in 2019, when an opportunity to move to the United States after catching the attention of an American record label was derailed after he was robbed.
It could have been the moment that ended his international dream.
Instead, Tojey Blox picked himself up, kept making music and continued knocking on doors. Years later, the same artiste whose American dream was almost stolen now finds himself rubbing shoulders with some of the biggest names in entertainment, including American superstar Ne-Yo and South African hip-hop heavyweight Cassper Nyovest.
Born on February 11, 2000, in Bulawayo, Tojey began his musical journey in 2013 while at Helemu Primary School, where he formed a group called Topfellas after being inspired by musicians in his community.
His first public performance came at Njube High School’s Culture Day in 2015, before he entered the studio professionally through his brother’s recording set-up in 2016.
In 2017, he released the Worldwide Movement EP, featuring collaborations with local and American artistes.
His career later took him to South Africa and eventually the United Kingdom, but it was the 2019 robbery that became one of the defining moments of his journey.
The setback cost him a planned move to the United States, but it did not kill his ambition.
Instead, Tojey continued building his name and attracting attention beyond Zimbabwe.
One of his biggest breakthroughs came when American superstar Ne-Yo responded to a message from him on Instagram after being introduced to his music through an American artiste he had collaborated with.
Ne-Yo watched his work and personally responded with a video link, a moment that showed the Bulawayo rapper that his music was reaching ears far beyond home.
South African rap heavyweight Cassper Nyovest also began recognising his work, giving Tojey shout-outs and advice during Twitch streams.
For an artiste who had once seen his American dream interrupted by a robbery, the recognition represented another chapter in a journey built on persistence.
His growing international network also saw him connect with South African actress Dawn Thandeka King, best known for her MaNgcobo character in Uzalo. Tojey released “You Are Appreciated
Mangcobo” in her honour before the pair eventually met in person in 2024.
He has also shared the stage with Gigi Lamayne and performed in the UK, one of the milestones he considers significant because he was representing Bulawayo on foreign soil.
Along the way, he has faced criticism from an established South African artiste who told him to stop making music. Tojey has chosen not to reveal the artiste’s identity out of respect, instead using the criticism as motivation.
For him, the challenges facing Bulawayo artistes go beyond talent. Artists need their own sound, strong fan bases and dedicated teams capable of securing airplay, performances and partnerships.
His next major move is a feature with American artiste Parish Walker, followed by an EP.
Tojey also wants to be nominated for Zimbabwean awards and gain wider global recognition.
His ultimate dream remains simple but ambitious: take his music to the highest level while putting Zimbabwe and Bulawayo firmly on the global map.
