Zimpapers Logo

Tafadzwa Zimoyo Senior Arts Reporter
Australia-based reggae singer and songwriter Desire Sibanda affectionately known as “Dizzy Dee” has relished his tour in Perth where he performed at Jamaican singer Kranium show.

The singer, who is also a disc jockey, said Zimbabwean music has been growing steadily in the foreign land. In an interview, the musician said the experience opened doors for him and some major collaborations are coming.

“I am happy that our Zimbabwean music is fully accepted. Gone are the days when even in a bar or club, it was Nigerian music which was dominating. Now, even foreign disc jockeys are embracing our local talent.

“I was a bit nervous and when host Samini introduced me on stage, I did my best. I had travelled to Perth for the debut of Afrobeats Perth Festival and met Samini. Right now, a lot of projects are lined up,” he said.

He said has just finished his three year contract with VP Records and was planning to renew it.

“I am working on some singles with Zimbabwean born producer Jusa Dementor who is based in United Kingdom and soon to feature on ‘Riddim’ that is to be produced in Jamaica.

“My next collaboration is with Nox and we are almost done in terms of production. I am doing a collabo with Kazz and Major Lazer. The plan is to get where I need to get musically before I come bak. I am also working with Nutty O, of which I am waiting for him to record his part as my side is already done,” he said.

Born in Triangle, Zimbabwe, Dizzy Dee moved to Australia at the age of 21, where he studied graphic design.After a brief stint as a DJ, he released his first EP, “U Don’t Care” in 2008 and later as a producer worked with artists such as Quashani Bahd on her single “That’s Why I Love You”. Since arriving in Australia he has collaborated with a number of international artists, and has opened for Sean Paul and Richie Spice.

In 2008 he joined ABRA Records, led by fellow Zimbabwean producer Tawanda Sibotshiwe.

ABRA has produced songs for Jamaican artists including Red Rat, Ward 21, Beenie Man, Charly Black and Major Lazer.

After working with Chilean-based producer Kutral Dub on the single “Give Me Love”, Dizzy Dee was then signed on to Soundalize It Records, a Romanian label.His latest EP debuted at number two on the Australian iTunes charts for the roots reggae genre, and received airtime on local and international radio stations.

Last year he performed at the 36th Annual Bob Marley Outernational concert as a headline artist alongside Etana and Black Slate and toured with Beenie Man as one of the official supporting artists on his maiden tour of Australia.