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Mbulelo Mpofu, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
HARARE-BASED independent recording artiste M.G Hkh, born Prince Peter Moyo, recently seized an international spotlight, participating in American singer-songwriter Fridayy’s high-profile “Proud of Me” Open Verse Challenge.
This global social media campaign invited artistes worldwide to craft and share their own verses for a dedicated section of Fridayy’s emotive track, “Proud of Me” which features Meek Mill.
M.G Hkh, known for his potent blend of Hip-Hop, Trap Soul, and Emotional Rap, answered the call with a deeply personal submission.
His verse uniquely fused English and Shona lyrics, weaving a narrative rich with themes of personal growth, emotional resilience, and overcoming life’s significant hurdles.
Drawing directly from autobiographical experiences, the Zimbabwean artiste delivered the raw, relatable content that has become his signature since emerging on the scene in 2020.
Speaking about his distinctive bilingual approach, M.G Hkh explained, “Using both English and Shona was a natural choice for me. I wanted to express my journey in a way that feels true to where I come from. Shona gave me the emotional depth to talk about real-life struggles, pain, hope, and growth in a language that hits home for me and my people. Blending both allowed me to speak to the world while still staying grounded in my roots.”
Translating intimate life challenges into lyrics for a global platform required vulnerability.
“It wasn’t easy, but it was healing. Writing that verse was like opening a diary to the world – talking about dark nights, self-doubt, and still standing strong. I had to be vulnerable, but I also wanted to show others that your story, no matter how hard, is worth being proud of. That’s what the challenge meant to me – finding pride even in the broken chapters,” he reflected.
While M.G Hkh’s entry wasn’t ultimately selected for official release or endorsement by Fridayy, it resonated powerfully within Zimbabwe’s music community and garnered notable online engagement.
It was highlighted among the standout submissions from Zimbabwean participants, affirming his position as a promising voice in the country’s underground hip-hop scene.
For the independent artiste, the experience transcended the competition itself.
“Being part of something global, from right here in Zimbabwe, was powerful
Fridayy is an artiste I respect, and jumping on his challenge gave me a platform to be heard beyond borders. Even without making the final cut, the love I got at home – the messages, shares, comments – reminded me that our voices matter. It gave me confidence to keep pushing independently,” he stated.
The “Proud of Me” challenge has proven to be a significant creative catalyst for M.G Hkh.
He has continued his prolific output of independent music since the 2025 challenge, releasing tracks like “Hard to Change,” “Love You No More,” and “Rufu Runopedza Part 2,” culminating in his album, “Pray Hard.”
Reflecting on the challenge’s lasting impact, he shared: “That challenge made me more intentional. It reminded me of the power in being personal and relatable. Since then, I’ve focused more on storytelling – whether it’s love, struggle, or faith. I realised people connect most when you’re honest. ‘Proud of Me’ opened a door for me to be more fearless in my writing, and I carry that into every track now.”
Managed by Unice Gumbo and celebrated for his emotionally driven lyrics and versatile delivery rooted in real-life experiences, M.G Hkh continues to build his fanbase.
His participation in Fridayy’s global initiative, marked by his authentic Shona-English fusion and raw storytelling, underscores his commitment to representing Zimbabwean experiences on an international stage and uplifting youth through the power of relatable music. – Follow on X @MbuleloMpofu
Online Reporter