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Valerie Mpundu
SEASONED dancehall chanter, Edwin “Potato” Nyaruka, has embraced legendary reggae icon Burning Spear’s show set for October 18, at Glamis Arena, Harare.
In an interview, Potato said the 79-year-old crooner’s visit would excite the reggae community.
“It is a blessing for the reggae family since we have been waiting for the legend for a very long time.
“This is history in the making and we are ready for him,” he said.
The Mbare-bred chanter, who rose to fame in 1997 after featuring in the late Andy Brown’s song “Mapurisa”, has vowed to empower upcoming musicians with his expertise.
“I have established a base by setting up a studio with my producer DJ Teknics. We are known as, ‘Still We Rise Records’.
“I have nurtured and identified great talent including Rodney Killer, Mad Kudaso, Empress Cici, Buyaka, Uncle Kumbi, and Badman Kusso,” he said.
Potato also hinted on collaborating with Killer T, Shinsoman, Hwindi President, Ras Caleb, Mannex, Blue Genes, Laygwaan Sharky and many others.
He also shared how he got the moniker, ‘Potato’.
“I was always bald in high school. I would shave off all my hair and my peers ended up calling me ‘Potato’. That name stuck.”
Potato acknowledged the strides dancehall has taken expressing satisfaction with the progress thus far.
“Our music is thriving, we cannot fully say it is perfect but as time goes on we will be fixing the loopholes creating legacies and more music.
“The industry has grown and paved the way for the youth giving them that much-needed exposure,” he said.
He also encouraged artistes to work together in harmony despite singing various genres.
“Remember one hand cannot clap and one wing cannot fly. Words of the icon, Antony B, will always echo as we need each other for the much-desired recognition and success,” he said.
Potato also expressed satisfaction with the strides dancehall has made over the years.
“Our music is thriving, we cannot fully say it is perfect but as time goes on, we will be fixing the loopholes creating legacies and more music.
“The industry has grown and paved the way for the youth giving them that much-needed exposure,” he said.
Potato, who once dominated the airwaves after collaborating with Innocent Utsiwegota in the year 2000 when they released club banger “Country Boy”, said he will use his experience to empower others.
He has been featuring upcoming musicians in his songs.
Online Reporter