adminGrowing up in the high-density suburb of Dzivarasekwa, Marufu has always had his mind set on making good music. While most children his age would listen to songs and drool over the melodies, the 18-year-old would ponder over what it took to come out with classics.
“I grew up admiring the works of the likes of United States producer Timberland and renowned Jamaican producer Di Genius. They have revolutionised music and that is where I have always wanted to be in their shoes,” he said.
The similarities between Richard and Di Genius, who is also the son of reggae star Freddy McGregor, is they have never considered tender age to be a drawback in making their mark in the music industry.
Di Genius (23) has been counted among the best producers in Jamaica who at 16 years old was already working with the biggest names in Jamaica’s reggae and dancehall industry. Fast forward to today, he is a phenomenon worldwide.
Back in the motherland, our teen producer has not yet reached those pinnacles but he is proving to be a force not to mess around with. Being the last born in a family of six, he has music genes running through his veins. Most of his uncles and cousins are into music.
At the age of 14, while he was in Form Two, Marufu’s chance came forth when he learnt to record artistes in his uncle’s studio. While it was a big break music became a hobby that he would only work on after school, from 3pm to 7pm.
“Brother Matthew from the Christ Embassy Church gave me some basic tips on recording because I had shown keen interest in it. From the computer I was able to manipulate the sound and add great beats to it. It was only after my, O-Levels that I took lessons from a professional called Dollar Gettaz that I enhanced my skills in the trade,” he said.
Today, Prichard has nine artistes under his stable in Dzivarasekwa 4. This youngster is all about business while his artistes are serious grown-up musicians specialising in different genres. While he is out to make money, he is also doing a service for the “ghetto youths” who while brimming with artistic lack resources.
“I am currently working with DZ- based Sean Chicks, Scater Dem (Owen Goho), and Chris Mushambi who are among my best artistes. I understand the market I operate within hence my affordable charges that are subject to negotiations. I cases where an artiste is talented but is unable to meet the charges, I record them for free and work out a future payment plan,” he said.
His most exciting project, however, is the upcoming one with renowned dancehall star Dadza D, who he said is yet to release a track from a beat dubbed “Tapinda riddim” he created a month ago.
“I got in touch with Dadza on Facebook where we worked out the arrangement to contribute a song for the beat. I am friends with Yombre Man, so it made it a lot easier,” he said.
On expansion plans, the youthful producer hinted that he is yet to move from his mother’s backyard and start operating in an even bigger studio. He also spoke of adding on more equipment to his studio next month courtesy of his sister who is based in South Africa.
“Although my mother has been supportive of my career, she complains about my operations at times. She would rather have me venture into other things but she plays a big role in financing my work. If all goes well, I will be moving to Crowborough where I can work in a bigger space,” he said.
The best is yet to come out of the talented teen and only time will tell if his star will continue to rise.
Peter Tanyanyiwa
Online Reporter