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Edward Zvemisha
Youth Interactive Writer
Fifteen-year-old upcoming Zimdancehall musician Darrell Furayi — affectionately known as Likkle Art — recently got an endorsement deal with Associated Food Zimbabwe (AFZ) which will help him push his career further and the package includes tuition for the whole year.
This came after the talented Likkle Art caused a stir on social medial with his freestyle that went viral.
Likkle Art — who is the youngest Chillspot Record protege’ — could not hide his joy after hearing the news and was invited to AFZ offices to sign the contract.
“I am happy with this initiative with the help of my brother Fantan who gave me an opportunity to showcase my talent and it is already paying off.
Speaking to journalists at the company’s offices during the Press conference, AFZ CEO, Mr Simba Nyabadza said his company was looking at improving the education of young artistes by catching them while they were still young to help them shun issues affecting youths like drug abuse.
“Our main aim as a company is to make sure Likkle Art’s education is catered for while he focuses on his music. Our duty is to secure his education while Dj Fantan and crew harness his career as an entertainer,” said Nyabadza.
The Chillspot team led by Fantan and Ras Caleb said there were happy that Likkle Art’s talent was being appreciated so early since the young artist has not released over 10 songs, but has been receiving praise from followers across the globe.
“We are happy that Likkle is receiving a lot of praise from various stakeholders and we never anticipated such. Now we are so happy that his education has been taken care of by AFZ since this means that we have to worry less about that side, we would like two thank the company for helping as such,” said Fantan.
Likkle Art in the company of his aunt and guardian, Rachel Majachani said that he was pleased to receive the sponsorship and gratified both his Chillspot management and the company for securing part of his future through the education sponsorship deal.
“I am grateful and in shock right now as I have no words to fully appreciate my management through Dj Fantan and AFZ for securing my educational costs for the whole year. I will try balance well my music and education,” he said.
Asked over the how long he has been in the music sector, Likkle Art said that he had started music at a tender age and grew up listening to Killer T.
“I have been in music since I was young and grew up listening to the likes of Killer T. I grew up listening to Zimdancehall music and I love it because of it’s message and impact in our society. In fact it is real,” he said.
The school season recently opened and upon being asked whether the young artist’s education will be compromised for some studio time, Fantan said Likkle Art will be performing virtually and recording during weekends when there is no education.
“Due to the Covid-19 regulations, we cannot do live shows and as such, Likkle will be performing virtually as we minimise traveling. Our young artist will be recording during weekends when there is no school so that we do not compromise his education,” said Fantan.
However, the company did not shy away from the issue that sponsorship would be cancelled in the event the young and upcoming artist is involved in drug abuse, or “shenanigans”.
“In the event Likkle Art is involved in scandals and shenanigans, we will cancel our association with him,” said Nyabadza.
Social media through Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and WhatsApp have led to the rise of various stars with the latest addition being Likkle Art who continues his rise to stardom following a freestyle video at Chillspot Record’s studio in the company of revered Zimdancehall Dj Fantan.
There has also been a huge rise of young artists like Holy Ten and Herman who have both been dominating the chats with their songs like, “MaChills,” and “Fantastico”.
Online Reporter