Chronicle Editor
Sibongile Ndiweni, Sunday Life Reporter
Bulawayo-born and bred Walter Masvoreka has shown a passion for Zim dancehall, a genre that is not so popular in the city of kings.
The 20-year-old who is known as Starter in music circles uses Zim dancehall to communicate his gospel lyrics and expressing messages of encouragement. He has 11 singles to his credit as well as the album Ndinopererei, the Extended Play which was released on 25 May.
Speaking to Sunday Life, the young musician said that occasionally, in addition to serving as motivation, his music also speaks for other young people who are unable to communicate how they are feeling or what they are going through as they face each day’s challenges.
Growing up in Sizinda with a single parent and three siblings, Masvoreka started his music career in 2021 after discovering his talent and embracing it with the hope that one day his talent will change fortunes for him and his family. Although he has not yet featured any well-known artist in recording his music, he has had an opportunity of sharing the stage with Zim dancehall’s own Dj Levels and Fantan.
Masvoreka expressed how his journey was not easy at the beginning, stating how he had to maintain a balance between his school work and his talent. He also stated how it became more difficult when his mother was not yet believing in his talent.
“It wasn’t easy to attend evening shows and try and learn more about music from those who are already in the industry because my mother had not yet understood anything about my talent, so at some point, she had to place a rule which would only allow me to attend shows during the day. She began to accept that I had a talent after I excelled in a gospel music competition which had been sponsored by Christ Ambers church at Mpopoma, and also after she started to hear some of my music being played in the streets. I hope that one day my music will become more of an inspiration to my peers so that they use their talents wisely and aim high as this will give them no time to abuse drugs,” he added.
Bongani Ndlovu