“IT IS THE DREAM OF AN ARTIST FOR THEIR MUSIC TO BE HEARD - AND IT’S THROUGH EACH ONE OF MY FANS THAT THE DREAM COMES TRUE. “
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CONTENTS
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Mark Madzinga
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Samantha Tshuma
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Natasha Mutungwazi
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Star of the Issue Garry Mapanzure
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Cover Feature Gemma Griffiths
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The Ultimate
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DJ Fistoz
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Nommie
Press and Advertising: classiqueqandamagazine@gmail.com
www.classiqueqanda.com
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HEY CLASSIQUES!
H
appy 2020 to you all Classique readers. I trust and believe that you are having a great year despite the current climate. I am super excited about the Behind My Story issue. This issue focuses mainly on the background of the featured artists, you will get to know what happens behind the scenes of their lives.. I know many of us are worried and fearful during this pandemic, however, I would like to encourage you to remain strong and keep yourselves safe. I believe that in no time, we will have this behind us and we will be able to have 2020 as part of an interesting STORY as the years go by. Also, please subscribe at www. classiqueqanda.com!
BEHIND MY STORY CREDITS Founder: Sakhile Classique Khanye
Photography: Sammy’s pictures by Theo Bell
Publisher: Rudo Muchoko - RMPublishers LTD info@rm-pa.org
Gemma’s pictures by Thando Gumpo
Guest Editor: Pao Viola Mbewe - My Business Essentials (MBE) Ltd pao.mbewe@gmail.com
Gemma’s Make-up by Bridget Mpofu
Gemma’s Q&A by Sakhile & Nigel Siziba
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Cover Feature Dressed and Sponsored By
Email: yvonneyvettedes@gmail.com M: 07870506278 Instagram: yvonneyvetteofficial FB: Yvonne Yvette Designs
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MARK MADZINGA
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Who is Mark Madzinga?
What makes you smile?
A follower of Christ, a father to a beautiful daughter, a Pianist, Music producer, Music Director, Songwriter and a lover of music.
My daughter’s happiness, and that random magical moment in music
In two words, how would your describe yourself?
Between music and sports...what would you say is your first love?
Gentle, servant
Definitely music
What’s an ordinary day like for you?
How many instruments can you play?
Currently my ordinary day involves waking up, doing my scripture reading and prayer, some piano practice or production work, gym, school run; a bit of chill time with my daughter, a rehearsal or some more piano work, journaling and then my prayer time.
Acoustic guitar was actually my first instrument and I used to play it and sing Tuku songs in the school jazz band. Then came piano, drums and bass guitar.
What made you fall in love with music? It’s one of the things that came naturally to me and I loved the idea of uniting people through music. Music also obviously had a therapeutic effect on me... that I fell in love with. In 2019, you lost your dear wife Nomfundo. Would you say music has played a role in your healing process? Music has definitely helped me in my healing journey and I’m in the process of working on a 12-track album dedicated to her. It includes some of her own words, words I feel she would say to me now and some of what my daughter and I would say to her, plus some music I previously wrote that she loved.
What has working with artists such as Janet Manyowa, ZImpraise, Ammara Brown etc... taught you? Artists differ in every way. From types of music, to how they do things, to what they expect from you. You have to learn how best to serve each artist as an individual and always bring your A-game. What should we expect from you in the next 5 years?
How would Nomfundo describe your music skills?
Well, this year you can definitely expect an album from me, and over the next couple of years I will be doing more productions. There are also a couple of things I want to do to inspire younger musicians, to help remove misconceptions about music as a whole and to help create an environment for people to do music right.
She loved my music and would encourage me in it. She was my biggest fan to the point that she helped me set up my studio.
What advice would you give to someone who is going through a hard time and they feel like giving up on life?
What song would you use to describe her?
Hard times are built into the system and they are what move us into breaking out of our comfort zones. Inspiration and innovation can grow out of our most difficult seasons, for as long as we don’t cry victim. When it gets tough, always remember that ‘this too SHALL pass!’
More than what I wanted by Cece Winans Have you got a go-to scripture from the Bible? I have a few but most recently it’s been Romans 8:28-31. I also recite Psalm 91 whenever fear tries to creep in. As a music minister, how do you manage to touch other people’s lives whilst you are going through your own challenges? One thing I have been learning is that, I don’t have to be perfect to touch others and my challenges might be the very thing that gives someone else encouragement and hope for tomorrow. What has these last few years taught you?
