Late last year Takudzwa ‘Tremma’ Mutapi released his first solo 15 track album, Flying Colours, produced and recorded under the Mob Entertainment label.

Mob Entertainment is a record label started in 2007 by brothers Tatenda and Takunda Mafika, (originating from the rap group called Mob-figgaz) which represents a wide range of local artistes. They offer a whole package of production and recording services, as well as graphic design and image and media consultancies, to nurture new talent.

The response to Tremma’s new work has been enthusiastic to say the least, with extensive airtime on local radio stations like Star FM, ZiFM and Power FM. Tremma has also performed and been interviewed on ZBC TV, made a video for SOSA TV and performed live at the Miss University Zimbabwe finals. At Miss University he shared the stage with well known local artists like King Shaddy and Ba Shupi. He’s also been part of the Friday Nite Live team which used to happen every week at Southerton shops. He’s done collaborations with other well known local musicians like Sister Flame, Gze and Savage. He also performed at the Miss Zimbabwe finals at HICC in 2015. So although he appears to be a new phenomenon he’s paid his dues and now he’s beginning to enjoy the recognition he has worked so hard for and so richly deserves. If you still haven’t heard him yet you can find him on www.reverbnation.com.

His musical career began while he was still at school, singing in the school choir and working on the entertainment committee. Although primarily a vocalist he has also learned to play some acoustic guitar. He has been writing lyrics for other musicians for many years. Recognising his talent and his passion the guys from Mob Entertainment encouraged him to initially perform on backing tracks with other artists in their stable. He featured on Mob Entertainment’s mix tape entitled ‘Mob La-familia’ which incorporated most of the members of their big musical family. At Mob Entertainment he’s also worked extensively with Zima nominated Warren H, record and mix engineer, who provided back tracks and instrumentals for Tremma’s lyrics.

Tremma’s lyrics are mostly in Shona but with English and even bits of Ndebele thrown in. He describes his lyrics as a way of telling stories about his life and experiences, as well as some motivational songs like ‘Hakuna Mutata’ which encourages people to be positive and optimistic. He sees his music as a way to make both himself and others happy and to encourage people to live their lives to the full, so he describes most of his songs as party music. He says he’s been influenced by international hip-hop artists like Tupac and Nas and locally he’s a big fan of songstress Hope Masike, Maskiri for his poetic lyrics and unique style of rapping, and the late Andy Brown. Although hip-hop is his favourite style his music also encompasses many other musical genres including Zimbabwean style rap and urban grooves.

And if his musical career is impressive at just 26 years old he’s also a fully qualified Chartered Accountant and holds down a full time job at a local retail outlet. He certainly has the energy, passion and confidence to excel and with Flying Colours he’s certainly passed the test.