Musician, Cal3 champions mystery persona for musical innovation

South African artistes Mzekezeke and Bleksem made waves with their mystery personas, and UK-based Zimbabwean artiste Cal3 (Tafadzwa Sibanda) is taking a page from their book, emphasising the importance of personas in shaping a musician’s brand.

Drawing inspiration from the heavy metal scene’s iconic bands like KISS, Metal Blade, and Slipknot, Cal3 aims to be an enigmatic and animated figure, standing out in a crowded creative landscape.

“In a world full of creatives doing their best to showcase their abilities, sometimes, one just has to do their part to be different and try to stand out. This is what drives me to be this animated persona in my music,” he explained.

Last year, Cal3 joined the “Fire Emoji” trend, releasing his version, “Money Emoji” and dropped an album, “Pirates Of The Atlantic” (POTA), featuring collaborations with artists from Angola, Zimbabwe, and Nigeria.

Currently, he’s immersed in the “Blues2MK” project with Bulawayo up-and-coming artiste Rappid, collaborating with UK and Bulawayo artistes to complete a drill album.

Growing up listening to legends like John Chibadura, Somandla Ndebele, Simon Chimbetu, and Alick Macheso, Cal3 sees himself as the Jimi Hendrix of local musicians.

While acknowledging the diversity in music between the UK and Zimbabwe, Cal3 notes, “there are many genres that one doesn’t really hear in Africa or maybe I haven’t come across them such as heavy metal or DnB. Drill music on this side is quite extreme compared to Zimbabwe which is more chilled on the party and good vibes.”

When not in the studio, the 27-year-old enjoys playing five-a-side football with friends and spending quality time with family.

– @MbuleloMpofu