Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
AFTER years of striving to establish himself in the competitive music industry, Umthobanhliziyo Tribal Sound founder, Fab G MshanakaGogo, who hails from Old Magwegwe, has finally struck the right cords as his song Imali Yes’gweja was voted Song of the Year on local radio station — Skyz Metro FM.
In 2025, Imali Yes’gweja became a fan favourite, dominating playlists, dance floors and social media platforms, as it was an anthem almost in all corners of Matabeleland and the rest of Zimbabwe.
The song, composed by Fab G himself, was produced by South Africa’s CheckKid Beats, with Cliff Jeans from Street Menace Studios handling vocal mixing and mastering. This team made an exciting collaboration as their combined effort gave birth to a certified banger.
The song was crowned the best for the year among other competitive compositions.
From the Top 100 charts, songs that made it on the top five are Indoda Enjani by BS Brown, Amawala by Kaykid Umfanomsotho featuring Fly, Emaweni by Bhila featuring Kaykid, December by Black Diva featuring Sikhosana Buhlungu, with Imali Yes’gweja on number one — in that particular order.
Fab G said he was overwhelmed by the support he got from fans as they danced and sang along to his song especially during the festive season. He said such appreciation made the gem a song of the year.
“I am humbled and honoured that Imali Yes’gweja became Song of the Year on Skyz Metro as this is a dream come true. The love and support from the people is everything that all artistes yearn for and leads to such success and the fact that I had something like four other songs on the Top 100, motivates me to push even harder.
“The song also did amazingly well on other stations including Radio Zimbabwe and Star FM countdowns and we saw some solid support on playlists nationwide. Shout out to everyone who pushed the track to be successful,” said Fab G. Imali Yes’gweja is a simple song, but the question remains, how did Fag G come up with such a tune that conquered Zimbabwe?
“The concept for Imali Yes’gweja began as a freestyle performance at a live event in eMawabeni, where I connected with the audience by singing something relatable to them since most are ogweja. When I sang the part that became the chorus, the crowd’s overwhelming reaction inspired me to turn it into a full track,” said Fab G.
As we enter 2026, Fab G said he is working on a full length album that he said will charm most of his followers.
“I believe I have found the right tune and sound that I am willing to push as my identity. I am working on an album that will be released around April. My fans will love this one as I put all the energy into it,” he said.
