Online Reporter
Nodumo Moyo [email protected]
What began as a simple interest in songwriting at Cyrene High School has blossomed into a musical journey for Bulawayo artiste Bryce Makoni, who is carving out his identity through songwriting, guitar playing and heartfelt storytelling.
For Makoni, music is more than just entertainment. It has become a way of expressing emotions, telling stories and, in some instances, paying tribute to the people who helped shape his journey.
He began recording music in 2017 after his late friend, Melinkosi Mhlanga, introduced him to a recording studio and encouraged him to take his musical abilities seriously. A year later, Makoni released his first official song, Goodbye Tydd, as a tribute to Mhlanga.
Available on YouTube and Audiomack, the song carries a reflective tone, marking the beginning of Makoni’s journey from an aspiring songwriter to a recording artiste determined to find his own sound.
His passion for music continued to grow when he enrolled at Bulawayo Polytechnic, where he found an environment that gave him opportunities to develop his craft, collaborate with other artistes and perform.
It was during this period that he worked with Khwezi, formerly known as Ziee Zayn, on Avulek’Amazulu/Suicide Note, a song inspired by bullying and the emotional struggles faced by young people. The track has since received positive feedback from listeners, with Makoni saying some have shared how deeply its message resonated with them.
“Suicide Note was inspired by bullying in schools. Victims then take their lives because of fear and pain. They don’t have anyone to stand up for them. Khwezi was perfect for that song, I loved his chorus,” he said.
Rather than treating the subject lightly, the song uses music as a vehicle to encourage conversations around bullying and the emotional challenges young people face.
Beyond songwriting and recording, Makoni is also building a strong connection with the guitar, an instrument that has become central to his artistic identity. His passion for the instrument has earned him the nickname ‘Umfana Wes’ginci’, while he continues to perform and release music under his real name.
With several experiences already shaping his artistic journey, Makoni is now preparing for what he describes as another important chapter, the release of his upcoming EP, Uziphathe Kahle.
Scheduled for release on October 15, the project explores themes of love, remorse and reassurance, while reflecting Makoni’s desire to grow beyond a single musical style.
“I’ve been working on an EP scheduled for 15 October. It’s titled ‘Uziphathe Kahle’. It’s about love, remorse and reassurance. I’d like to tap into different genres, but for now, I like pop, hip-hop and RnB,” he said.
The EP will be available across streaming platforms, giving listeners an opportunity to hear a more defined side of Makoni’s artistry.
