By Tawanda Chari
Born Tinashe Mubanga, McKnife is a Zimbabwean Hip-Hop Award
winner, and one of the best producers out of Zimbabwe to produce music which
can be consumed by ears on an international scale. McKnife is also a seasoned
rapper and songwriter. The beauty of McKnife’s talent is his ability to produce
his own beats, arrange, write, and master his own music material – an asset
only a few artists in the world can muster. We got to him for an interview
about his career in music.
ZimSphere: Who is McKnife? What’s your background?
McKnife: McKnife is a Zimbabwean music producer/rapper born
and raised in the streets of Harare. Although he was a very energetic all-round
athlete in his school days winning various awards ranging from cricket,
football, volleyball, rugby, and several other sports he finally settled for
music at a later stage in life.
ZimSphere: How have you developed your career - how and when
did you start music? What made you decide that you should make music?
McKnife: I took music lessons back in high school and grew
fond of music thereon. Although I started out as a rapper, I transitioned to the
beat production and music production side.
ZimSphere: How would you describe the music that you
typically create?
McKnife: When I started it was purely Hip Hop based but I
have outgrown that and just create almost anything although I major in indigenous based sounds now. So even if its Hip Hop, you can still feel that
African vibe to it.
ZimSphere: Who would you most like to collaborate with?
McKnife: At this present moment I wouldn't mind working with
Burna Boy.
ZimSphere: What would you be doing right now if it was not for your music career?
McKnife: I would probably be stuck in an office somewhere on
a 9-5. I was in a Sciences class back in high school, so I would like to
believe had music not been an option, I would have definitely taken a career
along those lines.
ZimSphere: Where have you performed? What are your favourite
and least favourite venues?
McKnife: I have performed countless times with BOTY Africa
finals back in 2012 probably being the most notable show on a continental
level. I've also graced the 7Arts theatre in Avondale countless times and
various shows and award shows in the country. I wouldn't say I have a least
favourite venue as connecting with the people is what matters most.
ZimSphere: How do you feel the Internet has impacted the
music business?
McKnife: The internet definitely had a huge impact on the
show business as a whole both positively and negatively. I believe the internet
has made it easier to market music especially for independent musicians but at
the same time has shortened the life span of a song, EP or album as people move
on so quick. Compared to the 90's and early 2000's music fades quick now
because the market is flooded.
ZimSphere: If you could change anything about the Zimbabwean music industry, what would it be?
McKnife: I would say structures, music in Zimbabwe lacks
proper structures and channels hence it's not as profitable as in other parts
of the world.
ZimSphere: Any words for people that do not know who you are
or your craft?
McKnife: Well, they can check it out for themselves, I believe the work should speak for itself. Follow @mcknife_zw across all social media platforms. Also follow my record label @hitmusicempire.
Just to get to
understand more.
ZimSphere: Should we expect a full-length project soon?
McKnife: Unfortunately, I retired from putting out music
this year as I plan on focusing more on the production side of things. I feel I
have offered the best of me so it's time I tried help the young ones out there
that also have dreams. My final studio album THESIS is available
across all major music stores which include Apple Music, Spotify, Tidal etc. You can also
stream other projects I have worked in throughout the years I have been active
on those same platforms.
ZimSphere: Your covid-19 message?
McKnife: Stay safe, we have lost so many good souls this year it would be tragic to lose more. Also, do not forget to pray.
The Hit Music Empire star recently released Kurauone (Grow
Up and You Will See) with D - MIC an Afro pop sounding song about the hardships
of adulthood, a growing mind, maturity and learning the realities of the world
and everything it has to offer.
Get McKnife's music via this Youtube link.
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