Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma, [email protected]
FOR years, musicians from Matabeleland South have worked hard to make their mark on Zimbabwe’s music scene. Now, one of Gwanda’s fastest-rising artistes believes his next breakthrough could come beyond the country’s borders.
Popularly known for his energetic performances and trademark “Raah” chant, Zhezhingtons is taking another significant step in his career through a collaboration with South African Amapiano star Blaq Major. The partnership is expected to introduce the Gwanda-born musician to a wider regional audience and strengthen his growing reputation as one of Matabeleland South’s most promising artistes.
For Zhezhingtons, the collaboration is more than just another song. It represents an opportunity to expand his reach and compete on a bigger stage.
The artiste has already demonstrated his ambition through previous international collaborations. He earlier worked with South African music veteran Dr Malinga, a move that helped increase his profile outside Zimbabwe. His latest project with Blaq Major is now being viewed as another important milestone in his steady rise.
The forthcoming single, titled Ngesaba, combines elements of electro music and Amapiano, creating a sound designed to get people on their feet. Produced by DJ Drumz, the song is expected to appeal to fans on both sides of the border, especially at a time when Amapiano continues to dominate clubs, radio stations and streaming platforms across Southern Africa.
Although the song has not yet been officially released, excitement is already building among fans.
During several recent performances in Matabeleland South, Zhezhingtons gave audiences a taste of the track. The response, he said, exceeded expectations, with crowds instantly connecting with the music.
Fans were seen dancing to the preview during live shows and many have since been asking when the full version will be released.
The excitement surrounding the song is also being fuelled by the story behind the collaboration itself.
According to Zhezhingtons, his association with Blaq Major began during a performance at Scooter Joint in Filabusi.
“We first met at Scooter Joint in Filabusi during a show. He gave me his tags and asked me to send him my song Ngiyabuza. He liked it when I performed it live,” he said.
What started as a brief meeting between two musicians later developed into a working relationship.
The pair met again at Silver Diamond, and it was during that second encounter that discussions about collaborating became more serious.
“That is when he said we should work. He loves my energy and how dedicated I am to my art,” Zhezhingtons said.
The endorsement from a recognised South African artiste has given the Gwanda musician renewed confidence and motivation as he continues to build his career.
For many up-and-coming artistes, getting the attention of established regional stars is not easy. Competition within the music industry is intense, and opportunities can be hard to come by. For Zhezhingtons, however, his commitment to performing and promoting his music appears to be paying off.
The artiste believes his work ethic and stage presence played a major role in attracting Blaq Major’s interest.
As preparations for the release continue, attention is not only focused on the song itself but also on the music video that will accompany it.
Rather than releasing the audio on its own, the team plans to unveil both the song and visuals at the same time. The video will be filmed in Zimbabwe, a move Zhezhingtons hopes will showcase local scenery and talent while giving the project a strong identity.
“We are doing final touches to the track now. We want to release the song and video together because it’s a big move for my career,” he said.
The artiste is confident that the project has the potential to reach audiences well beyond Zimbabwe.
He also spoke warmly about his experience working with Blaq Major, describing the South African musician as approachable, supportive and genuinely interested in helping younger artistes grow.
According to Zhezhingtons, the partnership has been built on mutual respect and a shared passion for music.
“He loves to motivate the artistes he works with. He told me to work hard. He wants to see me grow big and break into the South African market,” he said.
For any Zimbabwean musician hoping to succeed regionally, South Africa remains one of the most important markets. The country’s music industry offers larger audiences, greater exposure and more opportunities for collaborations, performances and commercial success.
A successful partnership with an artiste of Blaq Major’s stature could therefore open important doors for Zhezhingtons.
Industry observers believe the collaboration could help increase his visibility among South African listeners while creating opportunities for cross-border performances, radio airplay and higher streaming numbers.
It could also strengthen cultural and musical links between Zimbabwean and South African artistes, something that has become increasingly common in recent years.
For Zhezhingtons, however, the focus remains firmly on delivering a quality product.
While fans are eagerly awaiting the release date, he is concentrating on completing the final stages of the project and ensuring the song meets expectations.
The artiste believes Ngesaba has all the ingredients needed to become a crowd favourite and potentially introduce his music to entirely new audiences.
His confidence is understandable. From working with Dr Malinga to now partnering with Blaq Major, he has consistently shown a willingness to step outside his comfort zone and pursue opportunities beyond his home area.
That ambition has helped him stand out in a competitive industry where many talented artistes struggle to gain recognition.
As anticipation continues to grow, Ngesaba could become one of the most important releases of his career so far.
Whether performing before local crowds in Matabeleland South or preparing music aimed at regional audiences, Zhezhingtons is determined to keep pushing forward.
His journey serves as a reminder that talent can emerge from anywhere and that with perseverance, dedication and belief, local artistes can compete on bigger stages.
For now, all eyes are on the upcoming release. If the early reaction from fans is anything to go by, Zhezhingtons may be on the verge of taking his biggest step yet towards establishing himself as a recognised name beyond Zimbabwe’s borders.
