Online Reporter
Prince Mushawevato
CONTROVERSIAL rapper Alishias Musimbe, better known as
Prince Mushawevato
CONTROVERSIAL rapper Alishias Musimbe, better known as Maskiri, has decided he is finished with the sidelines. He is officially back, foot on the accelerator, determined to reclaim his signature, vintage sting.
His latest single, “VaWinky D”, released last Friday, is perhaps a clear declaration of this intent.
The track showcases the rapper’s hallmark style — sharp, biting vocals paired with a rhythm that is difficult to resist.
In true Maskiri fashion, the song opens with a provocative verse in which he casts himself as omnipresent, while simultaneously acknowledging the calculated, masterful approach of Zimdancehall guru Winky D.
Over a laid-back but irresistibly enchanting beat, Maskiri spits: “Ndakachiller mumaclouds, miti iri pasi, ndichiita kunge Mwari, ndichikuonai pasi, marata edzimba dzenyu, zvamuri kuita muri mukati ndiri zi-i, ndiri zi-i kunge vaWinky D.”
The three-minute track does not stop there; it unleashes a volley of salvos at various fellow artistes while interweaving praise for others.
It is, in essence, a direct window into the mind of a rapper who has always thrived on audacity.
A notable evolution in this release is the use of clean lyrics, making the track accessible even in more conservative settings — a departure from his earlier career, which was often marred by airplay bans due to sexually suggestive content.
But the artiste seems to hold his past controversies in high regard.
“Controversy, if you choose to call it that, remains a part of me. My style hasn’t changed; I simply revisited my vintage roots on this new single to capture that classic hip-hop feel,” Maskiri said in an interview with The Sunday Mail Entertainment.
When the single’s cover art was first revealed, fans speculated about a collaboration with the “Gaffa”, but Maskiri clarifies that the song is an act of appreciation.
“I am simply acknowledging Winky D’s greatness in the track. He is an artiste who stays in his lane and focuses on his craft, regardless of the noise around him.”
The name Maskiri requires little introduction in the local showbiz scene.
For many, he is remembered for his lyrical dexterity, while others associate him with the colourful, often turbulent, controversies that have dogged his career.
Rising to prominence at the turn of the millennium during the height of the Urban Grooves movement, Maskiri cemented his legacy with hits like “Zimhamha”, “Dhara Rangu”, “Madam Mombeshora” and “Kwedu Kuchafiwa”.
His 2010 video for “Wenera”, filmed with fellow artiste Nox Guni, notably won the Top ZBC Video of the Year award.
He was a pioneer who worked alongside industry stalwarts such as Alexio Kawara, Plaxedes Wenyika, Tererai Mugwadi, Extra Large, Roy and Royce, Sanii Makalima, Decibel and Ngoni Kambarami.
Observing that many of these early collaborators have since stepped away from the limelight, Maskiri admits he feels a sense of urgency.
Having been somewhat low-key himself for a period, he is now driven to reignite the energy that defined his early success.
“I recorded the single independently, with production by DJ Miles. While I believe albums are important, I am currently focusing on releasing a steady stream of singles,” he revealed.
Following his EP (extended play) “Motswako”, released two years ago, the musician stayed active with singles like “Huku”, “Harare Drive”, “Anotigona” (featuring Pauline) and “Muchibage” (featuring Tererai).
Earlier this year, he also released a remake of his classic “Madam Mombeshora”.
“I have a stockpile of tracks lined up and I will continue to release them until the time feels right for a full album launch,” he explained.
“My core sound remains the same, but I have perfected the production quality, particularly with my visuals.
“I also plan to bridge the gap by collaborating with past peers while bringing fresh talent into the fold to blend with my style.”
Inspired by the lyrical prowess of American icon Eminem, Maskiri has long proven he is a force to be reckoned with locally.
Yet, despite his reputation, he maintains a level of humility towards the new generation. “I believe the current crop of artistes is doing a great job. Music evolves and they are keeping pace. Nothing is stopping them from reaching their potential and that is the true hip-hop spirit. I salute the young generation.”
