Online Reporter
Liberty Dube
Entertainment Correspondent
RISING musician, Retlaw, real name Walter Mandizvidza, is slowly carving his name into Zimbabwe’s entertainment industry after impressing music lovers with his confidence, unique sound and emotionally rich music.
The fast-rising artiste, born and bred in Bindura in Mashonaland Central, but now based in Mutare, recently left many fans talking after delivering a polished performance while curtain-raising for popular artiste, Baba Harare at the Ladies Wind Down Concert held at Vumba Gateway Gardens last month.
Despite being relatively new on the mainstream scene, Retlaw managed to captivate the crowd with his mature stage presence and deep lyrical content, earning admiration from fans who attended the event.
Weekender Entertainment tracked down the emerging star for an interview, where he opened up about his musical journey, inspirations and dreams of becoming one of the country’s leading artistes.
He said music has always been part of his life, and his passion for singing began at a tender age following the death of his father.
The artiste said legendary artiste, Oliver Mtukudzi, played a huge role in shaping his musical direction after he constantly heard his mother playing the late superstar’s songs at home.
“I remember hearing my mother listening to the song ‘Neria’, and that is when I truly fell in love with Tuku music. The way he expressed emotion through music touched me deeply. From that moment, I knew music was something I wanted to pursue seriously. I started music when I was still a small child after my father passed away. It was a painful period in my life, but music became my comfort and source of healing,” he said.
The young artiste believes his music stands out because of his rare emotional connection to sound, something he describes as one of the biggest gifts behind his creativity.
He said he experiences what is scientifically known as “frisson”, a rare sensation where people experience goose bumps or intense emotional reactions while listening to music.
“People who experience goose bumps while listening to music have a unique mental trait that makes them highly emotional towards specific stimuli. This reaction is called frisson. I experience music in a very emotional way and that helps me create songs that connect with people,” he said.
He also revealed that he experiences synaesthesia, specifically chromesthesia, a condition where the senses blend together and sounds trigger colours, textures or visual images in the mind.
“Synaesthesia or chromesthesia allows me to experience sound differently. Every instrument or note creates a visual image, colour or texture in my mind. It becomes easier for me to come up with melodies because I can almost see the music while creating it,” he explained.
Music fans who watched Retlaw perform at the Ladies Wind Down Concert described him as confident, calm and highly gifted, with many praising the depth of his songs despite his youthful appearance.
His ability to command the stage alongside established performers surprised many first-time listeners, with some fans predicting a bright future for the upcoming musician.
Retlaw said the positive reception he received after the Vumba Gateway Gardens performance motivated him to continue pushing harder in the industry.
“That performance gave me confidence and hope. Performing before such a crowd and receiving love from people was a big moment for me. It proved that people are appreciating my music and understanding my message,” he said.
He believes discipline, patience and originality will help him rise in the competitive entertainment industry.
“I believe I have a brighter future in music. I know the journey is not easy, but I am prepared to work hard and remain focused. My goal is to create timeless music that people can relate with for many years,” he said.
Every artiste has their own gift and identity.
“The important thing is to stay original and believe in your talent. Success does not come overnight, but consistency and passion can open doors,” he said.
Retlaw’s growing catalogue of music continues to showcase his emotional depth and versatility, with songs such as “Nditakure”, “Hukama NaJesu” and “Moyo” already attracting attention from listeners.
In “Nditakure”, the young artiste delivers a touching message of hope, perseverance and spiritual surrender, wrapped in soothing melodies that easily connect with audiences.
“Hukama NaJesu” carries a strong gospel influence, with Retlaw expressing the importance of maintaining a close relationship with God during difficult times.
The song’s heartfelt lyrics and calm instrumentation reflect his emotional connection to music.
Meanwhile, “Moyo” explores matters of the heart, blending deep emotions with reflective storytelling that many young listeners can relate to.
The three songs highlight Retlaw’s ability to move between inspirational, spiritual and emotional themes while maintaining a unique sound that continues to distinguish him from many emerging artistes on the local music scene.
