KUDZAI CHITSATSO
United Kingdom-based Zimbabwean songwriter, discerning beatmaker, and music conductor Franc Mahanzu, widely known as Franc Godfatherofslowjams, has joined forces with Zimbabwean musician Beav City and producer Clef Jones for an innovative new project titled GFOSJ Godfatherofslowjams. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in Mahanzu’s mission to elevate Zimbabwean R&B music to global prominence.
In an interview with ZimSphere, Mahanzu shared his lifelong passion for music and the journey that led to this collaboration. “My lifelong immersion in diverse musical genres ignited a passion to create my own music,” he said.
“I have always had an unconventional approach, constantly exploring various music platforms for soul-stirring, vibey tracks. Years of crafting mixtapes for personal enjoyment and sharing honed my musical sensibilities. Music has been my constant companion and driving force.”
Mahanzu’s moniker, Godfatherofslowjams, reflects his deep affinity for the R&B subgenre of slowjams.
“I consider myself a connoisseur, deeply appreciating the hidden gems and less commercialised slowjams,” he explained. “I was a regular presence on local radio, often requesting shout-outs as Franc Godfatherofslowjams, further solidifying my identity within the music community.”
The collaboration with Beav City began four years ago when Mahanzu discovered the artist’s music on Spotify.
“With my refined ear and ability to recognise true talent, I discovered Beav City’s music on Spotify four years ago. I was immediately captivated by his effortless ability to weave Shona vernacular lyrics into Afrobeats and R&B rhythms,” he said.
Mahanzu reached out to Beav City via WhatsApp, commissioning him to sing lyrics for an interlude he had written for his upcoming birthday. “The finished product was astonishing, exceeding all expectations. I was hooked,” he recalled. This initial collaboration sparked a vision for a larger project, with Beav City lending his vocal talent to Mahanzu’s lyrics.
Beav City then introduced Mahanzu to his producer, Clef Jones, whose beat-making skills left a lasting impression. “I could describe an R&B beat and he would bring it to life perfectly,” Mahanzu said. Soon, Clef Jones also began contributing vocals to the project, delivering “professional polish and captivating melodies.”
“It felt like divine intervention, a destined collaboration to create timeless, classic R&B music in vernacular,” Mahanzu said.
“My dream of creating my own music was realised through the vocal gifts of Beav City, Clef Jones, and other talented artists I handpicked for the GFOSJ Music Dream Team. To date, I have released three full albums and two singles, a testament to the power of collaboration and the pursuit of musical passion.”
Mahanzu expressed enthusiasm for the evolving Zimbabwean music scene. “I am thrilled to witness the dynamic transformation of Zimbabwean music,” he said.
“The increased support for local artists through expanded airplay on social media, television, and radio is a welcome development. The flourishing of genres like Zim-Dancehall, Sungura, Dendera, Chimurenga, Amapiano, Afrobeats, Mbira, Gospel, and Urban Grooves is truly inspiring.”
His vision for GFOSJ music is to contribute to the growth of Zimbabwean R&B. “My personal vision is to contribute to the growth of Zimbabwean R&B music, specifically in the Shona vernacular language,” he said.
“My current project, GFOSJ music, embodies this direction, delivering high-quality Shona lyrics, rich vocal melodies, and well-crafted beats while adhering to world-class production standards.”
Mahanzu aspires to achieve international recognition for GFOSJ music and its collaborators. “I aspire to achieve international recognition for the immense musical talent of the artists collaborating on GFOSJ music,” he said.
“My ultimate dream is to see the GFOSJ music ‘Dream Team’ achieve individual success on the international stage. That would be the true realisation of a long-held ambition.”
He also emphasized the importance of valuing all genres of Zimbabwean music.
“I believe all genres of Zimbabwean music should be valued based on their quality, artistic merit, and relevance to everyday life and social commentary,” he said.
“Music has a therapeutic power, and I hope to see a system that fairly recognises and nurtures talent, minimizing unnecessary competition. All passionate music creators should have access to platforms that celebrate their achievements.”
Mahanzu concluded with a hopeful message for the future of Zimbabwean music: “Let the music speak for itself. As an art form, it comes in diverse forms, each with its own unique delivery, conviction, and purpose. My hope is that Zimbabwean music continues to evolve, embracing its rich heritage while exploring new sounds and reaching a global audience.”
You can check out some of his music here: https://youtube.com/channel/UC4QT6LgNn_ovrJ0zXyyhLIA?si=GtKnl5cGFKjwHqES
.jpg)
.jpg)
0 Comments