Beitbridge artiste records debut album

By Thupeyo Muleya in Beitbridge Beitbridge budding artiste Lloyd Mocheke, also known as Leprechaun, has recorded a 10-track hip-hop album due on the market early next year. The album is one of the few recordings from Beitbridge youths who for long have failed to record music due to lack of resources. The 24-year-old emcee said the album titled “From Pieces to Weight” was a result of perseverance and determination. The title track explains the troubles, the artiste went through in coming up with his project. “You will note that there are a lot of things involved in putting together such a huge project, for instance, collaborating with other artistes and getting funds. “I attempted to record the album with Chigutiro Records in 2008 but unfortunately some material was stolen from the studio before the producers could put final touches on the project,” he said. Leprechaun, which is childhood nickname, collaborated with renowned urban grooves gurus including Fadzi, Extra Large and Maskiri. The album was recorded at Umsindo Studios under the mentorship of Sanii Makalima. Some of the tracks expected to top the music charts include “Ndokukorobhera”, “Takasikirwa Kugara Tese”, “Zvinoita Rudo” and “Mbereko”. Leprechaun who is a rapper and also a poet, sings about love and social issues. He started singing in 1996 at Kuwadzana High 1 in Harare, where he would entertain his peers during talent shows. Like other upcoming musicians, he said there was a lot of untapped talent in the border town although sponsorship remained a major handicap. “There is a lot of talent around this town, but they are failing to breakthrough because of lack of resources. We have to travel to either Bulawayo or Harare to record our music, a feat very few people can achieve,” he said. His urged other aspiring artistes to believe in themselves and their talents. “One has to make the right choices in life and put dreams into reality,” he said. Leprechaun has made a name for himself in the border town through holding lives shows with several artistes among them Marcus Mandangu. He once stole the limelight during the last edition of the Mzee Bira held at Dulibadzimu Stadium. “As a little boy I used to like poetry and I got encouragement from my high school teacher and my girlfriend Ruramai Nyathi to venture into music. I thank all these people and friends for their continued support,” he said. Apart from singing, Leprechaun is employed as a Clearing Agent in Beitbridge.

Published By The Herald 08 November 2010
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