The rise of Kbrizzy

THE name Kbrizzy has long been synonymous with the vibrant rhythms of the local hip-hop scene. Over the years, he has tirelessly crafted his music, leaving an indelible mark not only in his home country but also in the neighbouring nations he once called home.

In 2016, a breakthrough arrived in the form of a song, Hammer time, a track hailed by the Namibian Broadcasting Authority as the biggest hip-hop sensation in Namibia. Kbrizzy, born Kabelo Bhekuyise Matiwaza, appeared destined to be the hottest prospect in Namibia’s hip-hop realm. As a Zimbabwean student in Namibia, he brought a fresh energy to a scene that sometimes felt like an extension of the broader hip-hop landscape in neighbouring South Africa.

Yet, fate had other plans. While on a vacation, Kbrizzy, along with partners in rhyme like ASAPH, stumbled upon a sound that he believed would resonate not only with Bulawayo but with the entire Zimbabwean audience. Fast forward a year, after Kbrizzy made the journey back to his homeland, and the sound they dubbed “gubh’khwela” was taking the nation by storm. ASAPH’s Mambo sat triumphantly atop the charts of both ZiFM and Star FM for months, while Kbrizzy steadily progressed, releasing an EP in the early months of 2017.

Now, six years down the road, Kbrizzy’s presence in the hip-hop scene is undeniable. His name regularly graces hit tracks, whether as a featured artiste or through collaborative efforts. Take, for instance, the infectious hit single Rubies and Diamonds by Kbrizzy and Phanas, featuring the mesmerising vocals of Joy Rukanza. In a musical landscape that’s constantly evolving, Kbrizzy remains a constant force, contributing his unique style and lyrical prowess to the ever-expanding tapestry of Zimbabwean hip-hop.

To have an appreciation of his musical journey, Chronicle Showbiz caught up with Kbrizzy who gave a clear picture of his rise to stardom.

“As a recording artiste, I had several amateur projects spanning throughout the period 2009 to 2014, but for all intents and purposes my first professional body of work was the 2016 multi award nominated collaborative album The 48 Genius Summers released in Namibia under Bermuda Music. I then ventured into podcasting mid 2022 with The ByoPodcast, where l first appeared on Episode 38 as a musical guest, and have now become the co-host with over 50 episodes executed to date.

“One of the toughest periods was the post 2018 period after the release of my project The Cashmere Summer EP and the realisation that our current landscape does not have enough structures to support the process of monetising the art form. I believe this isn’t a challenge unique to me anyway, but marrying critical acclaim with financial return is certainly a hurdle that most artists fail to pass. The Covid-19 era was also a difficult time for all patrons of the art at large,” said Kbrizzy.

He said working with foreign artistes has improved his craft.

“Some of the highs have been working with some of my personal musical favourites from countries like Zambia, Namibia and South Africa, as well as the current overwhelming success of The ByoPodcast. I’m working on a hip hop album titled When We are Not Being Lazy with super producer Phanas, which is in its final stages and will be released before the end of the year.

“I also have a hip hop album on the way with acclaimed South African producer Dopebwoi. I am working on a string of singles and videos with multi award winning Bulawayo producer DaKudu, who I also collaborated with on our hit single Kiss Dilika,” he said.

Earlier this year Kbrizzy was a huge part of South African producer Dopebwoi’s album Pulling All Strings with a massive seven features.

“The album featured some of South Africa’s talents like Pot3nt, Wayne II, Khaeda, Chad Da Don, Oblivy to mention a few. Now l have set my eyes to close the year on a high note,” said Kbrizzy. — @mthabisi_mthire