ZIM Hip Hop sensation, Ti Gonzi, says Zimbabwean music is not making an impact on the international scene and he is taking a break to concentrate on other interests, including to nurture upcoming artists.
The rapper said he will sign off his career, as a musician, with an album that will be released on his birthday on April 13.
Titled From Boys to Men, the album talks about the growth, evolution and struggles of Ti Gonzi.
He told H-Metro:
“I opened the doors for Zim Hip Hop to be an acceptable genre in Zimbabwe. I made everyone believe that the genre can be a force to reckon with.
“I scooped the biggest music award, Best Male Musician at NAMA 2020.
“I have made a name, I have inspired the masses, unfortunately, the Zimbabwean music industry is not making any impact on the world stage.”
Ti Gonzi said after the album he will now focus on helping upcoming artists and he is set to unveil his debut book titled, ‘The Dark Night’.
“What’s next for Ti Gonzi is to uplift young and upcoming musicians.
“I have signed a couple of new artists under HHYG (Hipu Hopu YekuGhetto Records) mainly Nashe Chinx (last born to the liberation war hero Comrade Chinx), King Alenal (daughter of ZiFM disc jockey (MC Chita), Seynskyie, Mr Hyper, Dollar Fad, just to mention a few.
“I will also release my debut book, ‘The Dark Night’.
“This book will talk about life, experiences, hardships, differences, ambition, corruption, hate, spirituality and the dream of Ti Gonzi as a Zimbabwean.”
He added:
“I am just a boy who comes from a very poor background and I managed to make a name for myself through my talent. It was never close to easy.
“Getting fair airplay on radio, getting promoters and making money from music has always been a very hard thing to achieve.
“In 2019, I almost lost my life when I got robbed coming from the studio.” HMetro.
