Langalakhe Mabena, [email protected]
Up-and-coming Maskandi musician Mkitazi Wetshitshi, real name Patrick Moyo, believes he has what it takes to make an impact on Zimbabwe’s music scene, as he said he needs an opportunity to prove his talent.
Based in Enyandeni under Chief Masuku in Gwanda, Mkitazi Wetshitshi is among the young creatives discovered during Dr Gasolo’s Long Walk to Success in September.
The initiative saw Dr Gasolo walk through his rural community of Matshetsheni to Bulawayo in three days, while interacting with communities and discovering young talent along the way.
The journey was supported by Mcilo Transport and Mr Sinkwa, with Dr Gasolo donating Starlink kits to schools in his rural community, including Matshetsheni and Matshiya primary schools, amongst others.
As he made his way through the community, Dr Gasolo encountered young artistes who showcased their talents and shared their aspirations of getting support to pursue their dreams.
Mkitazi Wetshitshi was among the creatives who grabbed the opportunity to showcase his Maskandi talent.
Inspired by legendary South African Maskandi musicians such as the late Bhekumuzi Luthuli and Thokozani Langa, Mkitazi Wetshitshi said he developed a passion for the genre at a young age.
“While growing up, I had so much affection for Maskandi music. Some of the people I loved so much include Thokozani Langa and the late Bhekumuzi Luthuli because their music spoke about real-life issues that I grew up experiencing.
“This inspired me to become a Maskandi musician when I grew up. With that in mind, I bought a guitar using my savings and taught myself how to play it,” he said.
The young musician has so far recorded three songs at Rock Up Studios, owned by multi-award-winning producer Nashville.
His first song, Impumelelo, speaks about his desire to achieve success through music and use his achievements to improve the situation back home.
His second offering, Khululeka Dali Angijoli, tackles trust in relationships and gender-based violence.
Mkitazi Wetshitshi said the song was inspired by the challenges faced by couples in an era where technology and social media have become part of everyday life.
“The song preaches peace, with the wife assuring her husband that she is not cheating even though she spends most of her time on WhatsApp,” he said.
His third song, Inkunzi YaseNyandeni, is a praise song in which he celebrates his musical gift and pays tribute to his roots and ancestors.
“I regard myself as Inkunzi (bull) because where I come from, Enyandeni, we have never unearthed a musician of my calibre.
“I am saying this because I know that once I am given a chance, I will prove that I am among the best Maskandi musicians in the region,” he said.
Mkitazi Wetshitshi said his biggest challenge he is facing was limited access to resources and opportunities, as he is based in rural areas.
He appealed to businesspeople and well-wishers to support him with recording opportunities as he works towards releasing a full-length album.
“The passion and spirit in me to push this music is there, but as someone based in a rural area, I get little chance to pursue and realise my dreams because of geographical and financial challenges.
“I am kindly asking businesspeople and well-wishers to assist me in recording my music. I have plenty of songs that I have written which I believe, if given a chance, can touch and change many people’s lives,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mcilo Transport’s Danisiwe Senda has pledged to give the young musician a platform to showcase his talent.
Senda, who hosted the Maskandi Music Festival in Bulawayo in September, which was headlined by Mzansi Maskandi powerhouse Khuzani Mpungose, said Mkitazi Wetshitshi would be allowed to perform at another festival planned for December.
Senda said the December edition would feature South African Maskandi artistes, including Limit Nala.
“The young man, Mkitazi Wetshitshi, is full of potential and people like him have to be empowered because these are the same people who hold on to opportunities once they are given them.
“In December, we are planning to host another Maskandi Music Festival, which will be headlined by South African Maskandi artistes, among them Limit Nala.
“I wish to give Mkitazi Wetshitshi a platform to prove to the world that he is the next big thing in the genre. He needs that push so that people can appreciate him,” said Senda.