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
Tomorrow is never guaranteed. What we have is NOW and we gotta make the most of it. CLASSIQUE Q&A MAGAZINE
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Sammie Tshuma
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Who is Samantha Tshuma? Samantha Tshuma is an international public speaker, a host, a woship leader, founder of a women’s empowerment platform and a mentor. What word would you use to describe your self? The word I would use to describe myself would be Growthoriented, why? Because I am that passionate about growth - mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually. I have seen myself grow in ways I never thought I would grow in. I believe it is the consistency of your growth that will be the consistency of your success. What made you become a public speaker? I never thought I would be a public speaker, but it is through my passion for divine change in our generation that saw myself get into the industry of public speaking. Ever since then, my passion has grown and made me want to do more through public speaking for the world. Please tell us about your journey as a mentor? My journey as a mentor has become life changing over time. Firstly, it never crossed mind that I’d become a mentor, till God decided to open the door for me to become one. My journey as a mentor started at the beginning of 2019, through a small mentorship program called build yourself. Which only had 2 mentees...however, through the whole of 2019 the program grew massively. We now have 15 mentees that have joined the She Finds Her Strength Mentorship Program. I renewed the program at the beginning of 2020 as I thought it would be such an appropriate time to mentor people during the beginning of the year, to help them start off their 2020 right. The program runs for 6 weeks and runs weekly with a one to one session based on what they want to be mentored on. Overall, being a mentor for me personally has been empowering to grow into a better mentor. Most importantly, I have learnt the vital needs of our generation today and I pray that God uses me to become the best mentor I can be for our generation. What was the inspiration behind your clothing brand “You Slay?” The inspiration for my clothing brand ‘You Slay’ is to empower women to be confident within themselves and to equally empower others in turn... Also the brand encourages women to be bold in all areas of their lives. How did it feel when you won the Champion of the year award at the ZYA 2019? Winning Community Champion of year at ZYAA 2019 was shocking and overwhelming. I never thought that within one year of me starting my journey I would win an award. To know that people notice what you’re doing no matter how long you have been doing it for, is just amazing. I was proud of myself mostly because I knew my own personal journey to get to where I am at today. I was very proud of myself which is something I don’t normally do and...grateful to God because it can only be him who has taken me this far.
What is the aim of your mentorship programs? My aims are to lead and guide people in firstly finding their strength in all aspects of their life, secondly to be able to be practical about everything they want to achieve in their life and lastly to be able to take full authority and power of everything that happens in their lives - to empower them to know that growth starts with making a firm decision to take the ‘authority and power’ over everything. What are you hoping to achieve by the end of 2020? By the end of 2020, I’m hoping to have achieved a lot, but one main thing is continuing to make a life changing impact in people’s lives and society. By the end of 2020, I would love to have bigger and better events, do a wellbeing tour around schools and universities; and continue to travel around the world for my purpose and calling. Where do you see your mentorship program in the next 5 years? In 5 years’ time I see my mentorship program being known all over the world. I see myself mentoring both males and females who are of different cultures, race and location. I see myself been a qualified counsellor and taking my mentorship program to another level. What would you tell your younger self? ‘Keep your eyes on God, don’t lose focus, strength and hope’. Yes, situations will come but it’s how you handle the situations that matter. The people around you are so key that you should know, not everyone is meant for you and you’re not meant for everyone. Invest in your future and growth, spend more time in investing in what happens in 5 years’ time; rather than in 5 minutes. Your biggest investment should be the relationship you have with God. Any words of encouragement to our readers? I would like to encourage you to step outside of your comfort zone to do what you are called to do.. If you don’t know your calling and purpose, pray about it. I want to encourage you to trust the process because it is not easy but so worth it. Don’t run away from the process but face it with confidence. Remain humble and never despise beginnings.
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Natasha Mutungwazi
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Who is Natasha Mutungwazi? I’m known professionally as Natasha Heschélle, and I’m a Zimbabwean born Canadian Actress, Writer and Producer. Two words to describe yourself: “Won’t Quit”. No matter how tough and impossible things may seem, no matter how many times I get rejected, I never give up. From my experience, I’ve learned that failure is just another opportunity for people to explore different ways to get what they want, which not only helps us grow, but also teaches us so many things about ourselves that we didn’t even know about. So really, quitting is never an option. What inspired you to become an actress? I think I was born an entertainer, because nothing else ever appealed to me. Even at the age of five, I was entered in modelling contests, dance competitions and numerous school plays and I loved it. I was very shy, and I still am...but being on stage, or on screen brings out my confidence and I’m very comfortable with it. What pushed you to leave Zimbabwe at the age of 16 on your own? The need to find opportunities to make my dreams come true pushed me to leave Zimbabwe on my own at such a young age. Sadly, there are limited opportunities for entertainers in Zimbabwe and I knew that if I stayed, I wouldn’t achieve the things that I wanted in life. I wasn’t about to let my dreams slip out of my fingers and not do anything about it, so I decided to leave and move to France whilst waiting for my Canadian visa application to be processed. It was a very big risk because I was extremely young, and I was all alone in a foreign country. Things got really tough, but it all paid off in the end.
