STRAIGHT out of Cowdray Park is 18-year-old Tshikiza, a talented young musician with an emerging sound, making waves with his unique blend of kwaito beats and fresh lyrics.
Drawing inspiration from his idol, the legendary Kwesta, Tshikiza is determined to leave his mark on the music scene.
He has a passion that shines brighter than his age.
Born Themba Msimanga, Tshikiza says he is determined to leave a mark in the music industry and be remembered as someone who managed to bring Kwesta’s vibe to Zimbabwe.
Kwesta is a South African rapper and songwriter.
In 2003, at the age of 15, he and his friends formed the rap group Ghetto Fellaz which changed to The Juvenylz in the same year.
Speaking to NewsDay Life and Style, Tshikiza said his journey of being a musician started in 2022 when he turned 16 and it had been the happiest moments of his life.
He started doing song remakes, free-type beats as well as vocal-less tracks.
“I have always wanted to be a kwaito musician from a young age and I decided to pursue my dream in 2022. Kwesta is my number one inspiration,” he said.
“I have always been inspired by his journey from when he was just an up-and-coming artiste with no management up to the time he became the talk of the day.”
Tshikiza added: “I have released five singles, which include and Sabela, among others. All my songs are rooted in Kwesta’s music. His music does not only entertain, but it also carries meaningful messages and I used the same elements with my songs.”
He has collaborated with various artistes and has performed at the 2024 Key To The City YPG and at the Luveve Royal Arts and Community Awards 4th Edition, where he shared the stage with Sixteen Mae and various other local musicians.
Asked why he pursued music at a young age, Tshikiza said he was getting a lot of pressure from his peers, which he felt would negatively affect his life, hence he turned to music as an escape.
“Growing up ekasi (hood) is very difficult because as young people, we are exposed to certain issues like substance abuse and crime,” he said.
“Remember we are humans, we can easily succumb to such pressure as a result of the fear of missing out.
“This motivated me to use my dream as an escape route.”
