Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu,Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment
BULAWAYO hip-hop has been on everyone’s lips lately with Asaph Afrika and Lemmzy Beats’ Kwela Initiative launching its, “Sound of the city” album earlier this month.
One of the integral persons in the success of the project was artiste and event manager, Star Michy (born Michelle Banda) and hip-hop’s effect is growing in leaps and bounds as evident when Old Mutual released the Top 40 finalists of this year’s Value Creation Challenge (VCC) on Wednesday with Star Michy’s Star Michy Entertainment making the cut.
The VCC, a comprehensive programme aimed at providing professional business development and learning opportunities, connections, and financial support to start-ups has long been a launch-pad for different brands.
For Star Michy, whose managerial acumen has shone through Kbrizzy and Rockie DoUB has expressed her excitement at making the cut, saying the announcement was timely.
“It (the announcement of the Top 40) couldn’t have come at the perfect time, especially with the win streak hip-hop is currently on in the city. I’m numb to be honest. It still feels so surreal but I’m beyond grateful for this opportunity,” she said.
She also said that with the support from Old Mutual VCC,” I know I’ll be able to scale up my business and have access to mentorship as well as funding opportunities.”
Star Michy’s involvement in the rhymes, bars and metaphors game extends beyond artiste management and has seen her sitting at the Zimbabwe Musicians Union (ZiMU) Board as well as being an executive member of the Zim Hip Hop Awards.
She is also the face behind the, “ForTheCity” event that has been celebrating the genre in the precinct.
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derick.khumalo