King98 moves album launch
FAST-RISING hip-hop musician King 98 says he is postponing the launch of his second album to allow him to mourn his father Thompson Dondo, who died recently.
King 98, born Ngonidzashe Dondo, is the first-born son of the late businessman-cum-music promoter.
On Friday, the youthful rapper celebrated his 23rd birthday, and he described it as “a few and far between” event without his father, mentor and confidant.
The late businessman, who was the CEO of Impala Car Hire, had formed a telepathic bond with his son that saw him connect King 98 with some of the continent’s big names in the industry.
Chikonamombe, as Dondo was affectionately known in showbiz circles, had charmed South African hip-hop star Nasty C, Nigerians David Adedeji Adeleke (aka Davido) and Zlatan Ibile, LayLizzy of Mozambique as well as the Tanzanian duo of Diamond Platnumz and Juma Jux, among others who all produced hits with King 98.
However, King 98’s breakthrough was when he released the song titled Kachiri with Diamond Platnumz which got a million views on YouTube in 48 hours.
Riding on Diamond Platnumz’s popularity, King 98 marked his entrance on the global music arena that has seen him getting inquiries from all corners of the world.
Since the release of his 14-track album titled Francesca two years ago, King 98 has been adding on to his impressive catalogue through appearances on regional and global television channels and radio stations.
Before the demise of his father, King 98 had hinted at launching his second album early this year, but his manager DJ Simmz said the event had been put on hold.
“We had many things to consider. Firstly, the death of Mudhara was so devastating that we stopped the production,” DJ Simmz said.
“Secondly, I don’t think with the current lockdowns and the Covid-19 pandemic, it would make sense to convene a launch, be it virtual or face-to-face.”
DJ Simmz said the team was mourning Chikonamombe, but they have vowed to keep alive the legacy of the late musiccrazy businessman.
“We will have to sit down as a team and chart the way forward. We will do our best to keep Mr Dondo’s legacy alive. He had so much in store for King 98 and we promise him that the King 98 brand would conquer the world since it was one of his aspirations,” he said.