malvernmugadzikwa
Dennis Chimanzi
VETERAN urban grooves crooner ExQ — born Enock Munhenga — is one musician who needs little or no introduction on the local music scene.
He has been in the game for two decades and has never lost steam along the way.
In fact, if there is anything that easily makes him stand out among his peers, it should be his ability to constantly reinvent himself.
ExQ announced his arrival on the music scene at the turn of the new millennium with his hit song “Musalala”.
This was around the time the urban grooves genre took the stage by storm.
Over the years, the singer’s profile continues to soar with each new release.
He continues making hit songs, among them “Pandakakuona”, “Ndichakutevera”, “Mazirudo” and “Tezvara Varamba”.
“Pane Rudo” — a collaboration with the late Oliver Mtukudzi — is probably one of his career highs.
But what makes ExQ tick?
“I feel I have managed to survive in the music industry because of three principles, or should I say secrets, which include dignity, loyalty and good behaviour.
“Through these, I have managed to overcome challenges in the cutthroat music industry,” the singer told The Sunday Mail Society.
“Since my early days, around 2000, I have managed to stay away from scandals and other shenanigans with potential to harm my career.”
The singer believes a bad boy tag is not good for a career in music.
“A talented musician can still struggle to make it big if he or she has a bad reputation. I would like to urge all upcoming artistes to stay away from controversy — it does not pay. I have witnessed several careers collapse due to bad behaviour.
“Even corporates do not want to associate with such individuals,” warned ExQ.
The musician is set to launch a new album on August 5 in Harare.
“Everything is now in place for the launch and we have confirmed the venue. Unfortunately, I cannot disclose the name of the album and the songs. I am sure you understand the politics in our industry,” he said.
“For instance, if I make the information public, you will be shocked waking up to another artiste having released work with the same title as mine.”
Artistes who have already confirmed participation at the forthcoming album launch include Freeman, Nutty O and Baba Harare.
After the launch, ExQ intends to embark on a tour, both in and outside Zimbabwe, to promote the new project.
“I will be unveiling it in different places, both within and outside the borders, since we have fans all over.”
ExQ is part of the urban grooves line-up for a United Kingdom show that is set to take place next month.
The concert will feature Roki, Trevor Dongo, Maskiri, Decibel, Tererai, Leonard Mapfumo, Madiz, Sani Makhalima, Ngoni Kambarami and Extra Large, among others.
Online Reporter