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Tjmo Rhodes Makuzha Youth Interactive Writer
From being a model who had no idea of her singing gift, to having a single out and collaborating with two artists, sounds like a dream perhaps?
Well it is a reality and it is the story of The Black Pearl Native, a vibrant 21-year-old South Africa based Zimbabwean model who loves music and dancing.
She recently released a song titled “Zuva Riya” and I caught up to chat about the new track, her video and about who she is as a person.
Born Nyasha Lynet Mandikisi on January 18, 2000, she grew up in Harare, Zimbabwe, then moved to SA in 2009.
“Nyasha is a very bubbly individual. I love positive vibes, being happy all the time. I am a very fun loving person; I love music although dancing is my hobby. Most of all I would describe myself as a go-getter, “ she said.
Asked why she chose to be in music or who inspired her, she said: “I wouldn’t really say I chose it. Music chose me. After we dropped Zuva Riya that is when I realised that, I am quite good at this music thing. That is when I can say I chose it because I saw a talent in myself that I had not discovered and I should say I love it and this is just the beginning”.
So when exactly did she start this music adventure though?
“My music journey is a very funny one. It started last month, I was never into singing that much until one of my friends, Fortune Dube, who was one of the two I collaborated with on Zuva Riya, approached me to feature in the song because he somehow believed I had a voice.
He sent me a beat and asked me to come up with something with a wedding vibe, which is when it all started. While the promising” Zuva Riya” is her first song and video, the energetic Nyasha is already working on dropping another single.
On what “Zuva Riya” is about and what inspired the message, she said: “Let’s just say we sang for couples who are about to get married. It is about the excitement that the bride and groom have because their wedding day has finally arrived! Although it is targeted for the bride and groom, The single ladies and gents can definitely relate to it, as it will inspire them for their own wedding day and how exciting it can actually be.
As for the source of inspiration, as soon as I heard the beat, I had an idea of a “wedding”.
From there I came up with a chorus, sent to my friends (Ray 265 and Yung Garnet).
They loved it then we just had to spice it up and I should say we loved what we had come up with.’
There are young people who also want to produce videos of their work, but may not know how to go about it, so I asked Nyasha what her experience was on her video preparation and shooting process, from choice of models, clothes, right to the actual shoot and what challenges she faced if any. “Well the main challenge with making videos is finance. It is quite expensive. As for me I work full time so I have had to save some money in order to make it happen, together with my friends it became much easier because we all contributed to it.
My advice to young musicians who want to start making videos is that they should save some money or form a band which will make it easier and affordable as you will all be contributing. It all starts there, as you might be fortunate and find someone who would want to promote or sponsor you. Our video preparation was a bit stressful but with determination we managed.
We had to hire someone from Johannesburg to come all the way to Western Cape just to shoot our video. We chose to shoot with him because his price was affordable. For models, we decided to ask our friends to help us and be in the video.
And for wardrobe, it was not stressful; I just had to supply my own fabric & preferred design, to a designer in Mossel Bay, Angie Gumbo of Flair Designs and Events. I tell you I was so excited when I saw my dress! I got double what I expected, it was fabulous. So far, the challenge that I have faced as an upcoming musician is expenses that come with the shooting and the wardrobe. I would love to see a change in the music industry as well, I wish organisations could help promote or help the artists to reach their goals. E g. Boutiques could offer them some clothes to wear. Which is also an advantage to them because it is part of marketing their clothes.
Makeup artists could render their artistic services, not only to promote them but also to advertise their work because for some reason if there is quality and if the video or your music is good and people love it, it will help reach your goal or dream to become that recognised artist you want to be. Slowly but surely.
To upcoming artists I say, never give up! Keep pushing. Dreams do come true. I will be dropping my next single “The way” very soon: The Black Pearl Native ft. Ray 265 Make space fam,” said Nyasha.
But how did she manage to do this with Covid-19 challenges all around? “While following all Covid-19 measures, I ignored the fact that Covid poses challenges, otherwise this was never going to happen if I had looked at negativity and the impossibilities that could possibly have been caused by Covid. Besides Covid is part of our lives at the moment and that should not stop anyone from chasing and reaching their dreams as we are living with it now.
However, we took the necessary precautions where we needed to. For example wearing our masks and sanitising regularly when we were at the studio and when we were entering the venues we used for our video shoot especially indoors but the rest was outdoors where we could move around while socially distancing obviously. (e.g at the beach),” she said.
I asked what message she has for young people who have a desire and dream but no resources,
“I just want to say do not give up.
Dreams do come true. Pray dear young man/woman. God always answers prayers. Also, try to save the little that you have until it is enough for what you want to do. As for musicians, join a brand or create a brand or strong team. The more you are the easier and affordable it will become. Approach business associations for some support e. g Boutiques for the wardrobe, hotels and more, for venues…,” said Nyasha. And for her parting shot,philosophy on life, she said: “Again I say just do not give up! Dreams do come true”.
So dear friends, last week we featured a young author and this week we have an upcoming artist.
As youths who hope to make a mark, create a great legacy, we need to be goal oriented.
Find your niche, a productive one (or multiple) and work on it. Aim to become an expert in what you do. Acquire necessary skills.
Also learn from those that have done it before, adapt it to your situation, and even improve on it. I hope that you have learnt something from the young lady Nyasha’s ‘journey’ to success.
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