When you were in Zimbabwe, did you reach out to the film industry to pursue your career? Actually no, I did not. I didn’t know how to. I did however perform as a dancer for big events like Miss Zimbabwe, and unfortunately I didn’t get the exposure that I wanted. I know I should have probably done more to get exposure, but with pressure from my family, coupled with the fact that I was a tad bit naive...it made it hard for me to try and pursue my career. Describe your journey as a young Zimbabwean in the film industry in Canada?: In two words, not easy. At first, I was clueless, and I messed up a lot. For one, as soon as I got to Canada, I submitted myself to talent agencies and for auditions, yet I didn’t have proper headshots, a proper resumé and most importantly, training and experience. I was so driven and determined to achieve my dreams, but I went about it the wrong way. When I got rejected like 90 percent of the time, I realized something was wrong. I did my research and learned what I needed to do. So I studied acting at Seneca College, learned a lot of things about the biz, and things got a whole lot smoother from there on. What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them? I’ve had to work twice as hard. Apart from the fact that I’m a visible minority which really works against me, I’ve had to work on my accent to sound more “North American”. I was unable to get work for the longest time because of these two factors, but my hard work and determination paid off in the end, and helped me to overcome these challenges.
How did you feel when you finally got reunited with your family in Canada?
How supportive is your family when it comes to your acting career?
Not only was I happy to be united with my loved ones, but also for the first time, I wasn’t alone in a foreign country and it made me feel really safe. I was also super excited because I knew that Canada had so many opportunities for me that I could chase after my dreams.
Right now, my family is actually very supportive of my acting career. My Mom is my number one fan, and I wouldn’t have gotten this far without her. Her company (Dawn of Angels Health) sponsored the web series, Zahara: The Return because she has so much faith in me and I really appreciate it.
How come you studied sciences instead of performing arts? Well, that’s what my family wanted me to do, study sciences and become a doctor one day. They often discouraged me from doing anything that has to do with entertainment because they believed that it wouldn’t take me anywhere - especially in Zimbabwe. And to be honest, they weren’t wrong. When I realized that they were right, I decided to take their advice, study sciences instead of performing arts.
Who is your inspiration? My Mom is my inspiration. She’s been through hell, but she never gave up on life, never lost her humanity. She continued to care of herself and her family in her darkest hour, and her heart is just filled with positivity and love. I think this is how I learned to not let anything stop me from shining. No matter how ugly things are, there is always hope and room for love and kindness. CLASSIQUE Q&A MAGAZINE
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Please tell us about your upcoming Prime video “Zahara: The Return The Return is a three part web series that explores topics, style, tone and themes of the actual one hour show simply called ZAHARA yet to come, probably this fall. What I mean by that is the little story pieces from the web series Zahara: The Return, are just meant to show the world what to expect from the actual one hour series. While themes like Forbidden Romance, Racial Tensions, a Supernatural World, to name a few, that we will see in Zahara: The Return are very exactly what we will see in the full series (Zahara), the storylines are quite different. I did this on purpose because I didn’t want to give away the good stuff. What should we expect from you before the end of year? Awards, nominations, the full TV series Zahara and hopefully, success in reviving the Zimbabwe International Film Festival. I’m currently working with ZIFF to get international sponsorship, and I will be a sponsor as well. I’m hoping that this year, we get it up and running. Where do you see yourself in the next five years? With the rate at which things are happening for me right now, I think in the next five years, I’ll find more opportunities that will help to not only give me more exposure, but will also help me grow and take on new challenges. Ultimately, I’d like to be a successful actress, but most importantly, I want to work with talented people to create unique and amazing content that will take the world by storm. What advice would you give to other young people who look up to you? Never give up. Even when it seems impossible, even when you doubt yourself, find that inner strength and keep moving. If I could do it, then believe me, so can you. Thank you for your time: And thank you for this wonderful opportunity.
