Watch: Bulawayo’s Hip-Hop revival: Power Sessions bring the heat

AFTER a three-year hiatus, Bulawayo’s beloved “Hip Hop Power Sessions” made a triumphant return this past weekend at the Red Café, reigniting the local rap and spoken word scene. The event showcased some of the city’s hottest talent and set the stage for an unforgettable night of music and performance.

Among the standout acts was the electrifying TBK Smirk, born Tabaka Precious Moyo, who captivated the audience with her dynamic stage presence and intricate dance moves.

Leading the charge towards a hip-hop revolution in the precinct, TBK Smirk’s verses, infused with her native Kalanga language, resonated deeply, making her one of the evening’s highlights.

Hosted by Ganyaz, the reborn Hip-Hop Power Sessions saw TBK Smirk perform crowd favourites like “MaMkhize” and “After Robot,” which elicited enthusiastic responses from the audience. Her subsequent tracks, “Impi/Isagila” and “Yay Yeah”, quickly became sing-alongs, showcasing her ability to engage the crowd and deliver powerful messages through her music.

Known for addressing mental health issues and bragging rights in her lyrics, TBK Smirk demonstrated an impressive command of bars, metaphors, and rhymes.

Following her performance, a jubilant TBK Smirk reflected on the event, saying, “Well, it (the event) had a slow start, so that was disheartening at first because I thought people wouldn’t show up. But eventually, the atmosphere changed, and I enjoyed every minute of my set and the reception as well. It was an honour to be considered as one of the first acts after the Hip Hop Power Sessions’ three-year hiatus, and I am grateful to the organisers for that.”

Looking ahead, TBK Smirk hinted at exciting projects in the pipeline.
“I’ve got a few features in the works. I’m working on my EP, although I haven’t found a title that I’m married to yet. I also plan to release a single soon titled ‘NXA!’ which will be a pure rap clap back to the Bulawayo music industry, motivated by my encounters these past couple of years. You’ll be seeing a lot more of me this year!”

The night was not just about the music; a talented dance group also brought the house down with their mind-blowing choreography, adding to the vibrant atmosphere of the event.

Other performers included seasoned rappers Brintz, Chuck The Lunatic (CTL), Liz Taylor, and Curtis Dee Rovar, each contributing to the rich tapestry of talent that Bulawayo offers.

Brintz, one of the event organisers, expressed his excitement about the successful turnout.
“It was a win for the Bulawayo hip-hop community and the city at large,” he said, reflecting the collective joy of artistes and fans alike at the revival of this beloved event.

Bulawayo Chiefs Village hosted the “No Heeps” gig to move the hip-hop movement. – Follow on X @MbuleloMpofu