BULAWAYO-born artiste Kudakwashe Chikwanda is making waves in neighbouring Botswana where he has established himself as a promoter and music producer.
MILTON SITHOLE OWN CORRESPONDENT
Chikwanda owns a recording company known as Rokcity Records, which he set up in January 2010.
He told Southern Eye Lifestyle in an interview that he had a passion for music from a young age.
Chikwanda went on to study at the Academy of Music in Bulawayo and his ambition was to become a classical pianist.
“I have always loved music and what inspired me to build Rokcity was the love to see unexplored talent excel in the music industry,” he said.
The 28-year-old’s record label has continued to grow, attracting local and regional artistes.
He has hosted one of South Africa’s best gospel artistes Martin PK and currently manages one of Botswana’s rising gospel stars, Mathews Matsetse.
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Rokcity Records has worked closely with many labels in Africa, including PK Records (South Africa), Freenation Inc (Nigeria) and Roc Lefatshe.
It owns the brand Praize Unlimited. In 2011 Rockcity hosted its first-ever Praize Unlimited Concert in Bulawayo and featured local talent including Zoe, Vocal Lion, Pronix, Millionz, Tinashe, Mel D, Whitney Songbird and many others.
“Our vision is simple, it is to expose the hidden talents in people and set them higher in the industry as they glorify God,” Chikwanda said.
“Currently we are working on the launch of Mathew Matsetse’s new album Tsogang which means ‘stand up’ or ‘awaken to some reality’ — a total masterpiece.”
Describing the industry in Zimbabwe, he said: “The industry is good, but we just need a lot of investment.”
Chikwanda advised aspiring musicians to stay focused, adding the industry had many challenges and it took strength and courage to survive.
“Never be intimidated by established promoters, just stick to your vision and let God guide you,” he added.
