Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu, [email protected]
BULAWAYO has long held its place as a bastion of particular musical genres, kwaito chief among them, and now, two names are rapidly climbing the ranks: Emmanuel “Young Tsodzo” Tsodzo and Tinashe “Timz Red X” Tsodzo. These brothers, the sons of celebrated footballer Chipo “Jack Roller” Tsodzo, have made a bold departure from the hallowed turf of the football pitch, choosing instead to carve out their own distinct identities within the vibrant landscape of the music industry.
Their sound, a compelling blend of kwaito influences laced with a fervent passion that pulsates through their lyrics, ensures they’re not simply living in the shadow of their father’s legacy; they are actively building a legacy that is unequivocally theirs.
Back in 2018, kwaito artiste Mawiza paid tribute to the football legend with the release of Chipo Tsodzo, and now, he needs look no further than his own doorstep to hear the sounds of musical progeny. As the Tsodzo brothers revealed to Saturday Leisure, growing up as the sons of a sporting icon brought with it a unique set of expectations.
“People invariably ask us, ‘What’s it like being the sons of a football legend?’. Our customary response is, ‘Yes, our dad is a legend, but we’ve chosen a divergent path, one that has guided us to pursue our passion for music,’” said Young Tsodzo.
Their father introduced them to the world of football at an early age, taking them to Bantu Rovers Juniors, where they participated in the under-16 team. “Those were truly remarkable times. We would play with all our heart on the field, but little did we anticipate that music would ultimately become our true vocation,” he reflected.
As they kicked the ball around, the sounds of kwaito luminaries such as Oskido and Spikiri filled their ears.
“We would listen to them and feel profoundly inspired. We would say, ‘Indeed, we can do this!’”
This inspiration ignited their musical journey, which formally commenced in 2018 with their debut single. The release of their inaugural track signalled a significant transformation in their lives.
“It was a pivotal moment. Seeing people react to our music, share it, and enjoy it, made us realise this was more than merely a pastime-it was our passion, and we were fully committed,” he explained.
Their collaboration with Fraz, known for the hit Seqa Amabhiliti, on the song Bakhuzeni proved to be a game-changer.
“Working with Fraz was incredible. We were fans of his hits from our formative years Learning from him was invaluable; he’s a legend, and we’ve always aspired to collaborate with legends.”
The energy they impart to their performances is electric, a testament to their dedication to the craft.
“Every performance feels like a celebration,” he stated.
However, it was a simple TikTok promotion that truly propelled their careers into the stratosphere.
“When our first single Ngena ka1 went viral, it was surreal. Suddenly, people recognised us as musicians. We began receiving calls for interviews and shows, and that’s when our musical career truly took flight,” he described.
With six songs now available on platforms such as YouTube and Audiomack, he reflected on their journey thus far.
“We’re proud of the music we’ve created, and we eagerly anticipate sharing more with our fans,” he expressed.
Their sound is a synthesis of traditional Zimbabwean influences and contemporary beats, creating a unique auditory experience. The brothers are particularly proud of their song, Size Ngomsebenzi, which they described as a reflection of focus and perseverance.
“This song’s message is genuinely important to us. It’s about initiating something and seeing it through to completion, without distractions,” Young Tsodzo explained.
The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, reinforcing their conviction that they are on the correct path. The pair conveyed that Zimbabwean culture plays a substantial role in shaping their music. “We draw inspiration from traditional sounds, rhythms, and storytelling styles. Our personal experiences growing up in Zimbabwe and navigating the music industry influence our lyrics and sound,” he said.
Navigating life as the sons of a football legend presents its challenges, but they have learned to embrace their heritage while forging their own paths.
“It’s not always straightforward, but we’ve learned to balance our identities,” he said.
Their father has been a source of unwavering support. “He’s incredibly proud of the men we’ve become and the music we create. He understands that music is our true passion.”
In a world where societal expectations can be stifling, Young Tsodzo and Timz Red X urge aspiring musicians to remain true to themselves.
“Don’t allow others to dictate your path. Pursue your passion, work diligently, and maintain focus. Surround yourself with individuals who believe in you, and don’t hesitate to take risks,” he advised.
As they look towards the future, their aspirations are clear: “We want to continue pushing the boundaries of Zimbabwean music, collaborating with international artistes, and sharing our unique sound with the world.”
The pair dream of performing at major festivals and touring globally, inspiring a new generation of musicians along the way. Ultimately, Young Tsodzo and Timz Red X hope their story inspires others to pursue their passions. “We’re living proof that with hard work, dedication, and a touch of courage, you can transform your dreams into reality.
Don’t be afraid to take the road less travelled and remain true to yourself.”
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