Zimbabwean Kwaito Enthusiast Brings South African Sound to the Fore

Zimbabwean kwaito fan, Danile “Kelz” Mabone, has turned his passion for the genre into a mission to bring its vibrant energy to Zimbabwe from South Africa. Through his collaboration with South African kwaito artist Neo Cavin Sekele, better known as NeoZAR, Mabone aims to unearth local talent and foster appreciation for kwaito in Zimbabwe.

“Digitalisation has made it easy for managers and artists from different countries to connect. So from our interactions on Instagram, we connected. I believe in his sound, and he believes in my vision,” Mabone shared.

Expanding Kwaito in Zimbabwe

While kwaito remains a defining genre in South Africa, Mabone noted its limited presence in Zimbabwe. “Locally, I have not seen kwaito artists, but it would be interesting to see through NeoZAR what hidden gems in the country we can unearth,” he said.

Mabone’s belief in the genre and NeoZAR’s talent has already yielded results. Under his management, NeoZAR released two extended plays (EPs), Luv Boiz Vol 1 and Luv Boiz Vol 2, featuring five tracks each. These EPs have received endorsements from kwaito legends such as Christos.

Building a Heritage Sound

NeoZAR is equally invested in the partnership, emphasizing its role in expanding his reach and establishing kwaito as a heritage sound. “The relationship I have with my manager helps me to expand my music and create more networks for my brand, making sure that my sound is understood and treated as a heritage sound in the ghettos we come from,” he explained.

The artist began his career in 2022 and has already collaborated with renowned South African musicians like Vinny Da Vinci and Tim White, owner of House Africa. He also secured a distribution deal with The Orchard, a Sony Music entity.

Networking and Upcoming Performances

With a growing catalogue and a niche fan base, Mabone and NeoZAR are setting their sights on performances across Africa, particularly in the SADC region. Plans include a debut performance in Zimbabwe, which Mabone views as an opportunity to strengthen kwaito’s footprint locally.

“Mabone noticed my sound and played a great role in preparing a foundation for my brand,” NeoZAR said. “This year we are focusing on performances in Africa, especially SADC, since we have a strong catalogue and a niche fan base.”

Preserving the Kwaito Legacy

Mabone’s efforts not only highlight the enduring appeal of kwaito but also its potential to inspire a new wave of artists in Zimbabwe. By managing NeoZAR and promoting the genre, he bridges the gap between the two countries’ music scenes and provides a platform for local talent to thrive.

As the duo continues their journey, they hope to solidify kwaito as a celebrated genre in Zimbabwe, ensuring its legacy resonates with both old and new fans.