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Bongani Ndlovu Showbiz Correspondent
LUVEVE 5 came alive this week as youths came out in full support for one of their own when hip hop artiste Cal_Vin shot his debut music video for the track Zikhuphani.Busi­ness came to a standstill as vendors, shoppers and shop owners flocked the scene to witness the video shoot. The heavy rains that fell on Thursday afternoon did not deter the artiste and those who wanted to feature in the video as they waited patiently for the rains to subside.

The music video sponsored by Vault Cosmetics founder Jackie Mgido was shot at koMpofu shops in Luveve 5 and other scenes around that area to give the video a ghetto feel.

People stuck to the strictly kasi wear dress code that Cal_Vin had requested them to wear, with girls in skin tights, All Star sneakers and string tops while boys wore floppy hats, three quarter shorts and knee high socks with an assortment of sneakers.

Some scenes in the music video show Cal_Vin in the foreground with people in the background following his mannerisms. They also sing along with the hip hop artiste as he sings the chorus of his hit song. The music video has other scenes where two female dancers square off and show their nimble feet, much to the delight of the crowd.

Among the local artistes who came up to support were Mzoe 7, Biko, Mbo Mahocs, ProZac and video producer Andy Cutta who was responsible for the behind the scenes footage.

Speaking after the video shoot Cal_Vin (real name Calvin Nhliziyo) said he was grateful for the support his friends and fellow artistes gave him as he shot the video.

“It’s good to see that people came out in their numbers to support me. I’m overwhelmed by the support people showed me and I’d like to thank them,” he said.

Cal_Vin who has been in the industry for the past 12 years, said he believes shooting the music video was a stepping stone in his career.

“This is the beginning of great things and projects this year. I’m now planning to shoot the video for other songs such as Bebengakholwa,” he said.

Cal_Vin expressed his gratitude to Mgido for believing in and giving him an opportunity to shoot the music video.

“Jackie is a warm-hearted woman who wants to help. I’m thankful to her for realising my talent and running with it. Hopefully this will open other doors in the future for me and her,” said the artiste who is billed to perform at the Vault Cosmetics launch after party at Horizon Night Club tonight.

An elated Mgido who arrived in Bulawayo earlier this week, said she was impressed by the level of support people gave Cal_Vin, especially considering it had been at very short notice.

“I paid Cal_Vin’s mother a visit just to say hello and she was surprised that I was the one doing the video for her son. She was so proud and I was truly humbled by the expression I saw on her face,” said Mgido.

She described scenes in the video as being raw and rugged showing that it went along with the theme of the song.

“Zikhuphani has a kasi feel to it and it was right for it to be shot where he comes from. I believe that we got great shots from all the locations that we used,” she said.

Asked when the video would be released, Mgido said it would be out as soon as is possible.