Mastercard DJ Zero working on a new nationwide project, the ‘Zim Rise National Riddim Movement 2024’

KUDZAI CHITSATSO

BULAWAYO – Bulawayo-based music producer Jojo Tavengwa, widely recognized in the music industry as Mastercard DJ Zero, is spearheading a noble initiative aimed at revitalizing Zimbabwe’s music scene as he is working on the Zim Rise National Riddim Movement 2024, a nationwide project that he hopes will be recorded in numerous studios across the country, including his own GYFM Studio.

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Speaking exclusively with ZimSphere, Tavengwa outlined the vision behind the movement, which he described as an effort to inject fresh energy into the local music industry.

“I am working on a new project, the Zim Rise National Riddim Movement 2024,” Tavengwa said. “This riddim, which was produced by myself at GYFM Studio in Cowdray Park, Bulawayo, is designed to bring a new vibe that will energize the Zimbabwean music industry with a unique and innovative concept.”

Tavengwa revealed that the project is intended to be recorded in multiple studios throughout Zimbabwe. Invitations have already been extended to numerous producers, allowing them to listen to a demo of the riddim and decide whether to participate in the movement.

“The Riddim is expected to be recorded in various studios across Zimbabwe,” Tavengwa explained. 

“We are inviting all Zimbabwean producers and their studios to join this movement. Through our social media platforms, we are sending out invitations and demos of the project. If producers are interested in collaborating, they can respond to the invite.”

The Zim Rise National Riddim Movement 2024 is structured in three phases, each designed to progressively showcase the best talent from participating studios. 

“This movement will also help uplift producers, their studios, and the artists involved,” Tavengwa said. 

“In the first round, participating studios will record the riddim and select three of their best artists to advance to the second round. From there, the studios will choose one top artist to represent them in the final round.”

The final round will culminate in the selection of the top 10 artists of the year 2024, setting the stage for the Zim Rise National Riddim Movement 2025.

“We expect a wave of artists to break through each year, starting from 2024,” Tavengwa stated, urging Zimbabweans to support and follow the movement closely. 

He added that nearly 26 studios have already accepted the invitation to collaborate on the project.

Tavengwa, who founded GYFM Studio in 2021, has worked with notable producers such as Nesty Bee on the Return of Zimdancehall riddim, as well as G Samuel and Stezzy Beats. 

Currently working independently, he recently released another riddim titled Zimbe Remoto, featuring local artists.