Chronicle Editor
Yvonne Ncube, Showbiz Correspondent
HIP-HOP musician Yung Reece (real name Edwin Ndlovu) has dedicated his forthcoming single titled Bulawayo to the late hip-hop star Cal_Vin.
Cal_Vin, who died in October 2020, had a special spot for young talent as evidenced by the young army he assembled at his Kontrol Tribe Studio, which included Kwaito Boys Mawiza, Mzistozz Mfanafuthi, Frost and Tebza.
Young Reece, said losing a mentor was difficult for him hence he decided to remember him through the song that will be released next month.
“The track Bulawayo is a commemoration of the late king Cal_Vin. It relays a message to him that I wish he was still here. In the song, I send the message that I hope he is still looking after and guiding us through this musical journey from above.
“Cal played a big role in guiding us when he was still alive and we’ll forever be grateful for that,” Young Reece said.
He said the song also serves as an encouragement to fans to support local artistes while they are still alive.
“The love that Cal_Vin received following his death was massive. I realised that people never used to show how much he was celebrated when he was still alive. Artistes need that type of energy when they’re still alive as it keeps us going,” he said.
Yung Reece said his first encounter with Cal_Vin was not the best.
“Cal_Vin and I had just reunited at the time of his death after we crossed each other’s paths online. I had approached him for a collaboration on WhatsApp and by that time I was still new in the industry. He didn’t refuse but he sent me his portfolio which described his worth for a verse.
“I was in Form Three and the amount sounded unrealistic to me. I tried reasoning with him but he refused. I took the issue to WhatsApp groups where I started poking him and it got nasty. A few months later, I composed a song that got recognised and earned me a slot at the Intwasa festival. Before the event, I bumped into him and it was then that we resolved our differences.
“A few days later, I got a call from him at break time and he said that he had reconsidered my offer and wanted to give me a chance. This was a blessing. At the studio session, I got to meet the good Cal_Vin. He was as humble as an amateur and he treated me like a brother. Soon after that, he hooked me up with photographers and journalists.
“When I was still enjoying the moment and had people riding on the wave, that was when the tragedy occurred,” Yung Reece said.
He said the Bulawayo single will be accompanied by two other singles titled Question and Drip Juluka.
“This single will be released along with two other singles, Question and Drip Juluka. Drip Juluka is a club banger to usher us into the summer season while Question is a love song inspired by my love life. It features Bulawayo Arts Awards nominee Helen. It’s a soulful hard rap song,” Yung Reece said. – @SeehYvonne
Online Reporter