Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma
ONCE the pint-sized prince of Bulawayo kwaito, Tebza is plotting a big-boy comeback. This time, he’s got patience, purpose and a powerful mentor in his corner.
He was just 13 when he lit up the music scene in 2018 with “Waz’ khoth’ lihlo” and “Asphel’ moya,” sharing mics and limelight with the likes of the late Cal_Vin and Mawiza. But fast fame came with a side of chaos.
“Spotlight can make you lose focus at times,” he admitted, opening up on how juggling homework and hit singles nearly derailed him.
“Sometimes I had to skip school for a show or interview. It was tough. I was just a kid trying to balance fame and school,” said the now grown-up Tebza.
Fast forward to today. He’s been quiet on the stage, but don’t confuse that for quitting. While fans wondered if he’d faded out, Tebza was cooking beats behind closed doors.
“I never stopped recording. I just stopped dropping,” he revealed.
“I even built my own home studio. I learnt that no one can take away your gift.”
He’s gearing up to drop, Shembe Tawk, a bold reintroduction track that lays down the gauntlet to the new wave of 2K artistes.
“It’s me telling the game I’m back. I’ve evolved. I want to make music that lasts, not just songs that trend and vanish,” he said.
No longer Cal_Vin’s prodigy, Tebza has found a new mentor in Fish F Ndaramu, who has helped him fine-tune his production skills.
“Fish F stepped in like a brother when Cal_Vin passed. He gave me hope, showed me how to mix and master music.
I’m now a full artiste and producer,” said Tebza.
He’s not gunning for relevance as he achieved that long ago. He wants his crown back.“This year it’s all singles and visuals. I’m rebranding. No more fast fads, it’s timeless bangers only,” he vowed.
With renewed focus and a mission to rule again, Tebza says he’s done playing. The President wama2K is clocking back in.
derick.khumalo