Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
LAST year, rapper Asaph Afrika represented Zimbabwe at the Next Level Global in the United States, a feat that culminated in him establishing the Kwela Initiative, a prominent organisation dedicated to promoting Hip-Hop in Bulawayo.
In March, selected rappers met and recorded projects, and Kwela Initiative is set to unveil a series of these aimed at invigorating the local music scene. Following the success of its recent artiste workshop and recording camp, the initiative’s flagship project, “Sound of the City”, is poised to make a significant impact. This project will kick off with a weekly cypher series, culminating in an album launch and showcase.
In a vibrant move to engage audiences, the Weekly Cypher Series: “The Canvus Ports Cypher” features an impressive line-up of artistes, including Swazy, TBK, Kereng, and M.U.S.E. Produced by Canvus Ports, the cypher is now live on Kwela Initiative’s YouTube channel and social media platforms. This series aims to highlight the lyrical talents of local hip-hop artistes while fostering community engagement.
The excitement continues with the “Sound of the City Album Launch and Showcase”, scheduled for July 5 at the Bulawayo Theatre. This event will be filled with music and performance, showcasing the hard work and creativity of the artists involved.
The Kwela Initiative has garnered attention not just for its events, but for its commitment to empowering local Hip-Hop artistes. By providing platforms for engagement, creativity, and community building, Kwela fosters growth and innovation in Zimbabwe’s hip-hop scene.
The initiative is supported by the Meridian International Centre and collaborates with Next Level Global, which facilitates international programs through the U.S. Department of State.
Selected hip-hop artistes converged for the Kwela Initiative in March, and over three transformative days, these talented individuals gathered at a private Airbnb, resulting in an astonishing 32 tracks being recorded.
This exceptional event was not merely a recording camp; it was a movement sparked by the powerful themes explored during the “Conflict Transformation: Hip Hop vs Community” Indaba.
The Kwela Initiative served as a platform for selected artistes to delve into the complexities of their narratives, igniting a creative fire that would fuel their music for years to come.
Among the illustrious names present at the recording camp were Swazy, Stones Moyo, Fuel The Don, Curtis Dee Rovar, Nsizwa Black, TBK, Farai, Ghawdzilla, Israel, CMK, Mike the Future, Salem Bhebhe, KidThrill, Philo Cliff, Canvus Ports, Kereng, and Rayzon. Each artiste brought their unique flavour to the mix, embodying the rich tapestry of Bulawayo’s hip-hop culture.
The gathering was a response to the long-standing challenges plaguing the local scene, including issues of support, recognition, and unity. The Kwela Initiative not only fostered dialogue among stakeholders, media, businesspeople, and creatives but also laid the groundwork for a more robust and united Hip Hop community.
This collaborative spirit was palpable as artists shared ideas, inspirations, and their collective vision for the future of Bulawayo Hip-Hop.
Asaph Afrika, one of the driving forces behind the Kwela Initiative, reflected on the experience with pride and optimism.
“There’s so much to learn and grow from this experience. It was thrilling to see the artistes organise themselves, showing the world that they are ready to work hard. Now we’ve got the music; the next step is sorting and finalising the mixes before the release and concert,” he shared.
The magnitude of recording 32 tracks in just three days is nothing short of magnificent. It speaks to an unparalleled work ethic and a hunger for artistic expression that many believed was dormant. – Follow on X @MbuleloMpofu
Bongani Ndlovu