DANCEHALL chanter Simbarashe Carrington Chiwadza, otherwise popularly known as Nutty O, says the emergence of new stars in the music industry has brought a different kind of energy, pushing seasoned artistes to produce better quality music.
Also known as the Dancehall Mo Salah, Nutty O told Arts & Entertainment reporter Prince Meke that music standards have improved and expectations from fans are high and artistes have to keep up with the changing times.
“The rise of new stars is good for the fans and artistes to keep pushing for better quality. Times have changed and artistes have to keep up with the times as music has evolved to better standards,” he said.
He encouraged upcoming musicians to stay true to their identity and stay focused for them to achieve their success.
“To all the upcoming artist stay true to your self. Its a long game. Seek substance over hype. Substance will take you places. Substance will carry you through difficult times. (Zvinhu hazvide kumhanyirwa) Don’t rush into things. Dont campare your self to others.
“With me l have managed to merge Nutty O and commercial appeal. lam who lam l dont change. l don’t fabricate its either you like me you don’t. Mind you not changing my character has helped me to stay relevant and out of trouble
“For my new compositions, I get inspired mostly by life experiences and the ability to observe what would be happening in society. Also, challenges I would have gone through or experiences of different subject matter inspire my creativity when making new music.”
The multi-award-winning singer ABX Patron said being around people who undermine one’s value can affect artistes growth.
“Significant challenges l faced in my career is being around people who dont know your value. They undermine the value you bring to the table. Being in this small thinking circle of creatives and gatekeepers and people who want to demeanish your greatness into what they think fits them.
“Zimbabwean music industry will evolve in the next coming years. We have new kids on the block bringing new styles and different approaches. The structures and systems will elvove based on the fact that there will be fresh blood in the music scene trying to match with the world standards,” he said.
He went on to highlight that his music is also inpired by fellow artistes like Davido, Wiz Kid, Bounty Killer, Masicka, Jah Vinc, Winky D among others
“Inspired by a lot of these Nigerian and Jamaican guys. Definitely inspired by Wiz Kid, Davido whom l want to work with. Burnaboy and Tianna Tylor doing great things. Bounty Killer, Jah Vinc and not forgering Masicka. l would love to work with Kendrick Lamar, Lil Wayne, Rihannah the list is endless and obvious the Bigman himself Winky D.
Nutty O is a decorated award winning artiste who also got the chance for his music to be played on BBC Radio 1 Extra. His 2021 mustered seed album went viral not only in Zimbabwe but around the world.
“My creative workflow is segmented in so many ways. l like to be challenged. l like to see things that l barely see. l like people who challenge my creativity.
Nutty O alluded that he is a versatile musician.
“For those who dont know Nutty O starterd off as a Hip Hop artiste mixing Rn’B. l do Dancehall and if you listen to my music you will hear Afro beats too. You can not define me with genre beacuse ABX is versatile. l feel like l can do anything l put my mind to,” he said.
Nutty O music is also played in Jamaica as he has mastered what linguists call code mixing and code switching (English, Shona and Jamaican patois), which is only rivalled by Nigerian Afro-pop artistes like Patoranking and Burnaboy , who sometimes have fans from all over Africa wondering what Igbo language lyrics they are singing along to.
To date Nutty O boast notable international collaborations which include Dermaco, Etana, Gunna, Stonebwoy, remix of Bob Marley “So Much Trouble in the world” featuring Winky D among others.
