The Sunday News
Nkosilesisa Ncube, Sunday Life Reporter
A LOT like how Lil Wayne put Young Money together goes the story of how local rapper Cal_Vin put together the stable that has grown to be known as Kontrol Tribe.
Members of the group do not view themselves as just another music brand but rather a lifestyle which has since grown to be loved by many.
“Kontrol Tribe is not just music. Kontrol Tribe is a culture; it is a lifestyle that can be easily understood by anyone. We are not just another group of musicians, we are trendsetters. Our name Kontrol Tribe suggests that we are in control of both our music and popular culture. We are pacemakers of popular culture,” said Frost, a member of the tribe.
Comprising ten members, Cal_Vin included, Kontrol Tribe does not have on specific genre of music but produce music in a number of genres; Hip-hop Rhythm and Blues, Rap, Kwaito and Reggae.
The group that has only been fully functional since June of this year recently released their first collective album, Under Kontrol and the album, like the group is characterised by a diverse sound that will cater for all audience segments, with an appreciation for the fact that people are different and will appreciate different types of music.
“We do not specialise in any particular genre; each member has their specialty which they are best at. Because our talents are so diverse, we are able to reach larger audiences, regardless of their age, background and taste,” said Frost.
Under Kontrol is a fourteen track album, produced by Cal_Vin which is available for download on different online music stores. Frost said as their first album, Under Kontrol will be going for free.
“We understand that with the current situation, not everyone who wants the album will be able to pay for it, so our first album is a gift to our fans. Those interested can just download it online or request the album via Whatsapp.
“Another reason why we decided to give away the album at home is that our fan base and customer bases in South Africa, Botswana and some parts of the UK are the ones who will pay for our music. When things get better here, then we will start charging locals for our music,” Frost said.
As the crew draws towards making videos for the album and improving solo projects, Frost highlighted that there was however a misconception that because they have Cal_Vin in their corner, they have it easy in the industry.
“There is this idea that other artistes have that because we were put together by Cal_Vin, we have it very easy, if anything, we have it harder than most people because Cal_Vin is very hard on us, also it is quite difficult to live up to what he has achieved.
“We work as hard as everybody else in the industry, perhaps even harder, we have earned everything we have and are grateful for it all,” said Frost.
Kontrol Tribe is nominated for a Zim Hip Hop award in the Best Group category and Frost encouraged the public to vote for them.
@nkocykay
