Hip-hop artiste illuminates Bulawayo music scene

Local hip-hop sensation Lights WakoBulawayo, born Lymon Tanaka Moyo, is not just a talented artiste but also a multifaceted individual, excelling as a filmmaker, community developer, and aspiring entrepreneur.

Hailing from Bulawayo’s Mzilikazi suburb, Lights WakoBulawayo’s roots have deeply shaped his worldview, instilling in him a fervent desire to elevate the city’s townships onto the global stage.

His musical journey took flight in 2012, immediately after completing his O-Levels at Herentals College. He started his professional recording career as part of the “Loktion Frequency” four-man group. However, he pivoted to a solo career in 2016, renaming himself Lights WakoBulawayo.

While it took time to refine his musical prowess, Lights displayed early signs of musicality in childhood, reciting lyrics from urban grooves songs in Grade 4. By Grade 7, he was writing RnB songs with a classmate, and during ‘O’ Levels, he began shaping his professional path.

Lights WakoBulawayo boasts an impressive discography, including one album, a mixtape, and 30 singles. Collaborating with notable artists such as

Floppy X, the late Cal Vin, Pee Ara, and SoulChard, he showcases versatility and talent within the music industry.

One of his career highlights was selling 250 hard copies of his mixtape and album on the streets of Bulawayo, priced at US$1 each. This accomplishment reflects the local support and appreciation for his music.

This year, Lights Out, as he is also known, has plans to release a dancehall album and a hip-hop album. Despite starting in hip-hop, he has explored dancehall due to a lack of local social acceptance, yet he remains true to his hip-hop roots. The decision to release the albums simultaneously or separately is still under consideration.

Looking to the future, Lights Out harbours ambitious goals, aiming for financial independence and envisioning a non-governmental organisation to support young people with education.

“I aspire to attain financial independence and create a non-governmental organisation dedicated to supporting young people in their education.

Additionally, I aim to establish a television and music recording studio, providing a platform for emerging artistes similar to myself,” he expressed. — @TashaMutsiba