For Bulawayo-based musician Nicky Tanaka Dzizangwe, better known as Nickytana , music has always been more than entertainment as it is a testimony of faith, perseverance and hope.
The versatile artist, who blends Zimdancehall, RnB and reggae gospel, traces his musical journey back to his school days, where his classmates became his first audience and biggest cheerleaders.
“That gave me the power to be where I am today,” he said.
However, the road to becoming an artist was far from smooth.
After leaving school, Nickytana faced ridicule from people who constantly compared him to established musicians, often judging him by his appearance rather than his talent.
A turning point came when a close friend made a life-changing sacrifice by paying for his first studio recording session.
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“He did a lot for me,” Nickytana said.
“He paid for the studio and introduced me to local producers who understood my passion for music. That changed everything.”
Inspired by the musical atmosphere within his own family, the singer credits his mother as one of the biggest influences on his career.
“My family always loved singing during family gatherings, and my mother was a very good singer,” he said.
“She sang touching songs at church and even at home. She inspired me a lot.”
Today, Nickytana has developed a sound that reflects authenticity and purpose.
“I choose music that feels real to me. I love singing songs that carry a message and inspire people.”
Much of his music is drawn from his own experiences, with many songs reflecting painful chapters of his past.
Among his favourite works is Mandinzwira Ngoni produced by Tflow Da producer, a deeply emotional song he describes as a heartfelt prayer to God.
“It was like crying to God for help and making a wish. I believe people feel motivated by it and learn to be patient with God,” he recalled.
For the artist, simply being able to record and release music is the fulfilment of a lifelong dream.
Like many upcoming musicians, Nickytana has also experienced disappointment after repeatedly submitting his music to radio stations without success.
“It left us feeling hopeless and on the same level,” he said.
Despite those setbacks, the Bulawayo-based artist continues to push forward.
He recently teamed up with fellow musician Omarivibes on the song Ndinewe and is also preparing to release another collaboration, Wedenga, featuring Apostle Wayne Bless.
Nickytana hopes his journey will encourage aspiring artists not to give up on their dreams.
“My advice is simple: be patient enough. God works in different ways,” he shared.