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Takawira Photoveteran Dapi
Arts Correspondent
Top reggae dancehall artist, Mic I-Nity (Mike Madamombe), has returned home from Europe.
He said he has valuable insights into arts and culture, based on his European experience, and wants to embark on a mission to curb drug abuse amongst the youths, especially musicians.
The artist known for pioneering ‘Kuma Rasta’ (now Zimdancehall) music genre in 2000 gaining a massive following at Red Fox club in Harare, revealed that he is saddened by what he has observed in the music industry which is being affected by the abuse of drugs.
“I was saddened by the widespread use of drugs by our artists. This motivated me to launch the Mic I-Nity Anti-Drug Campaign, in partnership with the National Arts Council,” he said.
Born in Marondera, at Dombotombo Clinic, Mic I-Nity spent three years in Germany, working on his music career under the Small Axe brand, founded by Elder Shambare.
He is now based in the United Kingdom with his band, Hota Fire Band.
Mic I-Nity’s philanthropic efforts date back to several years ago when he used to host parties for street kids and clothe them. He formed two community-interest companies in Africa and Europe: Ites Youth Initiative in the UK and Mic I-Nity Youths Initiative in Zimbabwe.
“We have covered Marondera, Gweru, and will be proceeding to Bulawayo before we venture outside the country’s borders,” he said.
On his European experience, Mic I-Nity noted,
“It is good to experience the world, and broaden your horizon, and intellect. However it is not always rosy abroad,” he said
“Zimbabweans and Africans have what others dream of 24/7 sunshine, minerals, natural food, fruits, and water. We just need to utilise them productively.”
He cautioned against succumbing to life’s pressure.
“Some people give up, but that is not the way to go. No one will help you if you give up on yourself. God helps those who help themselves. Idleness causes problems,” he said.
Mic I-Nity’s advocacy for drug stoppage stems from personal experience. “I have been there, seen it, and grown up around people taking drugs. We are intervening to stop ‘Chamba’ or marijuana.”
He said the creative industry has a lot of potential if artists can focus and stop doing drugs. “It is the biggest and fastest-growing globally, with Nigeria earning $3.5 billion in 2023. We need knowledgeable promoters and serious funding.”
He advised artists to get registered with relative bodies in the industry.
“There is much to explore in arts and culture. I have witnessed significant improvements since leaving Zimbabwe. We are promoting our own, and it is looking positive. There is still work to be done, but we are trying.”
When asked about his personal life, Mic I-Nity chuckled, “Leave that alone; let us focus on our kids, I am a happy man.”
He however disclosed that he has seven children and that he was proud that he pioneered the reggae uptown market during the Transit Crew days around 2000.
“Judgement Yard emerged from my Mic I-Nity show, where Soul Jah Love, Gaspy Warrior, Dadza D, She Calaz, and Kinnah Mr. Mbare got their start. Internationally, I have collaborated with legends like Joe Osborn and Jamaram.”
Mic I-Nity’s discography includes three albums: ‘Freedom’ (2010), ‘Survivor’ (2014), and ‘4.0’ (2023). His new song, ‘Jah Vibes,’ is currently in production.