The Sunday News
Ngqwele Dube, Sunday Life Correspondent
WHILE Zimdancehall music is yet to take root among Bulawayo-based singers, emerging chanter, Khizolamaak is ready to go against the grain.
The 15-year-old Keith Sibanda, known as Khizolamaak in showbiz circles, has already recorded 40 singles and is eyeing releasing an album in April. Popularly known as the Dancehall Transporter, Sibanda says he is ready to storm the national scene with his music.
Inspired by Jah Signal, Khizolamaak picked up the mic in December 2019 and has not looked back. Despite the whole of last year being lost to Covid-19, with the showbiz sector being one of the worst affected industries, Khizolamaak was undeterred and spent most of his time in the recording studio.
“When I started singing in 2019, I did not think I would have recorded 40 songs in just over a year. The lockdown gave me room to spend more time in the studio, although I ensured I had to balance music with my studies. I hooked up with producers, Mjox, Blue Master and T Flow from Tycoon Entertainment and they have been assisting me to churn out the tracks,” he said.
His latest single, Girl Child is rocking the airwaves and he released a video for the song on Youtube last week. The track speaks out against abuse and violence on women. Khizolamaak said Jah Signal’s energy on stage and the chanter’s songs gave him inspiration to come up with his own compositions and head to the recording studio.
He said the blockbuster hit; Sweetie from Jah Signal was the turning point for him decide to take up music. The Ihlathi High School pupil said his father was into music although he passed on when he was young in 2008.
The form three pupil pens his own songs and has worked with artistes that include Focus, Mr Focky, Ras Tekken, Situation Da Chavo and DJ Salim. Khizolamaak, who records at Bluez Records in Nkulumane, said he hopes to rise to the pinnacle of the music industry and wants to see his music making waves beyond Zimbabwe.
