Zimbabwe's Top Music Producers: Behind the Beat

1. OSKID

• Real Name: Prince Tapfuma
• Renowned for: Winky D's album Gafa Life and the hit "Happy Happy"
• Collaborations: Killer T, Exq
• Formerly with: Ke Nako Musik
• Currently leads: Oskid Production

2. DJ TAMUKA

• Real Name: Tamuka Makuluni

• Notable Work: Collaborations with EX-Q, Ammara Brown, Enzo Ishall
• Previous roles: Co-founder of Zim Boys, producer at Chillspot Records, Kenako Music, and JP Studios
• Significant Tracks: Hits like "Hokoyo" and "Donhodzo"
• Other Ventures: Clothing sales and farming

3. Levels Chillspot

• Real Name: Rodger Tafadzwa Kadzimwe
• Known for: Co-founding Chillspot Recordz, producing Zimdancehall hits
• Notable Hits: Winky D, Freeman HKD, I-Octane, Romain Virgo
• Awards: Multiple Zimdancehall Awards, 2021 Zimbabwe Music Award
• Contributions: Over 30 riddims and significant influence on Zimbabwean music

4. NICKY GENIUS

• Real Name: Norman Chipfumbu
• Known for: Hits for Winky D such as "Rugare" and "My Woman"
• Collaborations: Tory Lanez on "It Doesn't Matter," Anatoria on "Lola Lola"
• Impact: Elevated Zimbabwean music with global appeal
• Origin: Kuwadzana

5. RODNEY BEATZ

• Real Name: Rodney Tendai Gabriel Sibanda
• Notable Work: Productions for Jah Prayzah, Military Touch Movement
• Breakthrough: Sunshine Studios with Freeman, Chillspot Records, Kenako Music
• Major Hits: Pitbull & J Balvin's "Hey Ma," Chris Brown's "Questions," Sean Paul's "No Lie"
• Other Interests: Clothing sales and farming

6. Nasper Incoming

• Real Name: Nasper Incoming
• Breakthrough: Collaborations with Kayflow on "Ramba Wakadzvanya" and "Sei Sei"
• Notable Collaborations: Tamy Moyo, Exq
• Focus: Blending global sounds with local music
• Current Role: Championing emerging artists through The Crete Arcade

7. YOUNG NASH

• Real Name: Tapiwa Nyagwaya
• Notable Collaborations: Brian Soko, ShaSha, Takura, Jah Prayzah
• Influences: Afrobeat, Bollywood, Quincy Jones, Kanye West
• Achievements: Grammy nominations, top 10 charting songs
• Role: Running The Crete Arcade to support emerging artists

8. C.O.G

• Real Name: Courage Manyumwa
• Breakthrough: Produced Takura’s hit "Zino Irema"
• Notable Tracks: "Hold Me Down" by Lamont Chitepo, Herman's "Chocoloco," Enzo Ishal's "Siya Something"
• Gospel Contributions: Worked with Minister Michael Mahendere, Wellington Kwenda
• Influences: Dr Dre

9. PIP KEMBO (DR CHAII)

• Real Name: Philip 'Pip' Kembo
• Known as: Dr Chaii
• Breakthrough: Collaboration with Sermstyle
• Major Hits: Pitbull & J Balvin's "Hey Ma," Chris Brown's "Questions," Sean Paul's "No Lie," Pitbull's "Por Favor"
• Achievements: Grammy nominations, signed to Artist Publishing Group (APG) in 2016
• Other Work: Contributions to The Fate of the Furious: The Album

10. JAMAL NO LIMITS

• Real Name: Jamal Brian Chimuka
• Origin: Chitungwiza
• Breakthrough: Production of Ishan and T Gonzi's "Kure" (2019), which won 'Best African Pop Song'Notable Tracks: Herman's "Chocoloco," Enzo Ishal's "Siya Something"
• Influences: Dr Dre
• Skills: Also skilled in graphic design, notable for blending creativity and technical expertise