“I want to work with talented people to create unique and amazing content that will take the world by storm.” 16
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facebook : Coco.Limited Instagram : Coco.Limited contact number: 07886832926
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Star GARRY MAPANZURE of the Issue
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ur star of the Behind My story issue is Garry Mapanzure. He is a well known Zimbabwean Afro Pop singer with
multiple hit songs such as Wapunza and Pindirai. In 2019, Garry was nominated for the prestigious AFRIMA Awards in the Best Artiste Duo or Group in African RnB & Soul category for his song ‘TV room’ - a collaboration with Hilzy. In 2020, Garry was signed up by a London based record label, Runabeat Music, where he has also released his first EP ‘Sushi Season.’ Garry’s music has captured many hearts through his talent and gifted voice. Congratulations Garry.
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I would say my performances have been some of my favourite parts of the journey performing with Winky D... among other artists
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I’VE GROWN - AS A MUSICIAN, AS A WOMAN, AS
AN AFRICAN - I’VE CREATED MUSIC, FRIENDSHIPS AND MEMORIES THAT HAVE ENRICHED EVERY AREA OF MY LIFE....
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Who is Gemma Griffiths? Describe yourself using two words. Zimbabwean Musician. As a young Zimbabwean growing up in Capetown, would you say that this has contributed to your creativity as an artist as well as finding things to sing about? I didn’t grow up in Cape Town, I was only there for about a week as a baby. I grew up in Harare. So Harare contributed to my creativity, absolutely. Growing up with vast sunsets, rainstorms and birds, with the bustle of kombis on 2nd street, and Mbare market on Monday morning, all of these made me who I am as an artist.
Stone. Then the people I’ve worked with in studio - Charlie Kay, Reverb 7, Oskid. The relationships I’ve made through music are once in a lifetime. All of these moments are highlights to me. Outside of music what else do you do? I travel. I live to travel, and it’s become a way of life through “Pamwe”. I dance, I write, I eat amazing foods from new places. It’s everything I could ask for. How has being multilingual helped you as an artist? It has opened up so many directions for me, through singing in both English and Shona. I love mixing the two languages - it feels naturally me.
How did growing up in a family of musicians, shape your music career?
Can you exclusively share with us what people don’t know about you.
My Mum taught me to play guitar and trumpet. There was always music in the house, we were lucky enough to have instruments in the living room and were encouraged to play. I’ve been so blessed to have support for this direction I’ve taken into music from my family. I know it’s not the case for many musicians, and that makes me grateful to have the extra strength from my parents. My mum, brother, uncle, grand parents and cousins all play instruments - so we really are a family of musicians.
I write poetry and prose, and have been writing throughout Africa. I love warm weather and the thunderstorms in Zimbabwe. I drink lots of tea, and Dovi rice is my favorite food ever.
Can you share with us your experience on the “Driving Pamwe” Instagram project and the lessons you learnt by travelling across Africa?
What has been your biggest achievement in the last decade?
Driving Pamwe was started in 2019 by myself and filmmaker (Director of both Gara Pano and Mambokadzi music videos) Marc Neilson. We started driving in a Landrover Defender up the east coast of Africa, and have now clocked 20,000km through South Africa, Mozambique, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Throughout the journey, I’ve had my studio in the vehicle and have met with musicians and creatives all over - making music, writing and learning from them. I could honestly speak forever about the lessons I’ve learnt through this journey, that is continuing in 2020. I’ve grown - as a musician, as a woman, as an African - I’ve created music, friendships and memories that have enriched every area of my life, and I feel extremely humbled to be able to do this journey. To live in my car, to create and to explore this incredible continent. What has been the highlight of your career so far? Gosh, there have been a few. The response to MuGarden in 2019 was absolutely incredible - such a humbling experience to have spent the rest of the year connecting with wonderful people through the live perfomances of that song. I would say my performances have been some of my favourite parts of the journey- performing with Winky D, with Dr Oliver Mtukudzi, with Ammara Brown. Performing at the Patoranking show in Harare, opening for Joss
It’s a New Year/New Decade, what should your fans look forward to? New music. More traveling. More Pamwe. Big surprises.
Watching the growth of my music, and the growth of my musicianship through that. What is the title of your upcoming album and what should we expect from it? All info to come soon Apart from your own music. Who else do you enjoy listening to? Oh soooo many artists :) Winky D, Ammara, Enzo, Shingai Shoniwa, Charlie Kay, Baba Tuku, Bob Nyabinde, Kure by Ishan and To Gonzi has got to be one of my favourites... the list just keeps going though. What message do you have for your fans? Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. It is the dream of an artist for their music to be heard - and it’s through each one of my fans that the dream comes true.
