Langalakhe Mabena
Covid-19 and the lockdown came with a lot of frustrations to many creatives as they were not able to hold performances.
Cases of depression, drug abuse and suicides became a life to many artistes who tried to escape from reality.
Multi-award-winning Hip Hop sensation Tafadzwa “Asaph” Tarukwana is among artistes who almost quit music due to depression.
However, the Tarukwana gods seem to have smiled upon Asaph and the days of hunger could be over.
Just like he sang on his 2018 Good Times Anthem, “The vibe is correct, again and again,” as the “only” Mambo to rule Matabeleland has signed a lucrative contract with Def Jam Africa.
Def Jam is owned by Universal Music Group and it is headed by Sipho Dlamini.
Asaph joins some of Africa’s finest artistes including Cassper Nyovest, Nadia Nakai, Tellaman, Ricky Tyler, Boity, Nasty C and Lucas Raps who are some of African superstars signed by Def Jam.
How did Asaph strike such a lucrative deal?
When local radio station Skyz Metro FM held the Bulawayo Shut Down gig alongside Universal Music Africa, a team that was responsible for establishing Def Jam Africa, were scouting for talent to be signed on the new stable.
It seems they got charmed by Asaph’s prowess and it took them two good years to monitor the rapper’s music and visibility and he was found to be the right man to sign with Def Jam Africa.
“I performed at the Bulawayo Shut Down in 2019 and the Def Jam Africa crew which was established in the same year, were scouting for talent.
“I was on their list before courtesy of Mambo and the Vibe is Correct songs, so the Shut Down became a platform where they assessed my stage skills,” said Asaph.
Signing with Def Jam Africa was a dream come true and he said it was a win for Bulawayo and the Zimbabwean Hip Hop scene.
“I almost quit music especially during the lockdown but something always told me to soldier on. Today I am proudly a Def Jam artiste and I owe everything to God and everyone who has supported me.
“Many people were trashing Bulawayo Hip Hop claiming we don’t have the standard and quality. However, I am a living testimony that anything is possible despite where one is coming from and this has opened doors not only for me but for many local Hip Hop artistes,” said Asaph.
He said the year 2022 will see a new born Asaph who is ready to conquer the world.
“2022 is my year I can feel it. I am looking forward to massive collaborations and high-quality videos to match the standard that I am on. I am ready to take over the world,” said Asaph.
