ZIMBABWE hip-hop awards 2016 nominee, Blessed “8L”’ Zikhali (pictured) has penned a rap song for the multi-talented late diva, dancer, actress and musician Elizabeth “Katarina” Taderera.
BY SINDISO DUBE
The track was premiered on Star FM by veteran radio personality, Tich Mataz on Friday before 8L made it public through online music sharing sites.
An Afro-dance track fused with hip-hop, Katarina celebrates cultural dances like kongonya and also the beauty of the African women.
“Katarina was a singer and dancer. I view her as our own version of Beyoncé. She had style and stamina. I checked out her videos (and realised) the energy was amazing, even Jah Prayzah on Eriza compared Eriza to Katarina. I feel she was here before us and made great things without much exposure from the media like us now,” 8L said.
“I could have named this song Zimba Party or Kongonya, but I felt I should pay tribute to an icon and celebrate her in a way I think she would have loved.”
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Katarina was one of the most popular female musicians in the country and widely regarded as the best female dancer during her time with legendary comedian and singer, Safirio Madzikatire popularly known as Mukadota and the Sea Cottage Sisters.
Katarina is 8L’s second single this year after the hit single Mainini which featured Tocky Vibez.
Mainini is up for the Song of the Year (Best Collaboration) at this year’s Zim hip-hop awards.
8L grew up in Kwekwe, where he did his high school before moving to the University of Zimbabwe, where he studied for his first degree in Statistics.
Under his Clientele Entertainment initiative, 8L has been involved in talent promotion and has held a number of Hip-hop cyphers to help upcoming artistes.