This past week we were lucky to meet another one of
Zimbabwe’s budding artistes. We met the young Chris Lionel James, better known
as Chris J who had come into Harare from Chinhoyi. An artiste who has tried to
push his music, has been on local radio and also been played in Zambia
We listened to his music and the first thing we’ll
appreciate about the young man is his versatility, his ability to move between
genres and still managing t pull it off and give a good song. This boy sings
and raps and manages to be gripping when he does both. He gave us a brief
description of the studio set up they use in Chinhoyi and all we could say is
that his love for music is evident. With Scottish and Zambian parentage (are
you picturing a guy in a kilt?), Chris J manages to act character to his songs
by singing in and rapping in Nyanja at times. You really get to appreiate it on songs like “number
one” and ndimakukinda which features Jerry B and has a dancehall feel about it.
From
th tracks we heard, another of our favourites was wakakosha which was done by
D.NA which is the crew that Chris J represents. Wakakosha has an afro pop and
it was really well executed. Even the mix down version of Ndimakukonda was eay
on the easy on the ears..with a more mellow instrumental. He also has uptempo
songs like “Blow it” and “Do da dan” that will have you thining
you can dance. Whats a rapper ithout a song hat sounds like its for a stripper
huh? That’s “do da dance “ for you.
Chris
J is a promising artist and because we like him, and we dont lie to our readers
we’ll be honest. Most of the songs are good and although there is te ocasional
shallow song, the only set back for him achievin his goals would be the mixing and
mastering of the tracks. Chris J is a very focused and when he spoke to us he
told us of his plas to relocate to Harare where he believes it is a happening.
That is what should be called etermiation. Chris J has decided to bring the
game to Harare! Maybe we’ll start bumping into him in town more often.
We had a short chat interview with Chris J and this how it
went.
PUSH: Tell me when you started this music thing
Chris J: I
started rapping in primary school in the 4th grade and I started
writing songs when I was 11. I was the best dancer in high school and primary...
PUSH: And when did you become a recording artist?
Chris J: In 2011
when I did my first track called GO HARD.
PUSH: Was it easy starting your career as a recording artist? Where was
it?
Chris J: No it
wasn’t. I had to look for money. You know what they say. I had my first
recording at Milton x
PUSH: This is in Chinhoyi?
Chris J: Yes in
Chinhoyi. I was 19. It was produced by Jerry B
PUSH: And Jerry B has been doing your tracks since then?
Chris J: No, I
then switched to Blonck yard music where I found Niktat who has been producing
for me till now because I had a few complications with Jerry B [artistes and
their drama and always having complications with people]
PUSH: Ok cool. Which track of yours made it to radio first?
Chris J: “Can’t stop” ft Niktat then “Number one”
PUSH: so which stations have had your music on rotation?
Chris J: Star Fm
only.
PUSH: How would you describe your music?
Chris J: Mmm
let’s just say it’s mainly on how I feel. My music is me.
PUSH: So you’ve got music that crosses boundaries of genres?
Chris J: Yes bra
you name it. I have no genre. My songs speak for themselves
PUSH: Ok last question. What are your plans for the future?
Chris J: I want
to have my own empire. Have my own record label. Make my music global and open
a clothing label
Well we hope more radio stations discover this young man,
and also, while YOU are here just follow the link below and hear some of his
music. Maybe we’ll pass this on to @Zimhiphoppolice and hear what they have to
say...
Soundcloud.com/chrislioneljames
Remember to always P.U.S.H
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