From eKasi to Kentucky
. . . Mzoe 7 reflects on his American dream
WHILE for some artistes, a visit to the United States of America, the home of Hollywood, might bring enough satisfaction on its own, this is not the same for multi-talented performer Mzoe 7, who believes his second visit to that country has opened a path for him as potential cultural ambassador for his hometown.
Mzoe was part of a team of Zimbabwean musicians that provided entertainment at the Zim Expo Business Consortium which took place between 27 and 30 May. While he was tempted to bask in the glory of visiting and performing in three states, Mzoe 7 said he took the opportunity to introduce Zimbabwean expatriates that have been long resident in the US to the new breed of artistes in Bulawayo.
“We went to three states which are Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana and the nice part is that I got to meet a lot of people including Zimbabweans that haven’t been in the country for a long time. So, some of them were telling me about the fact that they usually thought the last breed of artistes to come from Zimbabwe were the likes of Majaivana and my sister Sandra Ndebele. They don’t know anything about the new generation.
“So, I was privileged to meet more Zimbabweans who accommodated me with love and I got them to appreciate our art. I played them music from Msiz’kay, Master Zhou, Novuyo Seagirl, Asaph, Skaiva and a lot of other artistes. They couldn’t believe we have young people with so much talent. I took it upon myself to be our cultural ambassador. I made sure that those people are exposed to our younger generation of Zimbabweans,” he said.
The musician said he saw himself returning to America regularly, as Zimbabweans in that country were craving for content from home.
“I took it upon myself to be our cultural ambassador and clue them in on the scene back home. I made sure that those people are exposed to our younger generation of Zimbabweans. The cake is big so I took it upon myself to represent Zimbabwe and Africa while I was there. We had families that wanted to understand our culture.
“I think soon I will have performances in America because I don’t believe anything is impossible now.
It all comes down to what you want as well. I met a lot of great Zimbabweans that are doing great things that side, including in promotions, fashion, like Edna Ndebele, Mr Quiet Ncube and they were all very accommodative. So, I went there proudly with the X Studios banner and I tried my best to spread the word about the up-and-coming artistes under our banner,” he said.
Mzoe added that his visits to North America enabled him to import his style, born in the townships of Bulawayo, to the far reaches of the world, something he only dreamt of when he was growing up in Entumbane in Bulawayo.
“It’s everyone’s dream to go to America, not just for a Zimbabwean but for most people around the world. I’ve always dreamt about it and I never thought that I would not only go once but twice, just due to my talent. It’s all in God’s hands, I guess. I’m one overworking artiste and I think that’s one thing people know me for. I don’t sleep or relax and I’m always grinding and working hard.
“Zim Expo has given me that opportunity to mix and mingle with Americans and teach them about my culture in as much as they teach me about theirs. Culture is everything. Culture means business, culture means food, culture means the lifestyle and it also means fashion. For me, taking my trendy Gagagugu style from ekasi to America is something great. Someone else might take something like that for granted but I personally celebrate every win,” he said.