4 minute read
ZUCHU
Zuhura Othman Soud, best known by her stage name Zuchu, is the latest signing to Diamond Platnumz’s label Wasafi Classic Baby (WCB). The partnership has proved an immediate success with two hit single releases in ‘Wana’ and ‘Nisamehe’ and the 27-year-old has become the first East African woman to get more than 100,000 subscribers in a week on her YouTube channel. Now she has released ‘I Am Zuchu’, an EP of seven selfpenned songs, among them duets with her label boss and her mother, the legendary taarab singer Khadija Kopa, as well as latest single ‘Nobody’. Jahazi caught up with her.
Q: You collaborated with Diamond Platnumz on the track ‘Litawachoma’, which proved a huge hit. Can you tell us what the song is about?
It is simply a beautiful love song. It is also a message to those haters who doubt the strength of your relationship. It is letting them know that we are not breaking up, we are going to be together forever.
Q: You wrote most of the songs on your new EP. Can you tell us about some of the inspirations behind the lyrics?
As an artist I am inspired lyrically by so many beautiful musicians from my country and outside. Obviously, there’s Mbosso and Diamond Platnumz and I really love how Mario writes his music. Also, my mother is a big influence. Some of the songs on my EP I wrote back in the day and some are more recent so it is difficult to look at one inspiration.
Q: Your mother, Khadija Kopa, is a famous taarab singer. Can you tell us about her musical influence on you?
Do you feel there are elements of taarab in the music you make now? She was my first inspiration in music because I saw her being a huge superstar while I was still very young. I do have taarab elements in my vocals and my tone, which I love because it gives me a uniqueness.
Q: What was your childhood like? Was music a big part of your life growing up?
My childhood was normal like any other normal Swahili kid – I went to school, I played. Of course, music was a big part of my life. My mother was a singer, my father was a singer and at that time my mother was a hot cake. I went through her music career with her. My boss [Wasafi CEO Diamond Platnumz] came up with the idea of recording a song with my mother. We recorded ‘Mauzauza’ just one day before the launch of the EP.
Q: How have you enjoyed being on the WCB label so far? Do you feel you are growing as an artist?
WCB is a label full of huge artists. Just to be around them gives you insight into how to behave discipline-wise and how to live as an artist. The level of competition here drives you. I have grown in personality and ability since I’ve been here. The label has helped me so much.
Q: How did receiving a Silver Button from YouTube for being the first East African woman artist to get more than 100,000 followers make you feel?
That made me feel so good. I’m glad to be a young female artist who has already made the history books.
Q: Are you enjoying your fame? Do you like being recognised by fans when you go out?
I do like to be recognised by my fans when I’m out because that’s the whole point. You are working hard to get to that level of fame that when you are out you don’t have to introduce yourself. People know who you are.
Q: I believe your singing was first noticed at a concert in Nigeria in 2015. Do you enjoy singing live and do you have any live dates coming up?
I do enjoy singing live and there are some concerts coming up. We cannot announce them yet, but they are coming and people should follow my social media @officialzuchu on Instagram and Facebook for more updates.
Q: Being born and raised in Zanzibar, how do you enjoy spending time in Dar es Salaam now? What do love about the city?
I came to Dar es Salaam often with my mother and studied there. I do enjoy the city. I love the food, the people and the weather. The people here are so busy, I love how quick they are.
Zuchu’s debut EP, I Am Zuchu, is available to buy as download or CD on amazon.com
