The Sunday News
Bhekumuzi Ncube, Sunday Life Reporter
WHILE critics were still looking for the most suitable superlatives to include in authoring Cal_Vin’s music obituary, they will have to wait a little longer after the award winning hip-hop star recently gave them a headache, storming the scene yet again with a release that promises to be a hit.
The Bulawayo rapper suffered extensive criticism for being a one-hit maker after he went silent following the release of his renowned track Zkhiphani, which catapulted him to stardom a few years ago.
It is clear that fans had waited long enough for Cal_Vin to produce yet another great hit, and they were growing tired while others had begun to doubt the rapper’s capability and consistence as a hip-hop star.
And perhaps that drove the determined and perseverant Cal_Vin to defend his legacy as one of the greatest rappers Bulawayo has ever had by releasing a scintillating track titled King Kong, which has been making waves on local radio stations since its release.
And maybe the title — King Kong is an analogy with the famous 19th century movie classic, with the same title which portrayed a monstrous ape that defended a woman from being attacked by deadly animals in the jungle. Perhaps Cal_Vin is likening himself to the heroic ape which defeated every beast that tried to take what belonged to it.
Cal_Vin said he was sending a message to his fans and counterparts that he was still among the best in the industry.
“King Kong is turning to be a hit in the country. It’s very amazing that the majority of people have reacted positively to it. To people who are still doubtful about my qualities as a rapper I hope you soon realise that hip-hop is my natural talent,” he said.
The thumping track helped Cal_Vin outshine one of Africa’s most rated hip-hop moguls, Emtee at Shoko Festival in Harare recently.
Thousands of people who thronged the Main Festival Site venue in Harare went berserk, chanting the sensational rapper’s name, as he invaded the stage with his new track.
The rapper put to bed criticism about lack of renowned tracks by giving a thunderous performance that will remain etched in people’s memories for long time.
When Sunday Life asked Cal_Vin about how he felt about King Kong, which was well received by followers, the Luveve-based star was all smiles, citing that he was having one of his best days as a musician.
“Honestly I am very proud of myself, as artistes, we want to please our fans. When they are happy, it boosts our energy to move forward and produce more music for them,” he said.
Cal_Vin said he was unfazed by criticism he faced about being a one-hit wonder saying some of the criticism had made him stronger.
“As an artiste, you have to be ready to receive positive and negative comments from fans about your music. It’s very impossible to please everybody.
There will always be haters who want to see us flop every time we take the stage, but that is normal, even global superstars have villains who are engulfed with anger when their enemies succeed,” he said.
Cal_Vin is one of Bulawayo artistes who have shared the stage with many renowned artistes, the most recognisable being South Africa’s richest rapper, Cassper Nyovest. One of their most recognisable projects with Nyovest was Z’khuphani remix, and the ambitious Cal_Vin said he dreamt of becoming a global superstar in the future.
“It is not like local artistes are not talented, but it’s because we are still not financially balanced because of the devastating economic situation in the country. The majority are very much struggling, but when things circle down in the future I hope to go beyond borders with my music,” he said.
King Kong is a warm up to Cal_Vin’s upcoming album Vin_tage which he said featured international artistes.
“I am currently working on my new album to be launched soon; the album will feature Nigerian and South African artistes, while the Germany crew whom I performed with in Germany are also involved in the album. The album will be a cracker and fans should brace for something special,” he said.
Cal_Vin’s timing could be regarded as brilliant, as last week, local radio station, Skyz Metro FM announced that it will be hosting the inaugural Skyz Metro FM Music Awards, at the end of the year in which there will be a best hip-hop song category.
