Hipu Hopu YekuGhetto Movement: How Ti Gonzi (Tinashe Gonzara) is Redefining Zim Hip-Hop
From the dusty streets of Mufakose to the top of the Zimbabwean charts, Ti Gonzi (born Tinashe Gonzara) is a multi-award-winning hip-hop artist renowned for his raw lyrical prowess and unwavering dedication to his roots. Founder of the Hipu Hopu YekuGhetto movement, he has become a voice of inspiration for a generation, changing the face of Zim Hip Hop with hit tracks like "Zvenyu" and the iconic "Kure."
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| Ti Gonzi (Tinashe Gonzara) |
Early Life & Education
Ti Gonzi was born on April 13, 1993, and grew up in the high-density suburb of Mufakose, Harare. He attended Ruzivo Primary School and Mhuri Imwe Secondary School for his early education.
Later, his family moved to the low-density suburb of Mount Pleasant, where he completed his Form 3 and Form 4 education at Mount Pleasant High School. It was during his teenage years that he began freestyle rapping, earning a formidable reputation in his neighborhood long before achieving national fame.
The Musical Journey
Ti Gonzi, also known as "Imwembeu," began recording professionally in 2008. At just 16 years old, he released his first six-track album in 2009, produced by Spencer Masango at Track Records. A second 12-track album, M.P.M (Moyo Pfungwa neMweya), followed in 2012. However, both projects failed to achieve mainstream success due to poor marketing.
Despite this, his talent was undeniable. In 2014, he won his first-ever award for Best Freestyle Artist at the Zim Hip Hop Awards after a memorable live battle.
Ti Gonzi rose to stardom in 2015 with the release of his hit single "Zvenyu," featuring the rapper Baller. The song became a national anthem, dominating the charts on Star FM for over nine weeks and receiving heavy rotation on Power FM and ZiFM. This success cemented his place in the industry, earning him three accolades at the 2015 Zim Hip Hop Awards, including Best Collaboration and the People's Choice Award.
In 2016, he released his most successful album to date, Hipu Hopu YekuGhetto. The album spawned major hits like "Hurombo" (featuring Cindy Munyavi), "MaEx Angu," and "Ende Makaoma" (featuring Ras Caleb). He followed this up with the Best Mero album in 2017.
However, 2019 marked a monumental moment in his career. His collaboration with Ishan on the single "Kure" became a national phenomenon and was widely regarded as the song of the year. The track made history, making Ti Gonzi the first Zimbabwean rapper to reach one million views on YouTube.
The Life-Threatening Assault
In March 2019, tragedy struck. On his way home from Oskid Productions' studio, Ti Gonzi was attacked by robbers and stabbed multiple times, sustaining a severe knife wound to the head. The attack left him battling for his life.
The injuries were so grave that surgeons had to temporarily remove a portion of his skull to treat a blood clot on his brain. In a remarkable medical procedure, the skull fragment was preserved in his abdomen for three months before being reattached. Against all odds, he made a full recovery and courageously resumed his music career.
Awards & Lasting Legacy
Ti Gonzi has won numerous awards for his music, including:
- Best Freestyle Artist (Zim Hip Hop Awards - 2014, 2015, 2016)
- Best Collaboration for "Zvenyu" (Zim Hip Hop Awards - 2015)
- People's Choice Award (Zim Hip Hop Awards - 2015)
- Song of the Year for "Kure" (Zim Hip Hop Awards - 2019)
- Best Male Artist (Zim Hip Hop Awards - 2019)
- Best Hip Hop Hustle (Zim Hip Hop Awards - 2019)
His talent has taken him beyond Zimbabwe's borders. In 2017, he was chosen by Shoko Festival to represent the nation in Senegal. He has also performed at major festivals like the Lake of Stars Festival in Malawi and has shared the stage with international acts like Cassper Nyovest, Mafikizolo, and Emtee.
Ti Gonzi's mission has always been to change the face of Zim Hip Hop by targeting and inspiring ghetto youth. His music, characterized by deep emotion, witty wordplay, and powerful social commentary, has made the genre more accessible to a wider audience, solidifying his status as one of Zimbabwe's greatest hip hop artists of all time.
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