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BULAWAYO-BASED rapper, Wilton “Jonas Brown” Mapunganyika, says the death of his father inspired him to venture into music at the age of 14.
His father succumbed to liver complications.
The songwriter and graphic designer, who was born on October 15, 2004, said growing up with a single parent was a challenge.
“I grew up with my mother after I lost my father. He was affected by liver problems before I started rapping at the age of 14, with influence from my elder brother, who is an Afro Jazz musician.
“I eventually picked up with music production and began to add my vocals from the beats I bought from my local producer Sky Again,” he said.
The 18-year-old made a breakthrough when he featured on Bling and DJ Blengs on the song Hustling.
“Professionally, my first song is Pain in My Veins, which went viral.
“You know, when you are still an upcoming artist people will be saying what they want and I would always tell them that it is what it is and I won’t stop my music career.
“People started believing me after this song,” he said.
The rapper said he was facing numerous challenges in striking a balance between education and his career.
“I have worked with Bling on the track named Ghost Kings and worked with Drak Eye on the track named We Finally Met.
“My childhood dream is to work with J. Cole, Savage, Migos and Nasty C, the coolest kid.
“Locally, I would like to work with the likes of Holy Ten, Takura, T Gonz and Anita Jaxson.”
Asked what inspired him to sing, Jonas Brown added:
“My music is defined through inspiration, education and fun.
“I want my music to be a phenomenal genre that motivates people to work hard.
“I guess you know that the genre is just fun, not in terms of the song, but the beat.
“All what I can say is that if you can dream and feel it, don’t hesitate and don’t be ashamed of what people say.”
Online Reporter