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#KNOWYOURARTIST FRED FARAI

    Written by Jive Zimbabwe   Popularly known as Finto/FFF, Fred Farai Nyakudanga was born on the 7th of February in 1974. Finto started his career through a friend and mentor, the late Kenny Neshamba who was once a percussionist in the Black Spirits band.   He started composing songs whenever he met or traveled with Neshamba. He later met Pitshou Lumiere of Diamond Musica who believed in his song writing skills. Lumiere recorded two of the songs Finto had written on Diamond Musica’s 2013 album.   Thereafter, Finto started his own project although the lead vocalist was Julius Julius. Finto was content with composing the songs as well as doing poetry for the band.   Finto was then encouraged to sing by a friend and that is when he recorded his first song ‘Basa rapera’ in 2015. He hasn't looked back since then and his interest in singing and in doing poetry has grown over the years. He has two albums to date, ‘Ngativimbike’ which was released in 2015 and ‘Simba
Recent posts

Dangers of Releasing Sub-Standard Music

      Written by Fred Farai Nyakudanga FFF    Releasing sub-standard music is synonymous with populism. Some popular musicians release music that is considered poorly done or of low quality, relying on their existing popularity to drive sales and attention. This can be due to various factors, such as:   1. Complacency: Relying on their established fan base and reputation, rather than pushing themselves creatively. 2. Commercial pressure: Prioritizing meeting release deadlines, fulfilling contractual obligations, or maximizing profits over artistic merit. 3. Lack of accountability: Believing their popularity will shield them from criticism or negative feedback. 4. Experimental failure: Trying new sounds or styles that don’t resonate with listeners.   However, this approach can lead to:   1. Fan disappointment: Alienating loyal fans who expect better quality music. 2. Critical backlash: Receiving negative reviews and criticism from music critics and indust

Zim Artists: The Unprotected “Cattle” of the Economy

      Written by : Fred Farai Nyakudanga FFF   In the agricultural sector, farmers take great care to raise their cattle, providing fences, nutritious feed, and veterinary care to ensure healthy and valuable animals. The government supports these efforts through regulations, disease management, and infrastructure development. The goal is to produce high-quality beef and dairy products for local consumption and export.   In contrast, Zimbabwe’s artists are like stray cattle, lacking protection, regulation, and support. Despite their significant contribution to the economy, they operate in a Wild West-like environment, with no boundaries or guidelines. The industry’s lack of regulation leads to unfiltered content, often vulgar and harmful to society.   From infrastructure to copyright protection, artists are left to fend for themselves. There are a few notable exceptions, such as the Oliver Mtukudzi’s Pakare Paye project, which has achieved remarkable success. A handful o

Winky D: A Musical Icon and Messenger of Hope

    Written by Fred Farai Nyakudanga "This is my tribute to Winky D, a singer who goes beyond his own achievements to inspire others, even in the face of adversity. His generosity of spirit and commitment to empowering others are a true reflection of his artistic passion and humanity." Winky D, a legendary musician, has been spreading messages of hope and unity through his songs, inspiring a nation to come together and find solace in the power of music. With unmatched artistic wisdom, he weaves relatable stories into his lyrics, resonating with people of all ages. From the young to the old, everyone has danced to his infectious beats and inspiring melodies.   Winky D's music transcends generations, bringing people together in a shared experience of joy and hope. His anthemic songs, like "Problems Disappear," offer a powerful appeal to overcome life's challenges. His artistry testifies to the transformative power of music, a universal language that

It’s Not The End Of The World

  Written by Fred Farai Nyakudanga    This story is based on a true story and I have edited names so that someone is inspired out there. Resilience makes great changes in people's lives, don't commit Suicide     Fadzai sat on the edge of her bed, feeling empty and defeated. She had never felt so alone in her life. Thomas’s brief and dismissive response on the phone had left her reeling. She thought about her daughter, Rungano, who was now misbehaving at school, and how she was struggling to cope with the absence of her father.   Thomas had gone to South Africa for greener pastures leaving Fadzai with their only daughter behind. The plan was to relocate to South Africa as soon as Thomas had settled. In the first six months Thomas supported Fadzai with groceries, school fees and rentals. A shift began after Thomas had started seeing other women in South Africa. Thomas started sending money enough for rentals, school fees and a few groceries. The plan to relocate the

The Power of Family Influence

  Written by Fred Farai Nyakudanga The African proverb "charity begins at home" takes on a deeper meaning when we consider the profound impact of family on our lives. As I reflect on my own experiences, I realize that the values, beliefs, and behaviors we learn from our families shape us in ways that are both visible and invisible.   As a former restaurant manager, I noticed that people's behavior in public spaces was often a reflection of their home environment. Some patrons would leave the toilet spotless, while others would leave it in disarray. The effort we put into maintaining hygiene in our kitchens is often mirrored in our public behavior. This observation led me to realize that our family's influence extends far beyond our childhood years.   Our parents' behavior, expectations, and values are imprinted on us from a young age. We mimic their actions, adopt their beliefs, and internalize their criticisms. As we grow older, we begin to make choic

My obituary to Rev E Kamupira

      Written by Fred Farai Nyakudanga   Rev E Kamupira was my childhood model of Christianity, his teachings resonated well and shaped my beliefs. I knew Rev E Kamupira since my Sunday School days at St Stephens Chitungwiza Circuit. Sundays weren’t   the same each time Rev Kamupira came to preach.   Rev Kamupira was a product of United Methodist Church crusade of teachings though he had a Pentecostal touch that kind of made him popular   within and without of United Methodist Church. His fearless gospel suited well with congregants in an independent Zimbabwe.   From hearing   his teachings far away from the terraces I ended up privileged sharing the same church with Rev Kamupira in Waterfalls. I had also rose to a promising Administrator in the United Methodist Church. I had a mutual relationship with Elison Kamupira. We discussed our church current affairs and shared the gospel. Rev Kamupira was a very respectful person who always put others before him.   The chur