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Please tell us briefly who you are? I am The Ultimate aka Zulu Goku. A bona fide Influencer/ Content Creator /Photographer /Videographer / Presenter /Gym Fanatic /Sneaker-Head /YouTuber, and Entertainer. Basically I’m just someone who’s gonna be position of being an influencer. Most people don’t even HUGE some day soon. influence. They just have clout or are attractive. What word would you use to describe yourself ? As a creative what advice do you give to people who approach you in regards to being a Youtuber or Influencer? Ultimate. Please tell us about your role as a content creative?
Stay consistent.
My role is to produce great content that is engaging and stimulates a conversation. I have to inspire the next generation to keep improving and to stick by what’s right and go against what’s wrong. I have to lead by example.
Stay Humble.
Who are the You-Tubers that you have worked with? I have worked with the likes of The Jooce, Benitta Danielle and Makhadzi Makhuba. People I respect.
Would you say You industry in SA?
YouTube in SA is no Always do research on yourself mostly and what you wanna achieve. Don’t let people tell you what you can and entertainment ind stepping stone into cannot do. presenter. Do you think the SA entertainment industry now focuses Which YouTube infl more on the social media following than talent?
The SA entertainment industry focuses on clout more than I would love to wo Blackanese, Casey anything. Talent has and will never be enough. You need people to get eyes on what the Show/Event /Product/ Please tell us about being a YouTube creative? Any words of advic Service is trying to sell. Well, I think that’s how they see it anyway YouTube is probably the hardest thing I’ve done, Some of us take th content/creation wise. They don’t call them channels for nothing. It’s like running a channel on TV. Production and Would you rather work behind the scenes or in front of the respect each other step on each other everything is key. Views and likes aren’t the only things camera? to like each other. B that matter. Both. I have to be behind and in front of the camera. I do prefer in front but both jobs are extremely demanding and What is your take on influencers? satisfying for me Influencers are necessary for marketing in this Era. My issue is that influencers don’t have a passion for it. They either want money or to become celebrities. Most times, Q&A MAGAZINE 24 CLASSIQUE it’s both. They don’t wanna stay being such and grow the
The Ultimate
uTube is taking over the entertainment
o where close to taking over the SA dustry. Like I said before...It’s like a o becoming a celebrity or actor or even
fluencer do you wish to work with?
ork with Mihlali N, Zuki Lamini, The Waves, Tino Chinyani and Simon Miller.
ce for other creatives?
Influencer/ Content Creator / Photographer / Videographer / Presenter /Gym Fanatic /SneakerHead /YouTuber.
he Creative life seriously. Please can we r. It’s already cuthroat. Can we please not r? Let’s build one another. We don’t have But please...Respect.
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DJ FISTOZ Who is DJ Fistoz? DJ Fistoz is a Zim-Ghetto guy who loves music, good vibes and banter 24/7. What word would you use to describe yourself? To be honest I can’t describe myself but people who are close to me always say I’m selfless. But yeah, I think they are right because I always put people first before me. Please share with us your journey as a DJ in the UK? Music journey in the UK has been tough - not gonna lie because anyone can do music or be a DJ in UK, but with the support from Tripple-f entertainment and House Amigos, it’s been vibes - because they always book me every year. And when they do, I put my heart down and make it worth it, an experience that I started DJ-ing from back home. I always try not to run away from that Kasi-Style of DJ-ing and people have been ‘vibing’ with it - so yeah all is good. When did you realize you had the passion for music? One late family friend (DJ Nqoza) came from South Africa (RSA), around December time and he found me with a laptop ...full of music ‘cause I used to like collecting music from this other ‘plug’ from Pumula - called Que T. He was plugging the whole of Bulawayo with hot house music. Long story short, the family friend got blank CDs ...we burned music and started DJ-ing with DVD players...lol! That was jokes...and I started loving it from that
time till now. A Shout-out to my sister Connie, who saw that I was talented and got me a hybrid sound system - as she noticed that I’m into music! After that, I had hybrid entertainment in Bulawayo...madness after madness, in house parties. What makes you stand out from all the DJs we have in the Zimbabwean community? What makes me stand out, I think, is that I don’t act up and I don’t have fans! Everyone who’s riding my wave is my ‘geee’ and I respect people... so I’m thinking they give the love back and that, low-key makes me stand out - I believe. As a well known DJ in our community, you are forced to be in the spotlight. Does this affect you in anyway? Trust me...if anyone says they want to be like me, I will tell them... don’t! It’s a trap! Sometimes I joke too much, such that people can’t take me seriously and the spotlight... rahhh...! To be in a relationship is hard, ‘cause all gals don’t trust DJs... But not all DJs move mad - some of us, we the sweet ones! In 2019 you tweeted a screenshot of a threatening message towards you. How do you deal with such negativity? Ummm... that was a sticky one, still is – ‘cause I’m always there for people and I’m one of those people who bottle things up. Whatever problem I go through, I deal with it myself. Being a DJ, I feel like if I tell someone my problem, they will spice it up...adding insult to injury! And, about the screenshots...I left it in God’s hands prayed for my safety and God answered me. Shout out to my grandma for teaching me to pray at all times.
