Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
Singer-cum-content creator, First Farai Batani, firmly believes he struck the right chords with his latest single titled, “Teki Teki.”
The audio, which has an accompanying video, has been gaining traction on YouTube, with fans strongly backing him.
This follows his “fallout” with fellow musician Gift “Case” Amuli, who publicly accused the Huradza Band leader of stealing condolence money at Cephas “Motomuzhinj” Mashakada’s funeral in 2011.
First Farai filed a case against Amuli for cyber bullying. He later withdrew the case, but the two continued discussing the matter online, which led them to record songs.
Amuli recorded his track titled “Mari Yechema,” featuring Derrick Mpofu, but First Farai hit back with “Teki Teki,” which has become an instant hit.
The “Secret Number” hit-maker went out of his way and recorded a beautiful video for “Teki Teki”, which is now trending.
“I don’t want to blow my trumpet, but it’s up to the people to visit my page and see for themselves,” the excited singer said.
“We spent close to US$2 000 on that video, and it was worth it, considering that we went out of our way and roped in professionals.
“My phone is always inundated with calls from my fans who are giving me positive messages.
“As for the issue of stolen condolence money, we have since brought the matter to rest through various interviews in the press and radio stations.” He said he had to do the accompanying video of the song as a way of showing his fans that he still had focus on music.
“As it stands right now, we are simply focusing on our music, and this video has opened up more opportunities for me.
“I will continue doing my best to ensure that we give fans music of superior quality.
“In terms of visuals, we are not stopping. I will continue doing my best until we reach there.”
He, however, vowed not to be complacent in his work.
“I won’t be flattered by the feedback and forget to continue perfecting my act as a musician.”
“In life, everything happens for a reason, and that ridicule was enough for me to realise my purpose and go into the studio to show the world the talent I have, as well as giving my side of the story, artistically,” he said.
After clearing the air, First Farai revealed he was working on his 22nd album.
“I have been writing loads and loads of songs for the greater part of this year, and we are simply waiting to go into the studio with the boys.
“I think the upcoming album should be my 22nd, and we are now stopping.
“As a content creator, I have also found another way of engaging my old and new fans, that have known me over the years.
“I know content creation can be demanding, but in my case, I am enjoying my new calling since I have been sitting on this talent,” he added. He also revealed that there was no bad blood between him and Amuli.
“I don’t have anything against Amuli. What happened was meant to whip him in line, and I finally withdrew the charges.
“I realised that we were both musicians, and it was wrong for us to spend much of our time in the courts rather than in the studio.”
