TBK Smirk upbeat ahead of Zim Hip Hop Awards

RECENTLY, the Zim Hip Hop Awards (ZHHA) organisers invited those involved in the genre to submit works for adjudication towards this year’s awards ceremony and Bulawayo rapper, TBK Smirk (born Tabaka Precious Moyo) is upbeat about getting her inaugural nomination.

A female rapper, mental health activist, and vibrant performer, TBK Smirk is steadily making her mark in the hip-hop scene. Born 28 years ago at Lady Rodwell Hospital in Bulawayo, TBK Smirk’s journey in the arts began early.

“I remember taking to the stage in primary school, where my performances were well-received by my classmates,” she shared.

Her high school years at Empandeni Girls High solidified her passion for performance; she served as Head girl and Junior Parliamentarian while also engaging in the school drama club and dancing.

The rapper who spent five years in India reflected on her time there: “It (being in India) gave me an edge as a performer. Embracing a different culture and performing for diverse audiences taught me that art knows no borders.”

Though she feels her songs “Impi/Isagila” and “Yay Yeah” haven’t yet received the attention they deserve, she remains determined.

“I won’t lose heart; I have to keep pushing until my art is seen and appreciated,” she stated.

The songs mentioned above have less than 2 000 views on YouTube.She emphasised the importance of intellectual understanding in the music industry.

“Every move must be calculated; it’s easy to fall victim to exploitation. Many artistes focus solely on popularity, neglecting the business side. Understanding the industry is essential for sustaining a career,” she advised.

With the ZHHA approaching, TBK Smirk expressed excitement, hoping the event would be as inclusive as promised.

Reflecting on 2024, she stated, “I’ve made progress in my music career and hope the hard work pays off. The Bulawayo hip-hop scene has so much talent, but we still need more exposure.”

As TBK Smirk continues to make a statement, her dedication to music and mental health advocacy resonates deeply, positioning her as a powerful voice in Zimbabwe’s hip-hop landscape.

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