The Standard (Zimbabwe)

Mkhululi Bhebhe relives debut solo act

- BY KUDZAI CHITSATSO Mustard Seed. By Sindiso Dube

AWARD-winning dancehall superstar Carrington Simbarashe Chiwadzwa, aka Nutty O, says he is cultivatin­g his discipline compass through martial arts.

Nutty O, who was graded from yellow to red belt recently, at Jindokai Dojo in Mbare by Shihan Crosby Mpate, said martial arts is broad covering a lot of aspects including cultivatin­g one’s discipline compass.

“Martial arts it’s broad, but it's literally just a fitness procedure, staying fit, physically, mentally and spirituall­y,” Nutty O said.

“When I am doing martial arts, l will be cultivatin­g my discipline compass.”

The musician said besides building up on fitness and wellness, martial arts is great for occupation and a healthy mindset.

Meanwhile the musician was recently appointed the brand ambassador for Simbisa Family for their Chicken Inn brand.

“I have joined the Simbisa Family as a brand ambassador for the Chicken Inn brand,” he said.

“I am very excited with this new partnershi­p with the Chicken Inn brand and the venture for us.

“It is an honour to collaborat­e with them, a giant corporate.”

Nutty O has done a jingle for the food outlet derived from the hit track Handipere Power.

The musician said he was going to release videos for songs on his award-winning album

Gospel singer Mkhululi Bhebhe has described his debut solo performanc­e in Zimbabwe as a bitter sweet moment.

After leaving Joyous Celebratio­n Choir, Bhebhe performed his debut solo act in Bulawayo where he launched his album at the ZITF dubbed The Ultimate Praise Experience on December 15.

Bhebhe’s first contributi­on at the Joyous Celebratio­n choir was when he sang the song Tambira Jehova, which later turned out to be a hit.

The vocal-gifted Bhebhe, who was a member of Joyous Celebratio­n for six years, described his exit as a process of growth.

He left the group after album 21, which was recorded in Dallas Texas.

“Rememberin­g December 15, 2018 comes with bitter sweet memories,” Bhebhe told Standard Style.

“This was my first solo concert in Zimbabwe.

“I remember being very stressed about everything not coming together and all the sacrifices I had to make in order for the show to go on!

“I had no budget at all for the event and despite multiple attempts, I couldn’t secure sponsorshi­p.

“Despite all the hardships, I remember the day fondly because my mom sat in the audience (front row seat) and saw me minister live on stage for the very last time on that day.

“Five months later, she went to be with the Lord.

“Her words still linger in my heart, ‘Never Give Up, it shall all be well’, as she would often say.

“Those words are the reason I am still standing today despite all the hardships I have faced in recent times. Because of her words, giving up will never be an option.”

Bhebhe grew up in Bulawayo’s highdensit­y suburb of Pumula with his grandmothe­r.

He went to David Livingston­e Secondary School before going to St Columbus High where he took part in extra curricula activities such as drama and music.

After A’ Level he got a job at a railway company where he worked for five years before contesting in the CBZ Academy

Talent show.

“I tried to do music in Zimbabwe, but the situation on the ground was not conducive and I moved to South Africa,” he said.

Bhebhe said he had to do manual jobs in South Africa before joining Joyous Celebratio­n choir after his pastor secretly applied for him.

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Mkhululi Bhebhe

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