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Hip-hop is not dead – Zikhali

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MEDIA-SHY rapper and local hip-hop music promoter Blessed Zikhali, popularly known as 8L, has poured cold water on claims that the local hip-hop industry has been relegated to the cemetery after the meteoric rise of Zim Dancehall.

MEDIA-SHY rapper and local hip-hop music promoter Blessed Zikhali, popularly known as 8L, has poured cold water on claims that the local hip-hop industry has been relegated to the cemetery after the meteoric rise of Zim Dancehall.

NIGEL PFUNDE

Although he acknowledged the rage of Zim Dancehall, Zikhali argued hip-hop still had its significant market share but rappers still need to up their game through innovation.

“Local hip-hop should draw lessons from success stories. The question is what is dancehall doing that hip-hop has not done? I believe local hip-hop is still alive but we need innovation.The talent is there. We produce quality songs but we end there. We are not marketing songs, we are not shooting outstanding videos,” he admitted.

8L has been a champion of local hip-hop for more than a decade although he prefers to work behind the scenes grooming underground artistes.

His musical journey dates back to 2004 when he had his first recording session with veteran entertainer Tich Mataz at his Zvazviri Studios.

He said he had his first studio session in 2004 at Tich Mataz studio in Highlands when someone asked for a verse and he did freestyle.

“I couldn’t write back then. I was more of a freestyle guy but only started recording in 2011,” he said. “I recorded a good number of songs but didn’t release them on radio. I have the American hip hop type of mentality about being a celebrity,” he said.

To date 8L has released three albums which made waves on radio and he has worked with the likes of Noble Styles, T Gonz, Smylie, Dobba Don and Tererai Mugwadi.

His 2013 compilation album titled Fiery Draft was a major hit on the hip hop scene and he went on to record Cypher Continues which featured club bangers.

He said he despised “beefs” and fights that have taken toll on local hip hop.

“I don’t like beefing for starters. Releasing a diss song is like dropping a sextape. People scramble for it. Of course, beef is part of the hip-hop culture and when l look at the Zimbabwe situation I feel it could be a factor that can jump-start careers though I have my own reservations,” he said.

8L is in the studio working on a mix tape due for release soon.