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Valerie Mpundu, Youth Interactive Writer
Domboshava-based rapper Tafadzwa Mangundya, who is embracing his musical journey while majoring in Surveying (Geomatics Engineering) at the University of Zimbabwe, says he never thought music would make him a star.
In an interview, the 24-year-old popularly known as “Stylz O.G” fondly reckoned his first love was soccer and he direly yearned to join the national team and perhaps go international.
“I only managed to go as far as boozers’ soccer. The passion suddenly died when I grew older. It was then I started developing an interest in music,” he said.
“I never liked it yet, was just using it to cope with pressure and adolescence challenges.”
Stylz reckons there are pressures that come with being a middle child, further acknowledging the responsibilities that come with it.
“There are responsibilities you silently shoulder and keep up appearances. Imagine battling between leaving soccer, an attempt at my newly found love, and pursuing any education simply because all eyes were on me.
“Your siblings always set the pace for you and the focus indirectly is on you.
“They all want to see what card you put on the table,” he said.
Stylz started writing music for fun in 2013 when he was in Form 2 with no thoughts of ever being a musician, but fate chose otherwise.
“In 2018 while taking a gap year, I just started writing again and this time I began to appreciate the craft. My passion grew taking me to record my first song Hardcore,” he said.
Even after releasing his first single, the musician kept shying away from the music circles, citing it was a trial-and-error phase.
“Two years later, I did “Ndiumbei”, a very emotional track bridging the generation gap between our parents and us. I wanted to reach out.
“The impact, this track had was amazing and the response from fans was amazing.
“I might not have reached far and wide but the audience who received this made me realise I was trying to run away from my own shadow,” he recalled.
The artist reaches his audience through personal experiences shared, exhibiting his diversity in hip-hop, afro-fusion, rhythm, and blues, despite calling himself a rapper.
“When I write my songs, I try to tell stories in a way that makes others see from my perspective. Positivity is the way to go. Well in some songs it’s all groove but mostly I want to teach and educate through rap,” he said.
The musician has had several collaborations with other Domboshava artistes, including’The Boi DC’, ‘Wade Ezzi’ and ‘Tyger’.
“When all has been said and done this month-end fans can expect, ‘Black Mami’, an afro-beat vibe appreciating the females among us,” he said.
However, despite his rise to stardom, Stylz bemoans lack of financial support and exposure for upcoming artists.
“The music industry is quite expensive but I urge unity among renowned and upcoming artists as we promote and support each other.”
Stylz is known for songs such as “Bho Gen’a”, “Zvisaenda nePamwe”, “Kumhanyisana Nelife” and “Fake Friends” among others.
Online Reporter