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Mbulelo Mpofu, Showbiz Reporter

MUSIC is therapeutic. It numbs the pain, soothes heartaches, gets one fired up, motivates, and touches heartstrings. Someone familiar with that is Imali eningi hit-maker, L A Beatz (real name Lazarus Nyashanu). Yes, L A Beatz is the unsung hero in arguably the biggest project that South African hip-hop artiste Big Zulu has ever done.

In a time when economies where feeling the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, he, together with South African trio Big Zulu, Intaba YaseDubai and the late Riky Rick made everyone’s wish to be rich into a song.

This week, Saturday Leisure will delve much into what makes the Bulawayo-born Inkabi Records producer tick.
L A Beatz was not born to stardom, he is an Old Lobengula boy and was born 25 years ago.

“Growing up in Old Lobengula was in no way easy and just like any other child in the neighborhood, I loved playing in the street but had a distinct love for music, being obsessed with the percussion. From collecting tins, I would play percussionist and from then on, my love for music would grow.

“From playing drums at the Apostolic Faith Mission of Africa in Zimbabwe, I then left Zimbabwe in 2014 and joined River of Life Ministries in Johannesburg, continued playing drums and a year later would see me join the professional music sector,” said L.A Beatz.

After meeting South African rapper, Big Zulu nine years ago, L. A Beatz made a vow to give back to the community that raised him when he made it to the big time; collaborating with local artistes.

“It has always been my dream to help artistes from home in any way I can. I have been a way for long and have had the privilege to work ith esteemed artistes in South Africa and I would like to collaborate with the likes of Awa Khiwe, Thandi Dhlana, Umfanomsuthu and everyone who reaches out.

That way, I would share the knowledge that I have gathered over the years. I’m hoping to do a workshop in Bulawayo sometime this year if we are able to get sponsorship,” he said.

With a CV boasting of works with fellow Zimbabwean Mduduzi Ncube, MusiholiQ, Riky Rick, Cassper Nyovest, Intaba YaseDubai, Lwah Ndlunkulu, Qwabe Twins, Siya Ntuli, Xowla, Kwesta, Zakwe, and Samthing Soweto, L. A Beatz believes he has the right skillset help up-and-coming creatives.

The producer has made the most of his resources, establishing a record label in 2018 to help up-and-coming talent and to date, he has three artistes signed under it; MarleyGirl, Jae Little and Vocal03.

Under Anentertainment, L. A Beatz has churned a couple of songs with those signed under it and have also roped in Lwah Ndlunkulu, Assessa, and Sabzaar.

Yesterday  L. A Beatz, Vocal03, and Sabzaar released a Valentine’s Day special titled, iFeelings.
The producer has also set his eyes on producing an album in March.

L. A Beatz vividly remembers how he met Big Zulu, a man he has even performed with in South Africa and also in Zimbabwe.
“I met Big Zulu nine years ago and instantly, we hit the ground running after he realised my artistic acumen. Since then, both of us have never looked back, honing and perfecting our craft along the way.

We will continue producing hits,” he said. Complementary to his musical duties and away from the studio, L. A Beatz also dabbles in events management, a confectionary business, and is also an interior designer.
@MbuleloMpofu