LOCAL rapper Linton Thulani Kembo, aka Spliffah Ray, and producers First Class which constitutes Michael Mhonda, aka Big Mike and Michael Chikwanda, won the finals of the Rap and Beat battle held last Saturday afternoon.
SINDISO DUBE OWN CORRESPONDENT
The event hosted by Da-Grape-Vine and TUB (Tali Up Boyz) Records was held at the National Art Gallery in Bulawayo.
In the rap battle Spliffah Ray outclassed Kwanfire, the then reigning champion.
Both rappers did their competitive freestyle pieces in front of an appreciative audience and Spliffah Ray came out top.
Da Kronik, First Class, P2daoh, Dj Prayer, Heartbeatz, BlakOut Da True OG made up the producers who battled out in the beat battle.
The final round was a three-way battle in which Da Kronik was knocked out first before First Class beat P2daoh in the finals.
The champions walked away with clothing vouchers and an international music distribution deal which would see their songs and beats being released internationally.
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Speaking on the sidelines of the show, Big Mike said they were happy to be the first producers to win.
“It is a great achievement for us as First Class, this platform will give us more exposure and also recognition,” he said.
Spliffah Ray also echoed the same sentiments as Big Mike.
“This is a good thing. It’s a step ahead in my career and I hope it would add great value now that I will get my music internationally distributed,” Spliffah Ray said.
Naboth Rizla of Da Grape Vine was happy with the turnout and urged other artists to make use of such platforms.
“I urge local musicians to take advantage of such platforms as it adds skills to their craft and also gives them exposure,” Rizla said.
