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DJ Tamuka

Langalakhe Mabena
After splitting from childhood friend Oskid last year, many assumed the road ahead would be difficult for producer Mponda “DJ Tamuka” Makhuluni as the two seemed heavily dependent on each other.

When they released their breakthrough hit Tipeiwo hwahwa featuring Bulawayo poet Khoikhoi while they were still based in their home town of Gweru in 2014, many thought the two birds of a feather would flock together and soar towards stardom as a duo.

The pair soon after the release of the debut song, moved to Harare in search for greener pastures and they were signed under Kenako Music Records which brought a different flavour to the local music scene when they produced hits for artistes like Dobba Don of the Mudendere fame.

The raw talent possessed by the two producers attracted Winky D who asked DJ Oskid to produce his multi award winning album Gafa Life. That breakthrough for Oskid led to their break-up.

“We’d been signed under Kenako Music with Oskid and in 2014, we decided to go separate ways when he made a deal to produce Winky D’s album. I was very proud of him because we are friends and I regarded his achievements as mine”, said Tamuka in an interview.

While Oskid was making waves as an independent producer, it took three years for DJ Tamuka to strike the right chord with the country’s musicians. His breakthrough was to come courtesy of Jah Prayzah who approached the producer and made him a part of his star-studded Military Touch Movement record label.

Producing hits like Nhema for ExQ featuring Killer T and Ammara Brown’s Akiliz among many other singles, Tamuka proved his worth, showing he was a force to reckon with. However, his crowning moment has been his work with Jah Prayzah who successfully launched his much anticipated Kutonga Kwaro album early this month in Harare.

With fans and critics raving about the project, Tamuka is feeling on top of the world.

“I’m glad that the album was successfully launched. With me producing the entire album, I am delighted that the Military Touch family did its best to give people good music from the production stage up to the launch,” said Tamuka.

Asked about his solo projects, the soft-spoken beat master vowed to release an album early next year with production already in progress. He explained that his ambitions were grounded on the album, as he aims to take over Africa with his first solo offering that will feature some of Africa’s talented artistes that include the If hit maker Davido.

The father of one said he gives credit to God and his family who taught him to believe in himself and be patient.

“After working with different artistes in Zimbabwe including the Military Touch family, I’ve decided to do my first solo album which is due early next year. Producing for the likes of Jah Prayzah makes me believe that I’ve achieved what I wanted to do in Zimbabwe and it’s time I take over Africa. One of the artistes I have since engaged is Davido”, said Tamuka.

Turning to his friend Oskid, Tamuka slammed rumours that things were not well between the two producers insisting that they are still in good books.

“Oskid is my friend and he produces for Winky D while I produce for Jah Prayzah,” he said.

HITS PRODUCED BY DJ TAMUKA

Kutonga Kwaro Album- Jah Prayzah
Nhema- XQ ft Killer T
Msombidiya- Military Touch Family
Akiliz- Ammara Brown
Ghetto girl-Legion
Sendekera- Jah Prayzah ft Mafikizolo