DANCEHALL sensations Nutty O, Winky D are set to perform in West London at the annual Notting Hill Carnival which roared to life on Saturday. The three-day event is both a musical and apparel showcase touted as one of the biggest street festivals in Europe.
Nutty O, born Carrington Simbarashe Chiwadzwa on June 22 in 1992 at Edith Operman in Mbare, Harare, said he came a long way and was a product of pure talent and hard work.
He has developed a reputation for seamlessly delivering his vocals blending Shona and Patois, the bastardised form of English spoken in Jamaica.
Nutty O has become an export, he was the first local musician to feature on DJ Edu’s Afro Dancehall show on BBC 1xtra with the track Kwandabva Kure.
As his artistry continues to be internationally recognised, he was recently featured on the late music legend Bob Marley’s posthumous tribute album titled Africa Unite.
On the Africa Unite album, the dancehall prodigy, who has been on top of his game lately, producing the top notch song, features on the track So Much Trouble In The World alongside compatriot Winky D.
“Bob Marley was a legend, the posthumous tribute album Africa Unite 2023 has brought to full circle his journey to and performance in Zimbabwe in honour of Zimbabwe’s independence 43 years ago, 12 years before I was born,” Nutty O told NewsDay Life & Style.
Nutty O said this had been the biggest project when it came to his collaborations.
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“All the other African giants on the project, you can only imagine the level of organisation on production and distribution. It is a great honour to be chosen to be part of such a project and it is confirmation of many prayers and aspirations,” he said.
“Most importantly; it’s an elevation and certifies that the trajectory has been set to a new level. Higher is the only road. This year (I have been involved in) a lot of collaborations, the only solo song I put out is Makanonoka in April and everything else was me being featured by fellow esteemed musicians.”
Nutty O’s discography includes his hit 14-track debut album, Mustard Seed released in 2021. The album sealed his prowess and dominance on the showbiz scene and opened doors to regional and global stages.
Nutty O said it was a blessing when things go according to one’s plans.
“I feel great and accomplished when an idea comes to life. As we continue to develop our brand, we figured as a team the need to extend into synergy with artistes from neighbouring countries. As the brand needed to grow regionally and continentally at large, a visit to Zambia in May started the spark,” he said.
“The people’s love in Malawi is amazing, the reception of the songs in Malawi, Zambia and back at home is positive, I am grateful. In Malawi; we went to celebrate Driemo Mzaliwa’s album launch with a performance at the sold-out event.
“It gives a better perspective of the project to be able to connect with fellow artistes and fans personally.
“That is the magic I would love to maintain on the global journey. Young African doers and creators taking our essence to the world stage.”
Nutty O said his fans should look forward to new music soon.
“You know in music you can’t do it alone. New music is definitely guaranteed soon, and you will love it too. Stay as excited as we are,” he said.
“Dare to dream and as long as you can dream it, you can bring it to life with Jah guidance, courage, passion, love, the right people surrounding you and most importantly, a good work ethic, consistency and determination for those times when it may look too difficult to carry on.”
Nutty O has shared the stage with a number of international artistes, among them Jamaican dancehall sensation, Charly Black, Nigerian artiste Patoranking, the late reggae legend Bob Marley’s Wailers Band and Roman Virgo and has staged several performances on the international scene.
His early singles which made him a serious contender on the showbiz scene include Just A Cover, Mbare Mi Home, African Girl, Bugatti, Chihwai Hwai, Helmet, We On A Journey, Come and Go, I Wanna be High and Stamina.
