The Sunday News
Rebecca Nyathi Sunday Leisure Reporter
DESPITE being barely known in Bulawayo, two local house music DJs have carved a niche in neighbouring South Africa. DJs, Mqondisi “Skaiva” Sibanda (25) and Brian “Rakeem” Bangura (28) recently raised the Zimbabwean flag high, after their track was nominated at the prestigious South African Metro FM Music Awards.
The track Sweet Jesus was nominated under the best urban gospel, best house album and best dance song categories.
The track is reportedly topping the charts on South African radio stations and is also said to be gaining recognition on local stations.
“The track, Sweet Jesus is a hit and is topping South African and Zimbabwean radio charts. For us it was impressive because it is a gospel house song, which had an impact on many radio stations and people really liked the song,” said Rakeem.
The two said they started their musical careers in 2011, with the track Sweet Jesus being their ticket to stardom.
“We decided to work with South African artistes because we wanted exposure and to learn different things from them. We also realised that most up-and-coming musicians in Bulawayo are not appreciated, many musicians here have great talent but they are not taken seriously. Up until now our track has not been taken into consideration by those around us. It’s like we are being pushed to produce our music out of Bulawayo,” said Rakeem.
Despite lack of appreciation of their talent in Bulawayo, as they perceive one of the DJs — Skaiva — was nominated for producing magnificent music at last year’s Zimbabwe Music Awards (Zima) in the best house music and best newcomer.
The recognition in South Africa was after their track was featured in South African — DJ QT’s (Khethiso Motaungo) album.
“I met QT through a friend of mine and we managed to collaborate on that track. We are hoping to hold workshops with local universities and schools so that we increase our fan base in Bulawayo”, he said.
The two DJs are in the studio and hope to release their Album House of Glory by April.
Skaiva started his music career after completing high school. He then established his record label — House Label with popular DJ Mzoe7 the same year.
Rakeem’s career took off in church, where he was recognised for churning out sweet melodies.
The duo met in church and has so far only managed to release four tracks.
