‘Frustrated’ Ti Gonzi quits singing
By Staff Reporter
Popular Zim Hip Hop star, Ti Gonzi, says he is taking a break from the music stage as he hinted on his frustrations associated with international acceptance of the domestic sound and making a living through music.
Born Tinashe Gonzara, the rapper said he was concentrating on grooming upcoming musicians and writing a book.
An award winner, Ti Gonzi said he was set to mark his exit from the stage with an upcoming album whose release shall coincide with his birthday on 13 April, when he turns 31.
The album is titled “From Boys to Men” and would be a lyrical narration of the Zvenyu hitmaker’s growth, evolution and struggles.
In an interview with a local tabloid, Ti Gonzi, born Tinashe Gonzara wore his heart on his sleeves, revealing the frustrations he has encountered despite getting a decent amount of air play on local radio stations and being regarded as one of the best rappers in the country.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
Added the musician, “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.”
