Untold Profiles with FELIX NYAMBE
“I AM a hip-hop artiste and my music is unique and morally upright, one which is not centred on bragging and boasting-filled lyrics, but a genre which should inspire young people,” so says hip-hop sensation Shayato Manizoo.
In his observation, the enterprising 22 year-old singer, whose music is generally about re-directing his fellow youths to live their own lives, is saddened by today’s music styles being explored by the youths.
And why not, when this “noise” they are labelling music, being blared in most homes and media circles, has been uninspiring to the new generation.
Since leaving high school at Matero Boys in 2011, Shayato, who was born Shadreck Mumbi, has dreamed of a career in music that would bring change to his life and society at large.
“I have been largely inspired by the music of Drake, Eminem and Sarkodie, although locally, I guess Slap D, Macky II, Petersen Zaga Ze and Chef 187’s music has made a difference,” stated the singer.
But growing up in the neighbourhood of Shikoswe Site and Service in Kafue, where he also attended his primary and junior secondary schools, made him realise that there is life beyond hip-hop music.
With most issues such as unemployment, drug and alcohol abuse, early marriages and prostitution affecting both the boy and girl-child, Shayato wants to address these matters of life through music.
Like his idols such as Eminem and Drake who are ever fighting their own battles of drug addiction, unemployment and crime in the neighbourhoods of the USA, Shayato is no different.
“We cannot pretend that all is well in our streets, homes, schools and workplaces and the sooner we address these situations the better for our generation,” revealed the talented rapper.
Singers such as Ken-one of the Hold On fame (featuring Israel) and Prayer (featuring Silent E and Milz), are some of the singers who have impacted a lot in this journey of his music career.
In addition, it is also the music and brilliance of one Ronny 40/40 have consistently encouraged him and taught him the dos and don’ts of the vibrant music industry.
“These people (Ken-One and Ronny 40/40) are some of the factors in my music industry and I owe them a lot,” admitted Shayato.
And with songs such as Chako Weka, which featured the revered B1 Mr Perfecto, Muutule (featuring Chico Wise of the Divorce fame) and Testimony (featuring Chunky), Shayato is thus on song.
But even in the midst of the ever increasing recording studios, some which have not been impressive, Shayato has settled for 40/40 Entertainment.
“There are studios all over our neighbourhoods and across the country to record from unlike in the olden days when we used to walk long distances in search of reputable ones,” observed Shayato.
Shayato is also encouraged to note that some of these “most” happening musicians have now established their own studios and for the upcoming ones, is to their advantage.
His new songs such as Yes Yes (featuring Shimpazee), Make It (featuring Head Writer) and the teasing Mulyokela have already seen the youngster perform at various platforms.
“But we cannot go on without finding difficulties in terms of promoting the music as the industry is now congested, so it’s pretty rare to find a sponsor, let alone a promoter,” he moaned.
And for the new artistes who have been frequenting such venues as Paddy Blues Sports Café, Sir Gonda, The Bank, East Point, Last Point, Mike’s Pub & Grill, it is not easy to get contracts.
But while one would argue that most of these young and upcoming artistes have turned into the proverbial “one hit wonders”, their efforts have been worth acknowledging.
The few awards ceremonies being organised by some organisations and the issue of piracy, have also been a thorn in the flesh of the young artistes.
“We would like to be recognised through awards but they are few in the country to write home about, while the issue of piracy is just another cancer,” said the singer, who also doubles as, furniture designer and carpenter.
Given a good and enabling platform, Shayato believes that the artistes can contribute effectively to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) in the very same way other countries are doing it.
He noted that countries such as South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria and Kenya, among others, have taken their entertainment entries to all new levels.
“Music is big business, it can also help promote tourism and, much more, it is a money-spinning industry which can create employment, so we need the corporate and serious promoters to come on board,” appealed Shayato.
