The Sunday News
Bruce Ndlovu, Sunday Life Reporter
AT the end of 2021, rapper Tafadzwa “Asaph” Tarukwana was the toast of Zimbabwe.
After consistently putting out hits that took him to the top of the pile in local music, he had been signed by the African imprint of the iconic Def Jam music label, securing a deal that was the first of its kind for a local recording artiste.
If he ever needed validation that he was indeed Bulawayo’s own “Mambo”, the Def Jam deal was the seal of approval that placed Asaph at the top table not only in Zimbabwe but also in southern Africa as well.
After all, on Def Jam, he would be now be rubbing shoulders with an awe-inspiring roaster of urban artistes that include the likes of Cassper Nyovest, Boity, Nasty C and Nadia Nakai.
However, to who much is given, much is expected and since that contract signing in December, the wordsmith knew that at some point he would have to deliver, something he believes he is about to do with the release of the Big Mhofu Extended Play in October.
Asaph is on the cusp of releasing his debut while on the major label and he told Sunday Life that the recording process for the project had been different this time around, with a lot more pressure to impress in comparison to his last effort, 2019’s The People’s Rapper.
“People can expect six songs on this project all produced by a producer by the name Malo. This is the first project under the label so I had a bit of pressure but I managed to find a sweet balance to capture new listeners as well as keep the ones I already had satisfied. This is a hip-hop project with deep songs as well as hype turn up tracks,” he said.
Asaph said despite signing with a major label last year, he did not feel like he was truly himself as there were issues that plagued during the tumultuous years that followed the release of his last effort. Chief among those was the death of fellow rap heavyweight, Cal_Vin, a development that plunged him into a pit of despair and depression.
“This project is about my conviction and my rebirth. This is because we are coming out of a season of Covid-19, lockdowns and the passing of Cal_Vin which took a huge toll on me. On one of the songs, I actually say, “We lost Cal and I thought I’d never rap again”. So much has happened since 2019 and the lows were pretty low for me struggling with frustration and minor depressive thoughts. I wasn’t in a good space mentally and emotionally. Even through the whole signing period I wasn’t really myself or really in the moment enjoying the process,” he said.
The rapper said he has used the recording booth as his confession box during the making of this new project, as he had to heal from issues that had driven him towards alcohol dependency. During the making of the album, Asaph said he had managed to get sober as he shifted his full focus towards music.
“So, this project is my conviction because all the pressure and frustration led me to abuse alcohol and all sorts of vices that were just destroying my reputation. I managed to get sober for this project, focus my thoughts and use some of the songs as confessions and prayers, basically an outlet for what I’ve been struggling with as well as affirmations as I strive to make myself a better person.
“This project is my rebirth because being inactive for almost three years and having so many opinions and things said about me almost killed my confidence but I remembered who I am and what I can do. That’s why the project is called The Big Mhofu. It’s me basically affirming myself and using my totem as a source of energy to rebuild my confidence and continue the music journey that this city as followed me on because now, we’re taking it to the world,” he said.
Depression (Photo credit: Healthplace.com)
While he was eager to capture a new audience because of the scope and reach of Def Jam, Asaph said local listeners would also be rewarded by a listening experience that catered to their tastes.
“Basically, the project is The Big Mhofu Extended Play (EP) and it basically feels like a reintroduction of who I am to my fans around the country because I haven’t released a full project since 2019 which was The People’s Rapper. This is also an introduction to regional and continental listeners because of the platform I’m on working with the label. It’s coming out in October but the official dates will be made public by the label,” he said.