, has decided he is finished with the sidelines. He is officially back, foot on the accelerator, determined to reclaim his signature, vintage sting.
His latest single, “VaWinky D”, released last Friday, is perhaps a clear declaration of this intent.
The track showcases the rapper’s hallmark style — sharp, biting vocals paired with a rhythm that is difficult to resist.
In true Maskiri fashion, the song opens with a provocative verse in which he casts himself as omnipresent, while simultaneously acknowledging the calculated, masterful approach of Zimdancehall guru Winky D.
Over a laid-back but irresistibly enchanting beat, Maskiri spits: “Ndakachiller mumaclouds, miti iri pasi, ndichiita kunge Mwari, ndichikuonai pasi, marata edzimba dzenyu, zvamuri kuita muri mukati ndiri zi-i, ndiri zi-i kunge vaWinky D.”
The three-minute track does not stop there; it unleashes a volley of salvos at various fellow artistes while interweaving praise for others.
It is, in essence, a direct window into the mind of a rapper who has always thrived on audacity.
A notable evolution in this release is the use of clean lyrics, making the track accessible even in more conservative settings — a departure from his earlier career, which was often marred by airplay bans due to sexually suggestive content.
But the artiste seems to hold his past controversies in high regard.
“Controversy, if you choose to call it that, remains a part of me. My style hasn’t changed; I simply revisited my vintage roots on this new single to capture that classic hip-hop feel,” Maskiri said in an interview with The Sunday Mail Entertainment.
When the single’s cover art was first revealed, fans speculated about a collaboration with the “Gaffa”, but Maskiri clarifies that the song is an act of appreciation.
“I am simply acknowledging Winky D’s greatness in the track. He is an artiste who stays in his lane and focuses on his craft, regardless of the noise around him.”
The name Maskiri requires little introduction in the local showbiz scene.
For many, he is remembered for his lyrical dexterity, while others associate him with the colourful, often turbulent, controversies that have dogged his career.
Rising to prominence at the turn of the millennium during the height of the Urban Grooves movement, Maskiri cemented his legacy with hits like “Zimhamha”, “Dhara Rangu”, “Madam Mombeshora” and “Kwedu Kuchafiwa”.
His 2010 video for “Wenera”, filmed with fellow artiste Nox Guni, notably won the Top ZBC Video of the Year award.
He was a pioneer who worked alongside industry stalwarts such as Alexio Kawara, Plaxedes Wenyika, Tererai Mugwadi, Extra Large, Roy and Royce, Sanii Makalima, Decibel and Ngoni Kambarami.
Observing that many of these early collaborators have since stepped away from the limelight, Maskiri admits he feels a sense of urgency.
Having been somewhat low-key himself for a period, he is now driven to reignite the energy that defined his early success.
“I recorded the single independently, with production by DJ Miles. While I believe albums are important, I am currently focusing on releasing a steady stream of singles,” he revealed.
Following his EP (extended play) “Motswako”, released two years ago, the musician stayed active with singles like “Huku”, “Harare Drive”, “Anotigona” (featuring Pauline) and “Muchibage” (featuring Tererai).
Earlier this year, he also released a remake of his classic “Madam Mombeshora”.
“I have a stockpile of tracks lined up and I will continue to release them until the time feels right for a full album launch,” he explained.
“My core sound remains the same, but I have perfected the production quality, particularly with my visuals.
“I also plan to bridge the gap by collaborating with past peers while bringing fresh talent into the fold to blend with my style.”
Inspired by the lyrical prowess of American icon Eminem, Maskiri has long proven he is a force to be reckoned with locally.
Yet, despite his reputation, he maintains a level of humility towards the new generation. “I believe the current crop of artistes is doing a great job. Music evolves and they are keeping pace. Nothing is stopping them from reaching their potential and that is the true hip-hop spirit. I salute the young generation.”