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How did it feel winning the DJ of the year award at the ZYA? To be honest I didn’t expect to win because I was nominated alongside people who are hungry for decks and are talented. I have bare respect for them. So, when I heard ‘the winner is DJ Fistoz – it was after I had had a few drinks! I tried to sober up thinking it’s alcohol playing games. It was a great feeling, even though I can’t remember as I was crushing the boat! Describe the moment when you heard your name being announced as the winner?
When should we expect a single from you? A single - I wouldn’t mind working with a good Zimbabwean rapper and we try to put Zimbabwe on the radar with grime music, cause that’s where the real money is. Do you give any DJ-ing tutorials? I do give tutorials to people who are passionate about music, I have one best friend... her stage name is I am DJ Bucie. I gave her tutorials, now she’s a baddes...getting bookings in London, Birmingham etc. I’m open for DJ lessons to anyone, but my prices are high so people run to YouTube tutorials - those who are passionate pay and become professionals, nothing comes easy.
I think it felt real only the next day when I was getting congratulations texts on Social media platforms. Many people were sending cute messages and that made me feel like crying. Sometimes you can feel when people send you a genuine message saying congrats... especially strangers, those that I haven’t met before but just pop up on saying we voted for you, we love your mixes online... and in real life that was mad still...I fully felt it.
What word of advice would you give to the people who look up to you?
How do you deal with promoters who don’t pay their DJs?
Instagram @djfistoz_uk Twitter @djfistoz_uk Facebook @djfistoz_uk Snapchat @djfistoz_uk Email: djfistoz@gmail.com
For me it’s simple! If you can’t pay my deposit before you print the poster or flyer, you are not professional with what you are doing. I just ask you to replace me with another DJ and that will be the promoter’s loss! I’m low-key, a crowd puller as people know where I’m at - it’s good vibes only... no games.
Word of advice... don’t do as I do, my Zim people, stay away from alcohol. Let’s be focused and be prayer warriors - all will be well. How can we get hold of you for bookings? For bookings
“Sometimes you can feel when people send you a genuine message saying congrats... especially strangers, those that I haven’t met before but just pop up on saying we voted for you, we love your mixes online... and in real life that was mad still...I fully felt it.”
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The track is produced by Brucey B and Judge Jo and carries an infectious hook with a
Nommie presents ‘Uncuffed EP’. A bold
strong dance rhythm.
Afro-R&B fusion taking influences from
‘Salty’, the third track on Uncuffed EP
House, Afro-Pop and R&B. The common
features Thoby Lee (Hardwest Music).
theme of the EP is love, dance, heartbreak
The song carries the theme of singing in
and empowerment. Nommie describes
Ndebele and English, with a slow tempo
Uncuffed EP as ‘a snippet of what’s to come’
song and daring lyrics.
and that this offering is a ‘representation of her as an artist’.
‘Liar Liar’, the penultimate song on the EP is a house song, again produced by
Uncuffed EP begins with ‘Bad Habits’ a track
Brucey B. The song is an empowerment
featuring Quinton (Hardwest Music) and
anthem in which a woman demands the
Mr Oulala (Afrotrap UK). ‘Bad Habits’ is a
truth from her lover.
forbidden fruit love song with a catchy hook and alluring vocals. The second track on
‘Lavoo’, the final song on the EP is an
the EP, ‘Akekho’ is a love anthem with South
Amapiano-influenced song. The song has
African House influences.
been featured on BBC Introducing and is produced by Thoby Lee (Hardwest Music). It is yet another song which declares one’s infatuation and love. CLASSIQUE Q&A MAGAZINE
31
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