Online Reporter
Trust Khosa-Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
CANADA-BASED events manager and radio personality Tinos “Slicey T” Viriri, has paid tribute to the late revolutionary singer Dickson Chingaira, also known as Cde Chinx, for his major role in mentoring him.
Slicey T revealed that Cde Chinx mentored him alongside Allen Mupanduki, Gaylord Gwatidzo, Collin Sondayi and Lenin Chingaira. The quintet formed Slice Band while Lenin was Cde Chinx’s son.
Tragically, Cde Chinx passed away on June 16, 2017, at the age of 61.
Reflecting on his mentorship journey during his recent 50th birthday celebration, Slicey T emphasised that his musical path — from Chitungwiza to Canada — would be incomplete without acknowledging the influence of Cde Chinx.
“What started as a joke became my passion and life for me and my family,” he recalled.
“My journey in music began in 1998 in the streets of Unit M, Chitungwiza, as part of the musical group Slice International, where I was mentored by Cde Chinx. We pioneered the formation of the group along with other artistes.
“With the help of Cde Chinx, we made hits for five years until I left the country for the USA to pursue my studies in 2007. He was there on our journey from day one, and I will always miss him.” The award-winning arts promoter in the diaspora noted that he only left Zimbabwe after receiving help from Cde Chinx.
“I then started deejaying across North America in 2011, where I also doubled as a music promoter.
“In 2013, I started a radio show on Canada National Radio called “The Africa Radio Show.” In 2019, I began introducing my two boys to promotion, and now I can safely say this is it — time to focus on my grandkids,” he noted. In his birthday message after turning 50 this week, Slicey T, who still has his kith and kin at heart, called for self-belief and hard work.
“I will always tell them to believe in themselves, work hard, and align their plans,” he shared. Slicey T, who has since passed his legacy as a promoter to his two sons — Mike and Malcom Viriri of Biggz Entertainment—believes their legacy is safe.
“It has been a smooth handover of this promotion and events management company to my boys. They have always been involved in this process, and they have mastered how I have been doing it.
“At 50, surely I need to start showing them the ropes because I have been in this business for years. I want to leave them the template that they need to follow and fine-tune their approach and execution,” he stated.
As has become his tradition, Slicey has a unique way of celebrating his birthday.
Due to his busy schedule as a radio personality and businessman, he normally holds his birthday a week earlier or later.
So what’s his plan for 2025?
“My family hosted an “all white event” last Saturday with friends. It was quite amazing as friends and family gathered to celebrate this Golden Jubilee, and it was worth it.”
Taking stock of his major achievements in life and showbiz, Slicey T could not thank God enough, stating, “I feel great having achieved a lot in my career as an entertainer.
I’m proud of myself and everyone who has been around me. “Now that I am passing this on to my boys, I am glad that they have mastered some of the things that I used to do, and they are simply following the correct template.”
As a promoter, he has hosted some of Zimbabwe’s and the regional giants, including Bojo Mujo, DJ Cleo, and Biblos from South Africa, as well as Zimbabweans like Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi, Winky D, Killer T, and Nox Guni among others. As he celebrates his Golden Jubilee, Slicey T wants to be remembered as a living legend who has defied odds by taking his craft from Chitungwiza, refining it in the US. before settling in Canada.
