Exclusive Interview With Singer Tendai ‘Judd’ Mupfurutsa Jr
His father Prince Tendai is one of the greatest musicians to come out of Zimbabwe and now his son well known as Judd is making a name for himself.
We spoke to Judd about everything music, the pressure of being Prince Tendai’s son and girls. Here is what he had to say.
Q: How is Judd doing in 2015?
A: Judd is doing good, in the best shape in my life just getting going motivated and inspired.
Q: Do you feel like you’re growing as an artist?
A: Definitely I am growing getting into my stride as an artist and really evolving with the times trying to have a good time.
Q: What is the inspiration behind your new music?
A: I’m inspired by everything by life by positive energy I just want to make music people can relate to whether you trying to chat up a girl, going to the club going through a heartbreak whatever we doing it all.
Q: Tell us more about your latest single ‘Usandisiye’, how did the concept come about?
A: Usandisiye is a song about having fun its more of a party vibe but very african all in one. That moment when you get the guts to talk to the fliest chic in the party
Q: When is the album coming out and what can people expect?
A: The album is coming 2016 we just a few songs deep but expect the unexpected.
Q: What’s the greatest music advice you’ve ever gotten from your father?
A: The greatest music advice Prince ever gave me is do whats best for the song not whats best for you its all starting to make sense now.
Q: Is it a lot of pressure trying to live up to his legacy, how do you deal with the musical comparisons?
A: Pressure is there but the thing about me is i work best under pressure, its a matter of time before people get to know me for me but I’m good with that its a process and its an honor to be his son full stop.
Q: What do you wish to achieve with your music?
A: I just want to inspire the nation and make my family proud we are here to carry the torch and break boundaries.
Q: It’s almost the end of the year, what do you have lined up for the festive season?
A: The festive season is going to be a whole lot of fun and its especially a good time to unwrap new music that’s what I intend to do and like anyone else I look forward to having fun
Q: Where do you see your music in five years?
A: I dream of making music that crosses borders and making a stamp for not just me but all of us as Zimbabweans. Ive also been told dreams come true haha!
Q: Would you encourage a young aspiring musician to pursue it in Zimbabwe?
A: Zimbabwe needs young aspiring musicians to make an impact and represent themselves not just locally but across the continent and the globe that’s what we need and we are working on that.
Q: Where do you think our music industry is compared to the rest of the continent, are we progressing and what would you change?
A: Locally the talent is definitely there we just haven’t been promoting our local music to a level that is internationally recognizable but right now the time is ripe because the whole world is thirsty for African content, so many African acts have been able to break through to international platforms so we can do it too.
Q: What’s your advice to the Zimbabwean youth?
A: Dream big, work hard, keep praying. You always get another chance its called tomorrow.
Q: What do you get up to when you’re not busy making music or performing?
A: I’m a good dancer
Q: Does the attention from the girls ever get old?
A: Attention from the person you’re into is always good.
Q: Are you dating anyone and what do you look for in a life partner?
A: Yeah I am seeing someone, loyalty and a sense of humor are high on the list.
Q: What’s your top three favorite chill spots in Harare?
A: Anywhere that serves good food i like butchers kitchen, news cafe is pretty cool
Q: Where can your fans reach you?
A: I can be reached on all social media @juddzim lets connect!
