Chris Infotainment

Zinoleesky Clarifies His Relationship with Naira Marley Nigerian singer and rapper Oniyide Azeez, known by his stage name Zinoleesky, has recently addressed rumors about his possible departure from Naira Marley’s record label, Marlian Music. The artist took to his Instagram story to deny the reports, emphasizing that he is still officially under the label. Zinoleesky made it clear that the claims of him leaving the label are unfounded. He stated that there is no truth to the speculation and that he remains committed to his current partnership. This clarification comes amid ongoing discussions about the dynamics between artists and their record labels in the Nigerian music industry. A Stand for Fairness and Respect In addition to addressing the rumors, Zinoleesky used his platform to speak out about the treatment of young and emerging artists. He expressed his support for those who have been taken advantage of within the industry. According to him, every artist deserves to be treate...

Emerging Gospel Artist Anxious Shumba Captivates Zimbabwe with Spiritually Grounded Music Zimbabwe’s gospel music scene is witnessing the rise of a new and spiritually driven artist — Anxious Shumba. His unique worship style, combined with deep lyrical content, is resonating with believers throughout the country. Shumba has quickly become a name that many are starting to recognize for his heartfelt and authentic approach to gospel music. Shumba officially entered the industry in 2024 with the release of his debut album titled Nanganai Nevhangeri Mufundisi . This project is centered around uplifting and introspective worship themes, reflecting his personal journey and spiritual convictions. The album features several standout tracks, including Zarurai Moyo and Mwari weMunana , which have captured the attention of listeners and radio stations alike. Mwari weMunana has been particularly successful, climbing the 98.4 Gospel Top 20 Charts and gaining momentum as it continues to be play...

The Future of Music: Holograms and the Return of Queen The world has witnessed a remarkable revival of 1970s music through the holographic performances of Abba. Now, the legendary rock band Queen is considering taking a similar approach to bring back their iconic frontman, Freddie Mercury. This potential move could mark a new era in how audiences experience live music. Queen guitarist Sir Brian May, 78, has shared his thoughts on the possibility of recreating the original lineup with Freddie Mercury, who passed away in 1991, and bass player John Deacon, who retired in 1997. Speaking to Big Issue, Sir Brian expressed his belief that Freddie's spirit lives on through the music they continue to play. He also mentioned that John, while no longer part of the active band, remains connected to the group in a different way. Sir Brian highlighted the opportunities provided by modern technology, such as the Sphere arena in Las Vegas, which offers immersive experiences. He believes that th...

A Rising Star in Rwanda’s Music Scene In the ever-evolving world of the creative industry, many artists choose their paths for various reasons. For Kaleb Kayumba, known professionally as Diez Dola, music wasn’t just a passion—it was an urgent calling. From a young age, he felt a deep connection to music, one that he couldn’t ignore. This drive led him to make a bold decision: dropping out of school to pursue a short music course at the International Music School. His goal was clear—he wanted to build a professional career in music, not just create ordinary songs. The Journey Begins In 2019, Diez Dola left his traditional education behind and enrolled in a one-year program focused on audio production. “I didn’t want to make just ordinary music but a professional career,” he said. Gaining technical skills and broad musical perspectives was his main objective. However, the journey wasn’t without its challenges. After graduating in 2020, the global pandemic disrupted everything. He foun...

Zimura's Leadership Delay Sparks Frustration Among Musicians The newly elected Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (Zimura) board, which was voted in on promises of transparency, accountability, and improved royalty management, has faced early criticism for delaying the announcement of its new chairperson. This delay has dampened the initial optimism among musicians, who had hoped for a fresh start for the collective management organisation (CMO). Instead, the slow pace and lack of communication from the board have raised concerns that it is already contradicting its campaign pledges. During the election period, the incoming board committed to greater openness, regular engagement with musicians, and reforms to royalty distribution. However, many artistes now feel that the momentum is fading, and their expectations are not being met. Chiundura-based musician Nesbert Ushe expressed his disappointment, stating, “We expected to find glory in the effort we made as musicians, but what f...

