Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
BULAWAYO-based musician Gaz’elimnyama, once a familiar name in the local Maskandi scene, has reintroduced himself to the music industry with a new identity and sound. Now performing as “Tiae” — a shortened version of his birth name, Tiambiwi Shoko — the artiste has officially transitioned from Maskandi to Afro-Jazz, a move he describes as a journey of self-rediscovery and cultural preservation.
Tiae’s transformation is marked by the release of his new album, iThuba (meaning opportunity), which symbolises a fresh chapter in his musical journey.
Speaking to the Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub, Tiae said the decision to rebrand and shift genres stemmed from a desire to reconnect with his roots and express himself more authentically through music.
“I changed my stage name from Gaz’elimnyama to Tiae, the name my parents gave me. I believe it’s time to embrace who I truly am. Maskandi is a beautiful South African genre, but I found it hard to express myself artistically through it. Afro-Jazz gives me the freedom to communicate different messages to my people and allows me to be more creative,” he said.
Mentored by celebrated Marabi and Afro-Jazz icon Jeys Marabini, Tiae said he noticed a gap in the local music scene, with few Ndebele artistes still producing Afro-Jazz. This realisation inspired him to use the genre as a vehicle to preserve culture and tell authentic Ndebele stories.
“This genre has defined us, from George Sibanda to Lovemore Majaivana and today, Jeys Marabini remains one of the few still carrying that torch. I want to continue that legacy by telling our stories and safeguarding our cultural identity for future generations.”
iThuba, which features tracks such as Izilingo, Phenduka and Ngithethelele, showcases Tiae’s versatility while introducing listeners to his renewed artistic voice.
Tiae credited SoMuch Music, a UK-based music label, for helping bring the project to life.
“Without SoMuch Music, this dream would not have become a reality,” he said.
The label’s director, Dumisani Gumpo, described Tiae’s artistry as “phenomenal”, praising his ability to reinterpret timeless compositions for modern audiences.
“We recognised Tiae’s potential from the start. His music has the power to tell Zimbabwean stories to the world.
Some of the songs on the album were originally written in the 1980s, and he has reimagined them beautifully for today’s listeners. Our goal is to help him grow into a major Zimbabwean brand and secure performances at international festivals,” Gumpo said.
Born on September 9, 1988 in Zamanyoni, Kezi (Matabeleland South), Tiae’s musical journey began in secondary school, where his talent shone through in the choir. He co-founded the Imbube group Ezomdumo in 2006, later joining Jeys Marabini’s Kozekulunge Band, and went on to perform with Impumelelo Shining Stars (now Indosakusa The Morning Star).
Over the years, he has collaborated with prominent artistes including Hwabaraty and Canada-based songbird, Nkwali.
Now, performing under his true name and in a genre that mirrors his identity, Tiae is ready to write the next chapter of his career — one that celebrates Ndebele heritage, honours Afro-Jazz legends, and introduces Zimbabwean culture to the global stage.
