Watch: Kwela Rekording camp a success

LAST weekend, the quiet streets of Morningside in Bulawayo transformed into a hive of creativity as hip-hop artistes converged for the Kwela Initiative. Over three transformative days, from Friday to Sunday, these talented individuals gathered at a private Airbnb, resulting in an astonishing 32 tracks being recorded – a feat that resonates deeply within the heart of the Bulawayo rap scene.

This exceptional event was not merely a recording camp; it was a movement, sparked by the powerful themes explored during the, “Conflict Transformation: Hip Hop vs Community” Indaba. The Kwela Initiative served as a platform for selected artistes to delve into the complexities of their narratives, igniting a creative fire that would fuel their music for years to come.

Among the illustrious names present were Swazy, Stones Moyo, Fuel The Don, Curtis Dee Rovar, Nsizwa Black, TBK, Farai, Ghawdzilla, Israel, CMK, Mike the Future, Salem Bhebhe, KidThrill, Philo Cliff, Canvus Ports, Kereng, and Rayzon. Each artist brought their unique flavor to the mix, embodying the rich tapestry of Bulawayo’s hip-hop culture.

The gathering was a response to the long-standing challenges plaguing the local scene—issues of support, recognition, and unity. The Kwela Initiative not only fostered dialogue among stakeholders, media, businesspeople, and creatives but also laid the groundwork for a more robust and united hip-hop community. This collaborative spirit was palpable as artistes shared ideas, inspirations, and their collective vision for the future of Bulawayo hip-hop.

Asaph Afrika, one of the driving forces behind the Kwela Initiative, reflected on the experience with a sense of pride and optimism.

“There’s so much to learn and grow from this experience. It was thrilling to see the artistes organise themselves, showing the world that they are ready to work hard. Now we’ve got the music; the next step is sorting and finalising the mixes before the release and concert,” he shared.

The magnitude of recording 32 tracks in just three days is nothing short of magnificent. It speaks to an unparalleled work ethic and a hunger for artistic expression that many believed was dormant.

Trap artiste, TBK articulated this sentiment vividly, stating, “Being surrounded by a collection of individuals representing different subgenres of hip-hop was surreal. The unity was unmatched; people were hungry and cooking like crazy.”

She added, “I found myself in a Kwaito track alongside MK BEATS, Ganyaz Jr, Brintz, and Fuel the Don—a combination I never foresaw. This effort is crucial in reclaiming Bulawayo’s position as Zimbabwe’s hip-hop capital.”

For Kereng, the experience was a much-needed catalyst for change.

“The recording camp was everything the city needed. We had a chance to link up as brands to uplift the music scene in Bulawayo. We worked day and night without sleeping, which showed how serious we are about our careers. It motivated me to keep my head high and gave me hope. I wish the city could have more initiatives like these,” he remarked.

Philo Cliff echoed this sentiment, describing the camp as an incredible opportunity for personal and artistic growth.

“I was able to tap into my creativity, learn from other talented artists, and push myself to new heights. The insights gained from industry professionals were invaluable, and I can’t wait to share the music we created,” he said.

Michy Zee, one of the organisers, captured the essence of the weekend perfectly: “It was the most fulfilling beautiful experience I’ve ever had. To think that by Saturday morning we had already recorded nine tracks—it was crazy. These artistes weren’t sleeping, literally. It could’ve been more if we didn’t check out early.”
The success of the Kwela Initiative serves as a beacon of hope for the Bulawayo hip-hop scene. It showcased not just the talent and dedication of its artistes but also the potential for growth and transformation within the community. – Follow on X @MbuleloMpofu