dyton mupawaenda
Tafadzwa Zimoyo-Entertainment Editor
Fast-rising high afro-fusion contemporary singer Julian King may be the “king” at the moment with his song, “One by One,” but hasn’t always ruled the charts as he has been in the game for long.
In May 2023, Julian King real name Julian Lennon Kanombirira dropped banger “One by One” featuring Saintfloew, but little did the duo know that it was going to be a “national anthem” as the song dominated all over.
In commuter omnibuses, parties, weddings even at family gatherings, though the song is about love, it resonated with everyone.
Now that is art, as music is universal.
An artiste should feel that he or she has hit the right chords when you hear a four-year-old competing with a 50-year-old singing along to the lyrics of their song.
On local radio stations such as Star FM Top 100 and Power FM Top 100, the song was voted number one while on ZiFM it was in second position.
Though there was no doubt, the audacious statement about the number one position ignited both cheers and debate within the music community, as fans and critics alike grappled with the weight of such a title.
Some even demanded to know why an artiste who had put out just one new song of this past year deserved the honour.
For now, he is number one, let us all accept fate.
For Julian King, this was business as usual.
By the way he is not new to the music industry as he has once released other scorchers such as “Rwendo,” “ZveRudo Muchazvirega,” and “Ndomudawo” among others.
And for him, every win he scores seems to be met by as many fans applauding.
Released as part of Julian King’s single, it captivated audiences with its raw emotional honesty — love, one by one.
The song delves into the singer’s one by one tempo, emotional and affection “inspo” from heart to fans.
Well, unheralded Haniel Muzerengwa’s production lays down an afrofusion-sungura groove, perfectly complementing Julian King’s and Sainfloew’s powerful vocals as they lay their bare affections.
The United States-based musician rubbished statements that, “he is a hit wonder”, “thanks to the collaboration”, and “was lucky to be blessed,” among others.
“I am not a one-hit wonder,” he said.
“I did ‘Rwendo’, ‘ZveRudo Muchazvirega’ which became a street anthem, and ‘Ndomudawo’ which won Best Song by Artiste in the Diaspora two years ago. All these came before ‘One by One’. Anyone who says that I am a hit wonder will be speaking from a point of ignorance. Also, I’m still here and God is still God so time will tell.”
Julian King said the song was inspired by societal issues.
“I just decided to do a love song for a Zimbabwean girl audience in a sound that shouted out to Afrobeats and Zimbabwean sungura.”
Asked how he felt having a number one song on chart shows and what it meant to him, Julian King said was ecstatic.
“When I got the news I cried,” he said.
“I started thinking of my grandfather who passed away who was a father figure to me and how he would have been so proud, then I started thinking of my pastor from Mutare who gave me a platform to sing and spoke good words over my life, then I started thinking about my entire music journey leading to that moment. I’m just so grateful. My fans are amazing.”
Because various critics said his music was rhythm and blues while others cited it was urban grooves that went to private school, the “king” cleared the air on his type of music.
“It’s mostly a fusion of afro beats and Zimbabwean sungura vibe almost but I’m not tied to any specific genre.
I just sing in the genre I’m feeling inspired to sing in on a song-by-song basis,” he said.
The talented musician said his definition of a role model is someone who greatly inspires you in your field.
“My role models are all artistes who made it big in music and went on to establish themselves big in business as well.”
“It’s not one specific individual,” he jokingly said.
“Outside of being the number one song of 2023 my greatest achievement, I would say is now being in a position where I can take care of my mother and help others in need whenever I can.”
Julian King said was discovered while in primary school.
“In primary school, I was somewhat of the class entertainer then I grew up singing in the church, currently I am based in Dallas, Texas, United States of America.”
With all the fame now and the crown on his head, Julian King said the local music industry needs more regulations.
“Our industry needs more inward focus, setting up structures and strategic planning that sets up our people for success. There’s a lot of potential that needs harnessing and direction.”
He said that 2024 he is not stopping.
“I just released a track called “Handiuye,” which is a celebratory track after a season of victory and a cry for peace and to be allowed to rest, refresh and enjoy oneself.”
“I am booked on January 26 in Ireland and on March 30, I will be in the United Kingdom, Birmingham.”
Given a chance, he said would want to collaborate with Jah Prayzah, Winky D, Holy Ten, Enzo, Baba Harare, Yo Maps from Zambia, Nasty C, Kabza, Maporisa, Focalistic, Diamond Platnumz, and some American rappers.”
Surprisingly Julian King is an accountant by profession.
“I am also an entrepreneur. I’m the founder and CEO of BuildAfricainvestment.com which connects businesses looking for capital with investors.”
Online Reporter