The Prime Suspects hit the right notes
NOW and then in music circles there is that amusing and almost unbelievable story of how a prominent band came to realise they had what it takes to make it in the music industry.
Not dwelling far from that script, Bulawayo-based youths are slowly but surely bringing their childhood dream of being a recognised hip-hop group to reality.
Simply going by the moniker The Prime Suspects (TPS) the hiphop trio comprising of Nigel “Cream” Musukutwa, Ndabezinhle “Skate” Madyara and Wayne “Kid Lion” Nzamazi for the past two years have been trying to hit the right notes in the music scene, and they seem to be on the right track.
They have shared the stage with South Africa’s Black Motion, ZimDancehall king Winky D, and gave a good account of themselves at the Bulawayo Music Carnival in June.
“TPS had a long time dream to make music and entertain childhood friends. Cream and I teamed up with Wayne after all sharing the same vision, and went on to record their first track Ntsharara as Prime Suspects, said the group members Skate.
After getting a positive response from their first track Ntsharara, TPS was encouraged to go back to the studio and produce more material.
“The song got a great response and fuelled the boys’ ambition and they decided to work on more songs together. Last year in June 2015 they released a song that got everybody’s attention titled Dash and went on to shoot a video for it,” said Skate.
The music video has been featured on ZBC on different musical programmes and has over 1 600 views on video sharing site YouTube.
Cream said they give credit to Mlweli Ncube who sponsored them on their first music video.
“He lives in the neighbourhood and through some interactions we had him listen to our music. He liked Dash and asked why we didn’t have a video for it. Then he said we should find out how much it was to produce a music video and he’ll sponsor it,” said Cream.
Other than being in the studio, like most enterprising rappers pushing their hustle, TPS has also ventured into the fashion industry, announcing their presence by launching a clothing label using their name for their branded t-shirts, hoods and snapback caps.
Being full time rappers, TPS realised they have a tall ladder to climb in the hip-hop hierarchy, thus they resorted to focussing more on pushing their label than prioritising monetary gains.
“We aren’t more on the money side of music, but rather we are introducing the group to the people. So that they create a fan base for themselves,” said Kid Lion.
Adding weight to their lyricism, TPS pride themselves on being ambassadors of different suburbs (Paddonhurst and West Somerton) in Bulawayo where they draw inspiration, to weave social commentary lyrics and of course the party mood vibe.
As it is the hip-hop trio is not sitting on their laurels as they are working tirelessly on their debut mix tape titled Vuzoom 2.0 set to drop anytime soon. LAST week, as I embarked on a trip to the mining town of Zvishavane, I had one major worry. Where would I put up for the night? I asked myself if there were any comfortable lodges or hotels as I was not familiar with the place. Someone should have told me about the luxurious Pote Hill Hotel. Situated in the Zvishavane high area off Bulawayo Road and built on the slope of the mountain is Pote Hill, which I should say provides its customers with five-star hospitality services.
From the entrance, one is captivated by the facility as the security guard ushers you in with some dance moves making you feel at home and as part of the family rather than a guest at a hotel.
As I stood in the driveway trying to get my bearings straight, I was approached by a friendly member of staff who asked me whether I had been assisted and offered to show me around and escort me to my room.
This gesture by the staff justified the hotel’s catch phrase — “hospitality on the hill”.
The lush and well-manicured lawns as well as palm trees dotted right round the place give the hotel a luxurious outlook and create a serene atmosphere. From the hotel one is treated to a magnificent view of the mountains in the area.
Pote Hill Hotel consists of 50 elegantly ethnic furnished guestrooms with a fusion of Western styles. The hotel offers quality personalised service, gracious hospitality and attention to detail.
Furnished with king size beds, a couch and other amenities as well as a bathroom with a massage tub/jacuzzi and shower, this place is the ultimate definition of luxury.
The hotel also has a state-of-the-art restaurant which serves buffet meals, a la carte and table d’hôte menus prepared by qualified class one chefs.
On weekends, the hotel offers a weekend special which comprises braai and drinks as well as a local DJ.
The manager of the hotel, Victor Mavingire, said the hotel has also recently opened up a garden bar and braai area. To add to the appeal of the outdoor area are gazebos strewn outside the rooms where one can sit and relax.
I could however, not spend my entire visit to the mining town cooped up in my room so I took the opportunity to explore.
A sizable crowd drew my attention and I was later told that Zimbabwe’s talent search team Starbrite, was holding auditions at YaFM, which is known as the pulse of the Great Dyke.
The excitement in the crowd showed just how much the residents appreciated this first collaboration between their beloved radio station and the Barney Mpariwa team to scout for talent.
For the discerning businessman and golfer, there is Roland Golf Club but for the more chilled be sure to visit Caravan Park where you can enjoy a Gango meal made by the male chefs.
For dinner, the Red Parrot with its oriental style dining is an interesting place to visit.
I also had the chance to drop by Siboza where a miniature Great Zimbabwe has been developed with dining places around the conical tower.
If you would rather not travel by road, you can charter a flight and land at one of the most developed aerodromes in the country.
Be sure to visit Zvishavane and experience the Great Dyke!