LOCAL hip-hop music is undeniably the most trending music genre in the country currently, a common notion largely shared by the youth.
The genre has contributed largely to the growth of the local music industry, with various artistes emerging from the genre daily.
The popularity of the genre has, however, created stiff competition such that up-and-coming artistes have struggled to receive enough recognition.
Fortunately, for Leon Kusangaya (23), the rocky journey is slowly beginning to take shape.
Kusangaya recorded his first track in 2016 when the music scene was still dominated by Zimdancehall.
At that time, hip-hop was not as popular in the country.
Kusangaya told NewsDay Life & Style that despite hip-hop being blurry back then, he continued with his freestyles which assisted him gain some experience.
“I started recording in 2016 and from there, I began working with different local producers as I acquired experience. It was in 2019 that I featured the great GZE along Madeira and Saidi and we made a track produced by Jamal at No Limits Studio.”
According to Kusangaya, the track was the best trap song during that time and the collaboration with GZE (born Resilience Chekera) marked a turning point to his career.
“In 2020, I came out with a single track produced by Mula Nation titled Grinding and Spending and it became popular in the streets. Many would then go on to scribble its title on precast walls,” he said.
Buoyed by how his career was shaping, Kusangaya said he decided to have visuals for the song.
Unfortunately, the dream visuals for the song was shattered by his video director, who failed to fulfil his end of the bargain.
Although facing several challenges, Kusangaya said he remained focused on his goal.
Now, his patience has led him to earn a living through music, with the genre growing steadily.
Recently, Kusangaya won the Mount Zayan talent show at Werras Gardens in Glen View 1, Harare.
The competition was held on December 18, and Kusangaya, going by the stage name Lee Kays, beat all the other competitors in the three stages of the competition.
Ninja Lipsy, Stunner, Pah Chihera and Gumu the Killer were the judges.
“I managed to come out the best out of all the young people who were performing on that day. It did not surprise me, but I thank God for the win,” said Kusangaya.
Kusangaya acknowledged that 2022 was a good year for him as he also managed to release a single track titled Possible.
The artiste said he has also managed to work on an extended play titled Manotes Padhorobha.
So far, he has managed to work with prominent local producers such as Ribhe from ChillSpot Records, Cymplex Music, Chiweddar.