The Changing Landscape of Music Consumption in Zimbabwe In November, many civil servants in Zimbabwe find themselves with extra money to spend. However, in the current economic climate, ideas on how to use this bonus are limited. It's not uncommon for people to avoid purchasing music as part of their Christmas shopping. When asked about the last time they bought a CD from their favorite artist, most people admit that they haven’t done so this year. One key reason is the lack of physical places to buy music. Record shops have largely closed down, and street vendors who sell CDs are becoming fewer. In addition, music is still seen by many as a luxury item that is only purchased when there is extra income available. With over 92% of recorded music now sold online, digital retailers have experienced a significant rise in sales. People today tend to buy music through streaming services or directly from online stores for digital downloads. While streaming dominates, some still prefer ...

Gweru-Based Gospel Musician Takes His Message to the Streets Emmanuel Mukoroverwa, a gospel musician based in Gweru, Zimbabwe, has found an unconventional yet effective way to share his music and message with the public. By performing on the streets, he is not only showcasing his talent but also trying to make a breakthrough in Zimbabwe’s competitive gospel industry. Mukoroverwa often takes to the pavements in busy public areas of Gweru, where he believes he can reach more people than traditional church settings. He explains that this approach stems from the limited opportunities available for emerging gospel artists in the region. “Beyond performing at churches, I feel it's important to stage my own solo shows on the streets,” he said. “I choose random places where there are many people so that my message reaches more souls.” The soft-spoken artist, who has been gaining recognition on local gospel radio charts, sees street ministry as a way to stay active in the industry and m...

From Humble Beginnings to Global Recognition Rapper and singer Zlatan has shared his inspiring journey from a modest background to becoming a global music sensation. His story is one of perseverance, passion, and an unwavering belief in the power of music to uplift others. In a recent interview with Nandi Madida on Apple Music 1, Zlatan discussed his latest album, ‘Symbol of Hope’. He explained that the project was deeply personal, driven by his desire to inspire individuals who come from challenging circumstances. “I used to listen to music before I even knew I was going to make music. I was already a fan of so many artistes and saw them as symbols; people whose lives changed from nothing to something. Now, being in this position myself, I see how my music inspires others not to give up,” he said. Zlatan emphasized that the album’s title reflects his mission to encourage others. “I get so many messages from people who tell me my songs keep them going. That’s why I decided to call t...

A Journey from Church to Mainstream Nigerian singer and songwriter, Johnny Drille, has shared his experiences of navigating the challenges of acceptance within the church community. Despite starting his musical journey in a religious setting, he has revealed that he never truly felt his unique sound was embraced there. During a recent podcast appearance, the Mavin Records artist discussed his time as a music director in church. He explained that while he once held that role, he never felt that his music fit entirely within that environment. “I didn’t feel like my music was predominantly in church. Every now and then, I get invited to churches to sing, which is kind of interesting,” he said. Transitioning from Gospel to Mainstream Music Drille also spoke about his transition from gospel to mainstream music, which led to some backlash from members of the Christian community. They questioned his new musical direction, but he remained confident in his artistic choices. “I’ve gotten a...

The Power of Passion in the Music Industry Rosemary “Mai” Mzezewa, a low-profile gospel musician, has always believed that passion should be the driving force behind a career in music. She emphasizes that financial gain should not be the primary motivation for entering the industry, as many who do so often end up disillusioned. Mai Mzezewa warns that the music industry can be harsh and unforgiving. She points out the numerous challenges musicians face, including high production costs and the need to pay bribes to some radio DJs for airplay. According to her, the industry may appear glamorous from the outside, but it is actually very difficult to navigate. “Recording and promoting music requires a serious budget. Without spending, you will just end up listening to your own music at home,” she said. Mai Mzezewa, who has released seven albums, believes that many talented artists have been silenced due to a lack of financial support. She adds that securing airplay is extremely difficult...

Michael Bublé Reflects on Coaching and the Future of The Voice Michael Bublé, the 50-year-old Canadian singer and songwriter, recently shared his thoughts on the upcoming season of The Voice , revealing that he is unsure whether the next champion will come from his team. His comments came during a conversation with Entertainment Weekly while on set, where he also interacted with the audience during commercial breaks. Bublé expressed deep appreciation for the people in the audience, stating, "Those people out there, every one of them is special to me." He emphasized how much their presence means to him, saying, "They took their valuable time to come and spend an afternoon with us, and I love that I can make it special for them." For many viewers, attending a taping of a live show like The Voice requires significant effort. From early check-ins to long waits, the process tests patience. Bublé acknowledged this, admitting that the energy and commitment of the audi...

