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Urban grooves musician Alishias “Maskiri” Musimbe hogged the limelight because of his controversial lyrics and lifestyle. He was known as the bad boy of urban grooves until he announced he had chosen to reform. Some of his songs were not played on radio because of explicit content. Our Entertainment Reporter Kumbirayi Shoniwa spoke to Maskiri about his life and career and below are excerpts of the interview:
Kumbirayi Shoniwa (KS): Hello Maskiri how are you?
Alishious Musimbe (AM): I’m good thank you.
KS: Tell me about your family background and education.
AM: I was born on the 6th of April in 1980 and I have four young brothers and two sisters. I attended Chinembiri Primary School in Chitungwiza, then went to Chemhanza and St Aidens secondary schools.
KS: Why did you change schools at secondary, were you a naughty boy?
AM: Yes, I was a naughty kid since pre-school and was expelled twice during secondary education for being a nuisance.
KS: When did you get into music and who are your favourite local and international artists?
AM: I used to play marimba at primary school and that got me to develop an interest in music. International artists who influenced me include Nas and Cannibus. Locally, I was a big fan of the late Fortune Mparutsa.
KS: How many albums do you have and have you won any awards?
AM: I have six albums to date. In 2013 I won the best Male Hip Hop Artist award at the Zim Hip Hop Awards. In 2011 my song “Wenera” won the Best Video award on the ZTV video awards show.
KS: Which has been your most successful album and why?
AM: Without doubt my best album has been “Recovery” which is also the latest. Probably it’s because it is a compilation of singles which I did individually such as “Miss Officer” and “Namwari” which I then compiled into one album.
KS: How is your relationship with fellow artists in Zimbabwe, especially with Stunner who has been reported to have beef with you?
AM: I have a good working relationship with most artists and that is why I have so many collaborations with various artists like Tererai, J Boss, TK Holland, Nox, Chagwa Black, Mzimba and many others. On the issue of Stunner, well that is all speculation about beef, actually we have a track together coming out soon called “Cross Country”.
KS: You have spent some time in South Africa and done some songs there. What did you learn there as a musician which you are using back home?
AM: I went to South Africa because I wanted better studios and also because I wanted to work with producers such as Sipho “Playboy” Senkosi. I learnt that South Africans take their time to mix and produce their music which leads to more polished productions. In addition most of them have gone to music school and that ensures quality music in the end.
KS: Some people accuse you of being a bad influence to young people. What is your response to this?
AM: I admit my music used to be a bit wayward and that could have affected young people in a negative way. However, I have now grown up and my music has also come of age. You can now listen to my new album with your mother-in-law without any embarrassment at all.
KS: Do you have any musical projects in the pipeline and with whom?
AM: Yes definitely! I have several collaborative works with artists ranging from Mafriq, Nembo Bwoy, Stunner, Mzimba, Shinsoman and Tererai Mugwadi. 2014 is going to be a good year for me my brother!
KS: Any other projects besides music?
AM: Actually I am officially going to launch my brand new exclusive perfume which is called “Tateguru Maskiri TNT”. It is a unisex fragrance which is being made with the collaboration of a top Asian firm, details will be given in due course.
KS: Are you in a relationship?
AM: I am going out with a wonderful woman who really appreciates me and I appreciate her as well. I cannot elaborate on her details right now because she is a bit media shy, but I can reveal it is serious and who knows, we might take it further.
KS: Thank you very much for your time Maskiri and I wish you all the best in your endeavours.
AM: Big up to you and all my fans, thank you.
Online Reporter