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 Mthabisi Tshuma, Showbiz Reporter 

KHAMI Prison inmate Maurice Peterson who uses the stage name X-Qon is set to embark on a character aligning mission when he releases his debut EP titled 2 Wrongs.

The EP, which will be released this weekend, has four tracks and these are 2 Wrongs, Tswarakadenga, Kana Ndinewe and Dance Floor. All these are love songs which are being distributed by Kirah Music Company.

Listening to the teaser track 2 Wrongs, X-Qon’s astounding voice offers a reflection on the grief that exists when two love birds are in deep love but fight a lot. 

“Two wrongs don’t make it right, look babe how much we fight, ‘cause babe I can’t stand it anymore, I wish you could hug me, kiss me and love me ‘cause I’m in love with you. I don’t care who is wrong or right, it’s not about who wins this fight I can’t stand to see you cryin’ anymore babe. I’m hurting and my heart is breaking because l am in love with you,” sings X-Qon backed by an ace band.

X-Qon, who is emerging from an emotional incident after he lost his sister Luxme Peterson, said the EP is dedicated to her. 

His journey in the music industry dates back to the days when he headlined the StarBrite competitions.

Since then, he has emerged stronger and determined to move and push himself to greater heights as evidenced by the recording of the EP.

X-Qon was identified in 2018 by Clarence “Kirah” Garura through his Inside Out Talent show for prison inmates at Khami Prison complex.

Kirah, who is the Zimbabwe Prison and Correctional Services Arts and Rehab Ambassador for Bulawayo Metropolitan province, said he got the opportunity to nurture and groom X-Qon.

“I went on to assist him to record a gospel album titled God Saved, which did not do well in the market due to poor marketing. When we were preparing for another album, the world was hit by the Covid-19 pandemic forcing countries to enforce lockdown measures to curb its spread. We were then forced to shelve our recording plans,” said Kirah.

He said it was only after the lockdown restrictions were relaxed that they recorded the EP album with four songs.

Kirah said involving inmates in arts programmes can help change their behaviour while also preparing them for life after prison.

“Funds permitting, it’s my vision to eventually run a Reality TV Show that will tell the true story of the life behind prison walls,” he said.

Acting Public Relations Officer for ZPCS Bulawayo Metropolitan Province Correctional Officer Daisy Mangundu Nyoni thanked Kirah for identifying, nurturing X-Qon and recording his music.

Correcitonal Officer Nyoni said having X-Qon launch his EP will inspire fellow inmates to prepare for life after prison.

“I appeal to members of the public to accept former inmates so that they are able to start a new life once released,” she said. -@mthabisi_mthire