C O V E R S T O R Y
‘ Ishan describes himself as an African artist originally from Zimbabwe-born in Guruve and who grew up in Mvurwi , with a deep passion for music but also inspired to change the world in the best way he can . Describing himself , he says that he is a very optimistic person who continues to believe in the best that every one of us has . On any other day , you can catch him in the studio making beats , but he also has a lowkey passion for business .
Kure ’ was one of 2019 ’ s most popular tracks , and probably an anthem . The Afro-Pop hit put a spotlight on Isheanesu Chigagura , better known as Ishan . Several music awards would accompany this rise the following year . These accolades included three Zimbabwe Music Association Awards , five Star FM Awards , and a win from the National Arts Merit Awards . From growing up in small towns to hitting it big on the pop mainstream , Ishan is exactly on time . He released his debut project , a nine-track EP , ‘ Bhundu Pop ’ in November 2020 , which defined the sound of Ishan . Roping in fellow Gen Z artists Gemma Griffiths , Tamy Moyo , and Nutty O . In 2021 , Ishan stepped out with many expressions , and we sat down to find out the drive to his passion .
GM : This has been a long time coming and we are excited to have you . Welcome , How would you describe your sound , and what message stands out from your music looking at Kure and ' Maidei ?
Ishan : My sound is limitless . I consider myself as evolving , whatever my mind resorts to creating , and if it qualifies for the betterment and increases my audience value , I go for it . I can ' t really say that I have a specific message within my creative realm , besides the soul duty of doing God ' s work , which is the urge of life seeking to express itself through me , I try to touch every aspect of life . At the end of the day , it ' s all about where the music itself takes me . I can ' t really put or hold back on what I would have got at that moment .
GM : We know you have worked and collaborated with some very gifted artists . Who else would you like to work with locally or internationally ?
My sound is limitless .
when the whole idea and reason behind it starts to unfold itself . I ’ m normally driven by feelings when I ’ m creating something .
GM : How far back do you and music go back and did you always feel that you would be here today ?
Ishan : I love music and I feel like it ’ s the only thing that I ’ m really consciously and subconsciously good at . I don ’ t see myself doing anything else besides this . I believe my vision surpasses being here as you have asked and that ’ s the goal- Go beyond !
Ishan : I would love to work with anyone really . As long as the energy is correct , we can always work , though I also desire to work with people who inspire me , the likes of Diamond Platinumz , Starboy aka Wizkid , Davido , the list is endless .
GM : Can you talk to us about the creative process behind ‘ Maidei ’ specifically the peanut butter concept ?
Ishan : Maidei was made in very short time space , if I can round it up I would say one hour tops . Sometimes my music makes more sense after I ’ m finished with creating . That ’ s when I realize what I ' m actually expressing , it ' s only then
GM : What role have you played in the establishment of the entertainment scene in Zimbabwe ?
What would you say are the high and low lights to being part of this industry ?
iShan : I am here to play my part as an artist in the scene and as the young Jamaican singer Koffee sang in one of her songs the blessings and the earning are just for the plus , the mission is bringing joy and change into people ' s lives . The industry has its own glitches but if you stay focused and determined you will always be above the flaws regardless of what the highs and lows are .
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