Mbulelo Mpofu, [email protected]
ZIMBABWEAN music professional Kevin “Kever Six” Dozwa is extending his expertise beyond the country’s borders, taking Zimbabwean music knowledge into Rwanda’s tertiary education sector while contributing to broader conversations about the future of Africa’s creative industries.
The Mutare-born musicologist, researcher, multi-instrumentalist and music business educator is part of the second cohort of 143 Zimbabwean teachers deployed to Rwanda under the Rwanda-
Zimbabwe Bilateral Teacher Exchange Programme, a partnership aimed at strengthening teaching capacity and improving the quality of education in the East African country.
Based in Kigali, Kever Six teaches music business at a tertiary institution, drawing on his academic training and practical industry experience. Beyond the classroom, his assignment has created opportunities for cultural exchange, professional networking and a deeper understanding of Rwanda’s creative landscape.
The Zimbabwean teachers were received in December last year during an induction and orientation workshop at Ntare Louisenlund School in Bugesera District. Held under the theme
“Cooperation for Enhancing Quality Education”, the event marked another milestone in the bilateral partnership.
For Kever Six, adapting to his new environment has been relatively seamless, with familiar aspects of everyday life helping him settle in.
“The weather is a bit different from Zimbabwe. As of now, we’re in rainy season, though it’s intermittent. The food is the same, though they have their traditional dishes like Igitoke (boiled bananas cooked with soup), cassava and they cook sadza in different ways. Some put cooking oil, garlic and onions, etc,” he said.
Music, however, has provided an even stronger cultural connection. Despite differences in language and local traditions, he has discovered familiar patterns in Rwanda’s entertainment industry, particularly in its artistes, live performances and festival culture.
“The music culture is the same with Zimbabwe. Their trending artistes are an equivalent of our Freeman, ExQ, etc. There are several events happening in Kigali, from Sofar, concerts and other music festivals outside Kigali. The lifestyle is generally calm; Rwandans are reserved, although there are those places where party people revel, especially during weekends,” he said.
His observations highlight the growing interconnectedness of African music, where artistes, audiences and industry practitioners increasingly share influences, experiences and opportunities across national boundaries.
Kever Six’s musical journey began in 2012 when he entered the dancehall scene as a DJ and selector. The experience exposed him to the workings of the music business and gradually shaped an interest that extended beyond the performance side of the industry.
In 2016, he recorded his first live mixtape, marking another milestone in his musical development. He subsequently pursued formal training, graduating from Midlands State University with a
Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Music Business, Musicology and Technology. He also holds a National Certificate in Music.
His professional portfolio spans music education, research, performance and industry development. As a tutor, he specialises in ABRSM music theory from Grades 1 to 5, while teaching instruments including mbira, guitar, hosho and recorder, alongside music history.
His research interests encompass music business, technology and ethnomusicology, with particular attention to how innovation can strengthen arts administration and improve the efficiency of creative industry operations.
Through his platform, Kever Six Music, he also collaborates with artistes as a multi-instrumentalist, with guitar as his principal instrument. Combining academic knowledge with practical industry involvement enables him to approach music from both creative and commercial perspectives.
His growing regional profile was further demonstrated in August when he participated in the Music Imbizo Conference, contributing to a panel discussion and fireside chat titled “Ethical AI & African Music: Consent, Credit, Compensation”.
The discussion explored the implications of artificial intelligence for African musicians, particularly issues surrounding intellectual property, artists’ consent, recognition and fair compensation in an increasingly technology-driven industry.
Kever Six is also scheduled to participate in the Amplify Uganda Music Expo (AUMEX26), an East African music industry development and business platform, on 14 November in Kampala.
His involvement in these engagements places him among Zimbabwean music professionals contributing to important regional conversations about the sustainability, commercialisation and technological advancement of Africa’s creative industries.
For Kever Six, the Rwandan assignment is therefore as much about learning as it is about teaching. It offers an opportunity to share Zimbabwean musical knowledge while gaining insights from another country’s educational approaches, cultural practices and creative economy.
His journey also demonstrates how music professionals can extend their influence beyond the stage. Through teaching, research, mentorship and industry engagement, he is contributing to a more knowledgeable and interconnected African music sector, while showcasing the breadth of Zimbabwe’s contribution to the continent’s cultural and creative development.
