Hatiperi (Tinotenda Matayi): From Losing His Mom at 17 to Celebrating Jah Prayzah as the Best — The Journey to Building an Empire
In a candid interview with V Candy, Tinotenda Matai—better known as Hatiperi—shares his journey from digging trenches as an electrical apprentice to becoming a controversial Twitter influencer and the entrepreneur behind Coral Soft tissues.
From "Magetsi" to Fashion
Born and bred in Marondera, Tinotenda Matai had to grow up fast. He is the last born of three children but the only boy. Tragedy struck in 2017 when his mother passed away while he was just 17 years old and about to write his O-Levels.
"When you are the only boy, even if you are the last born, you have to 'man up' immediately. Responsibility finds you. I stopped feeling like a last born the moment my mother passed," Matai revealed.
This loss shifted his perspective on life, forcing him to skip A-Levels to find a sustainable career path quickly to support himself and his sisters.
Hatiperi initially pursued electrical engineering at HEXCO, gaining qualifications as an artisan. However, the reality of the job involved hard labor in Mutare, digging underground cable trenches.
"I realized fashion was my thing back in school, but because I was the only boy in a class of 40 girls, I dropped it due to peer pressure," he admitted. The grueling work in the electrical field during his attachment pushed him back toward his passion for branding and design.
The Great Debate: Jah Prayzah is #1
Hatiperi is notorious on social media for his unwavering stance that Jah Prayzah is the best artist in Zimbabwe. He insists his opinion is based on "facts," not bias or payments.
"Look at the achievements. He is the only Zimbabwean who managed to feature Davido and Diamond Platnumz. He fills up auditoriums. It's not about hating others; it's about recognizing stats," Hatiperi argued.
He provided his top 5 ranking for Zimbabwean artists:
- Jah Prayzah
- Winky D
- Killer T / Freeman (Tie)
- Holy Ten / Saintfloew (Tie)
Hatiperi revealed he previously had a working relationship with Holy Ten, designing merchandise for him. However, things went sour when Hatiperi critiqued the artist on social media.
"I'm honest. Even if I work with you, if you do something I don't feel is right, I will say it. Holy Ten blocked me on social media after I commented on an issue involving him, but I still respect him as a top hip-hop artist," he clarified.
Business: Coral Soft & "Add More Matai"
What started as selling branded t-shirts has evolved into a full-fledged business. Last year, Hatiperi took a massive risk by using all his savings (approx. $8,000) to buy an industrial embroidery machine.
"I announced buying the machine before I even had the money to pressure myself into making it happen," he laughed. The risk paid off, allowing him to control his production line and reduce costs.
Hatiperi has expanded into the FMCG market with his own tissue brand, Coral Soft. He brought samples to the interview, emphasizing that it is a locally produced, high-quality product.
"We are encouraging people to buy Zimbabwe. It's affordable comfort in every sheet," he marketed, showing his growth from a social media influencer to a serious entrepreneur.
Twitter Fame & Personal Life
Known for being vocal and sometimes labeled "vile," Hatiperi says he has grown a thick skin. "Twitter is not for the faint-hearted. You have to stand on your opinions. I realized that people will talk regardless, so I stay true to myself."
He admitted that he used to be addicted to social media but had to detox to focus on real life and mental health. "I used to drink due to peer pressure in college, but now I am sober. I go to church every Saturday (SDA) and keep my circle small," he said, showing a more reserved side behind the online persona.
Despite his brand growth, Hatiperi is focused on reinvesting in his business rather than flashing wealth. "I love Mercedes Benz, but is it the right time to buy one for $30,000? No. I'd rather put that money back into the business to ensure longevity. I'm playing the long game," he concluded.
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