Online Reporter
Maria Chiguvari
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
HIP-HOP musician Carol “K Viper,” Tangawabaiwa says life demanded maturity from here long before she was ready.
The 20-year-old said those responsibilities shaped her into a strong young woman who has what she calls a “hustler mindset.”
As way to hustle, K Viper said she chose music as her refuge and she is also into real estate.
“My personal life is not normal and regular like other girls. Before I could fully grow up, I had to start hustling so that I could help my mom.
“While my peers enjoyed playful teenage years, l found myself separating from my age mates. choosing survival over social life.
“The journey was lonely. Friends were few and the weight of responsibility heavy.
“It was in that time that music became my refuge.”
After completing her Advanced Level studies, the singer faced financial constraints preventing her from furthering her education.
“It was heartbreaking but I was comforted by the music I would write.”
She said at a time she felt uncertain about her strengths and future music was the one space where she felt confident, fulfilled and understood.
“I could not find anything I was good at and enjoyed more than music.
“Then I knew I had to take this as a career,” she said.
Unlike many artists who rely on management teams for direction, K Viper has largely carried her journey alone.
Without a manager to guide her steps, she has had to learn the industry through experience sometimes the hard way.
K Viper believes that independence has been a blessing in disguise.
“The weight of having to carry everything on my own without a manager definitely shaped me to be a humble and patient artist.
“Structure is key to maintaining balance.
“When it comes to balance l have a written schedule for everything and this has taught me that time needs to be used wisely and not planning anything is planning to fail.”
Mathew Masinge