Bryvvn’s New Collaboration with MGZA Marks a Major Career Shift Kenyan artiste Bryvvn has recently made waves in the music industry with his partnership with American musician MGZA. This collaboration has led to the release of their joint project, BRKN, which is already generating significant attention. The track features MGZA, who is known for his work in South America. Bryvvn shared insights into the new single during an interview, highlighting that it represents a new phase in his musical journey. According to Bryvvn, this collaboration goes beyond just music—it's a story of two artists whose paths were meant to intersect long before they entered the studio together. He explained that the idea for this partnership began back in 2017 when MGZA first discovered his music on SoundCloud. Impressed by Bryvvn’s distinct style, MGZA became a supporter of his work. Their meeting was serendipitous: Bryvvn was in Cape Town visiting MGZA’s cousin, who introduced him to MGZA’s music. F...

A Night of Smooth Jazz and Cultural Celebration in Kampala Kampala, Uganda | The Mestil Gardens in Kampala transformed into a haven of smooth jazz on Sunday evening as the legendary saxophonist Kenny G delivered a two-hour performance that left fans mesmerized. The 68-year-old American musician, known for his mastery of the saxophone and signature smooth jazz sound, took to the stage in a blue suit and opened with Loving You , drawing applause from the crowd that had braved earlier rain showers to witness the concert. Kenny G continued with classics such as Silhouette , The Moment , Havana , and a moving rendition of My Heart Will Go On . His skillful use of circular breathing, which allows him to hold notes for extraordinary lengths of time, captivated the audience. Many attendees raised their phones to record the performance, capturing the magic of the night. The stage design and lighting, bathed in warm tones of blue, purple, and gold, added to the intimate feel of the evening. B...

A Unique Musical Encounter in Seoul The Czech-origin Pavel Haas Quartet, a world-renowned chamber music group in its 24th year since its founding, recently completed their morning practice as usual in the capital, Prague, on the 24th. The four members sat side by side in front of an iPad for a video interview with this newspaper. Their chamber music recordings have received acclaim, being selected as the Recording of the Year by the British classical music magazine Gramophone . Following last year’s performance at the Incheon Art Center, they will hold another concert in Seoul at the Seoul Arts Center on November 11 of this year. However, there is an interesting coincidence. The Hagen Quartet, an Austrian chamber music powerhouse with a 45-year history, is also set to perform in Korea at the Lotte Concert Hall on November 9. The two quartets’ concerts, held just two days apart, will feature the same repertoire. Both groups are scheduled to perform Beethoven (1770–1827), the saint of...

A Celebration of Music and Cultural Exchange The 27th edition of Jazz in Rabat concluded successfully on Saturday, September 27, following three nights filled with music that were completely sold out. This year's festival was held for the first time in the new venue of Hassan II Park in the capital city, from September 25 to 27. It showcased unique interactions between Moroccan artists and musicians from across Europe, reinforcing its reputation as an essential event for intercultural dialogue through music. According to the European Union delegation in Morocco, the festival has become a symbol of this kind of cultural exchange. The EU delegation highlighted the special atmosphere created during the event, where European jazz and Moroccan music merged to provide three exceptional evenings that captivated the audience. Dimiter Tzantchev, the EU Ambassador to Morocco, emphasized that the festival is more than just a musical gathering. He described it as a space for creation and di...

A Night of Jazz and Celebration at Mestil Gardens The Mestil Gardens transformed into a magical space on Sunday evening as the legendary saxophonist and composer Kenny G delivered a mesmerizing two-hour performance that captivated jazz enthusiasts in Kampala. Known for his smooth jazz classics and charismatic stage presence, Kenny G enchanted the audience from the very first note. Dressed in his signature blue suit, Kenny G made a quiet entrance onto the softly lit stage, opening with the hauntingly beautiful "Loving You." The crowd was immediately spellbound by his artistry, setting the tone for an unforgettable night. Despite the day's early rain and gusts of wind that had many questioning whether the show would proceed, the skies cleared just in time. By 6 PM, the grounds were filled with anticipation as fans gathered to experience world-class music. The performance itself was a masterclass in musical excellence. Warm and understated lighting in soft blues, purples...