LOCAL rapper King 98 claims that Zimbabwean music followers hate his music because he comes from a well-up family.
King 98 is the son of the late millionaire and businessman Thompson Dondo, who was the chief executive officer of Impala Car Rentals.
Dondo succumbed to kidney failure in January 2021.
Speaking in an interview with Ghanaian vlogger and YouTuber Wodemaya, King 98 said he was misunderstood as a rich and spoilt kid whose career was backed by money.
“My father was a promoter and he really loved music. When he found out that I was doing music things were now different,” he said.
“He was there when I shot my videos with Davido, Nasty C and even with Diamond Platinumz.
“I think people get me wrong, they think that I am just a rich kid yet we actually sacrificed as a family to make these things.
“It’s not easy as things appear on the screen, but it takes a lot of hard work.
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“I have faced a lot in Zimbabwe and it doesn’t get easy by the day.
“That's why I ended up going to Ghana, Tanzania and Nigeria and the reception was different.
“It’s not easy to be accepted (locally) when they see my name out there some just say that’s daddy’s money.
“When people hate you there is something that’s there they are just jealous; maybe they would want to do the same, that’s how God designed me.”
Dondo was one of the directors at the now-dissolved UK Company Synergy Harrogate Limited.
He was also former chief executive officer of the now defunct Chitungwiza-based Premier Soccer League side Kiglon Football Club.
He sponsored 100 fans to go and watch a CAF Champions league match between CAPS United Football club against Algerian giants USM Alger at the giant National Sports Stadium in 2017.
He had a deal to bring Cassper Nyovest in 2017 to perform at the Impala at 10 Music Concert which was set for September 2017 at the Glamis Arena in the capital.
At the time of Dondo’s death, King 98 moved back to Zimbabwe from his then South African base.
“I am based in Zimbabwe full time now because I have a business to run and money to make. I am working at Impala Car Rental then I go to the studio.
This company means a lot, it made King 98; this is the company that funded my career,” he said.
The Wacho hit maker said the death of his father was more motivation for him than a loss.
“My dad’s death affected me but at the same time motivated me to work harder and for me to just celebrate him,” he said.
