UK-based rapper reconnects with roots

After spending the past decade in the Diaspora where he has been honing his skills, United Kingdom-based Zimbabwean rapper, Rhyme Assassin has returned to his motherland to reconnect with his roots.Since his return, marked by the launch of his debut album titled The Grand Synopsis, Rhyme Assassin has been linking up with prominent local musicians.
The rap lyricist who won the 2012 ZIMA Male Artiste of the Year award has been getting to grips with the local music industry, hobnobbing with celebrated music stars from rapper POY, songbird Crimson Blu to urban groover Trevor Dongo.
He recently performed at the Bigger than Hip-hop Show at Amakhosi Theatre in Bulawayo, featuring over 15 other emcees.
Rhyme Assassin, real name Tichaona Brian Monera has also embarked on an aggressive marketing drive to promote his debut album.
He has launched his 26 track double CD in Harare and Bulawayo, and has since set his eyes on Mutare.
The punch-line rapper revealed that part of his marketing strategy will see him shoot three videos from the album, namely Amai featuring Trevor Dongo, City is Mine and Hi-Hop Therapy featuring Crimson Blu.
Rhyme Assassin’s decade in the UK is evident in his music having been exposed to international standards of managing his music from production to expression.
“The advantage you get in being in a vibrant music industry like UK is the quality in recording and there are a lot of platforms where to showcase your talent as compared to Zimbabwe and that’s my main advantage,” he said.
Rhyme Assassin has worked on a number of creative initiatives including rap battles and live performances back in 2000-2002. Both his solo and collaborative performances have mesmerized audiences.
He first dropped his music when he left for the UK in 2002 only to make his break 10 years later, when he met with a UK producer who gave him blazing beats that reignited his passion.