While the impact and cross-over appeal of the genres of pop and RnB have been intermittent in the Zimbabwean music landscape, the talent pool has always been vast. New names have arrived each year and some forgotten ones have made comebacks. While Zimdancehall and Zimhiphop have been accepted as the giants of Zimbabwe's contemporary music landscape, pop and RnB have always made their presence felt.
This has been seen through the chart dominance of artists like Trevor Dongo, Ishan and Tamy Moyo. The artistry of Zimbabweans in these genres has even extended across our borders, with Shungudzo not only having high-profile collaborations with names like Jonas Blue and Rudimental but also contributing to multiple songs on Angelique Kidjo's Grammy-winning album.
The 10 rising Zimbabwean pop/rnb voices list seeks to celebrate the Zimbabwean artists in this space who are bubbling under, those who are talented but are simply yet to achieve mainstream success. From an initial list of 40 potential names, the list had to be meticulously trimmed down to the final 10. Recent album/EP releases were given special consideration, along with notable single releases. The difficult task was a collaboration of journalists and music curators.
This year's panel featured: Tafadzwa 'Tee' Madzika (Greedysouth), Takudzwa Chiwanza (ZimSphere), Mukudzei Mlambo (Zazise Media), Denzel Sambo (263 Post), Farai Mudzingwa (Story Untold ZW) and Tawanda 'Music Oracle' Chari (ZimSphere).
Here is the inaugural Greedysouth 10 rising Zimbabwean pop/rnb voices list:
TheLastLetter
Based in Johannesburg, South Africa, TheLastLetter has weaved her way into our hearts with absorbing storytelling and softly sung vocals. Twice featured by Zazise Media on their Storytellers Of The Culture compilations, the singer has also caught the eye of Hype Magazine and her debut EP released this year was well received by critics and fans alike.
SAI
Producing her own music and daring to experiment with her mellifluous vocals, SAI is slowly carving out her own lane with a sound that verges on neo-soul. 2024 has seen the singer go on a run of single releases that shows no sign of stopping. She recently released her Blue Dreams EP, and a track titled "Riot" which features talented rapper Indigo Saint.
Yamikani
Yamikani is a versatile singer/songwriter who can deliver the epitome of contemporary RNB but also switch to a rap cadence when needed. The young artist has collaborated with names like Denimwoods, Hillzy and Mia Bella. She released her critically acclaimed EP Feels, 4 u earlier this year.
Lain
Having taken a sabbatical from the art, Lain returned to making music last year (2023) and that saw her being part of the 2023 Voice2Rep cohort. The beginning of this year saw her joining the OCD family (Off Centre Department), and releasing a 7 track project that showcases just how talented she is.
JoyRukanza
While pop and RnB are at the heart of JoyRukanza's artistry, she's a singer who's not afraid to think out of the box. The artist released her debut album MatterMoreForSis in 2023, which featured collaborations with South African heavyweights KiD X and Azana. In January this year, the singer was announced as one of the performers at the 2024 Canadian Music Week.
Quetheartist
A multitalented creative who graces the runway and weaves together infectious melodies, Quetheartist seems to have all the tools for success. In 2022 he released the 4-track EP, From Que to You, which put on a new soulful twist to some of Oliver Mtukudzi's classics. The singer also has a clothing line.
Thando Mlambo
A multidisciplinary creative whose curatorial work, visual art, music and DJ'ing practices simultaneously interrogate dislocations and home-making in local and global contexts, Thando Mlambo shines in multiple facets of creativity. Raised around Africa and educated in the US and UK, her entire world has been shaped by the noises, echoes and reverberations of each place, forming a lifelong love and passion for creating intentional spaces to share and experience art. This same energy is what she brings to her music.
RUVA
An artist and spiritual figure to her core, RUVA has designed a style that combines influences like Todd Dulaney and Nina Simone with the modern contemporary work of Yebba and Silk Sonic. The result is a honey-dripped record of jazz, faith, neo-soul and urban contemporary (Mikky Noire for Texx and the City). The singer released her debut EP from RUVA to El Roi in May this year.
Kyla Blac
Known for her soulful melodies, poignant lyrics, and captivating voice, Kyla Blac is on a steady path to growing her audience. In May of this year, the singer's release "Some Day" received multiple placements on Audiomack and Spotify, along with her being on the cover of Audiomack's Afro RnB playlist. Some of Kyla Blac's recent releases have also made it onto the BBC's UK Afrobeats Chart Show.
Tina Masawi
Using her voice as a tool for change, Tina Masawi has been trailblazing the local music in Spain. The singer's most recent release is a speech that pleads for the fair treatment of migrants, and she seems equally at home singing in multiple languages (English, Shona, and Spanish). In 2022 she performed at Real Madrid star, Dani Carvajal's wedding.
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