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Entertainment Reporter
Talented artistes Alexio Kawara and Tehn Diamond are scheduled to perform separate shows at Misty’s this weekend. Alexio and his group Shades of Black are billed to perform on Boxing Day before award-winning rapper Tehn takes over the show on Saturday. Afro-fusion Alexio leades Shades of Black which has Tawanda Ndoro on lead Guitarist, keyboardist Cornelius Muponda, Leslie Gurumani on drums, Eddie Bassist and Nelly on backing vocals.

Alexio was born on November 28, 1978 as the fourth born in a family of five with all siblings being musically gifted. It was not a beautiful life as the children grew up in Harare’s Glen Norah township.

The young Alexio attended the local school, Shiriyedenga Primary School from 1985 to 1991, before progressing to Mazowe High School from 1991 to 1995, and Vainona High School for his A-Level.

His inherent love to serenade pulled him in the choir since primary school to A Level, but not even in his wildest imagination did he think he would be a full-time musician.

He went on to study for his Advanced Level certificate at Vainona High School and his passionate affair with music continued even then. He enjoys the music of Lionel Richie, Tracy Chapman, Bob Marley, Bhundu Boys and Thomas Mapfumo

But hip-hop heads would be pleased to see Tehn Diamond on stage.

Known for his scintillating performances, the “Happy “ singer was a hit when he showcased on Big Brother — The Chase last year with the hit “Grown Up Kid’’ driving the audience into a frenzy. It was more of like a Zimbabwean show as fans sang along when he chanted “Grown Up Kid”.

Seriously comparing to previous artistes from other countries who performed during the live shows, Tehn Diamond proved to be the best.

Ever since Tehn joined forces with Junior Brown, another equally talented hip-hop star, the two almost have taken the genre where few have gone before.

Their two smash hits “Madrinks’’ and “Happy’’ still stand out as some of the best tracks to come out in Zimbabwean hip-hop. He was energetic and managed to control his audience despite the limited time. Tehn Diamond recently dropped the first single off his much-awaited debut album “The Perfect Tehn” titled “Simudza Gumbo”.

It features the talents of producers “Begottensun” and fellow Few Kings-mate Tatenda “Take Fizzo” Jenami with percussion from Blessing “Bled” Chimanga. He also roped in Zim Dancehall chanter Dhadza D on the hook.