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Stunner

Tafadzwa Zimoyo and Sophia Chese—
Top local hip-hop musician Desmond Chideme affectionately known by his legion of fans as Stunner has been nominated among the Top 20 African Best Hip Hop artistes. The nomination was posted on South African social media site sahiphopmag recently and caused a stir with many hip-hop fans immediately questioning how the compilers had come up with the list.

The “Dhafukorera” hitmaker is the only Zimbabwean on the list which includes the likes of Nigerian kingpin Olamide, South Africa’s K.O, award-winning Ghanain Manifest and Botswana former Big Brother housemate Zeus.

The listers described him as definitely Zimbabwe’s most influential rapper and most successful at the moment.

“His art has taken him around the world and his music managed to get him nominations at award ceremonies in and outside Zimbabwe,” reads part of their citation.

Stunner, who came back from his tour last week, told this paper that he is overwhelmed with the recognition.

He said it will go a long way in developing his career as an artiste.

“With a little support from our locals, there is no reason for us not to be in the top 10 next year. I have done some good quality songs and videos that I have not released yet, so all I need now is the country’s support. Got a hand from a few Zimbabweans in the US and I’m thankful to David Gwatidzo and Lewis from Indianapolis. This is not the time to celebrate but to work towards the prize,” he said.

A music critic in Zimbabwe said Stunner deserved the nomination and given a chance he will scoop international awards.

“I think it’s high time Africa appreciated the talent we have. We are tired of having South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana and all others dominating. Stunner is a force to reckon and believe you me he is the next big thing to happen in Africa. I like how he can easily ride on several beats and his composure in music. Recently in US, we heard he turned heads not only with his music but fashion sense as well,” he said. Meanwhile, for the past weeks The Tazzoita Cash Records CEO has been fighting with award-winning gospel rapper Mudiwa after the two released the same song, with the similar title – ‘Vandikonewa’.

Both songs features Craig Bone on the chorus.A comparison of the tracks on Star Fm’s saw Stunner’s “Vandikonewa” beat Mudiwa’s “Vegodo Vandikonewa” with four votes while the gospel rapper had one.

The two have since gone on to release diss songs apparently aimed at each other.