ZIM DANCEHALL: Meet Fio’s latest lyrical sensation

From being just one of the hangers-on in the 30-plus Soul Jah Love entourage and free-styling at the street corners for just a drink, 15-year-old school dropout Cosmos Tinani, known as Missile in Zim dancehall circles, is the newest teen sensation on rotation.

The Highfield-based teenage chanter is armed with a 20-track album which he believes will stir the dancehall waters and has already interested self-styled dancehall father Shinsoman with whom he is recording a duet.

His song “Inzwa Ndiri Kushaura” features prominently on Chitungwiza-based renowned producer Critical’s Seke 1 & 2 riddim which is also ridden by big name players from the town, Guspy Warrior and Dhadza D.

The arrival of Missile heralds a growing trend in the local dancehall scene where teenage singers are taking the industry by storm, widening the rift between the schooling institution and the music genre.

Missile dropped out of school in Form One early last year after his parents left for South Africa and he claims his misfortunes have hardened him into a “young adult” who does not fear competition but is guided by his drive to make up “for lost opportunities”.

He was of no fixed abode, sometimes staying at a car park or putting up at a friend’s until a chance meeting with his manager Chamunorwa Charamba changed his fortunes.

“I was born and bred in Chitungwiza but ended up staying in Fio (Highfield) with an aunt because my parents had left for South Africa.

“I would sing at ‘Pasa Pasa’ contests in Western Triangle or move around with Soul Jah Love’s crew until recently when my performance at a police farewell party at Southerton Station changed my fortunes.

“I met my new manager Mudhara Charamba who believes a lot in me and has been paying recording fees for me,” says Missile.
On first sight, Missile passes for an ordinary primary school student but his confidence and lyrical richness is amazing once he begins to drop one or two from his album.

Songs to look out for include “Saka Wotorova Rako”, “TuMababe Twangu 2” and “Mudikidiki”.

“I have lost so many opportunities in life because of my predicament and I can only use my musical talent to right the wrongs.

“I could not pursue my education at Seke 3 High School because my parents had left for SA and no one could raise the school fees for me.

“Who knows, maybe I can raise more money and return to school, but not an ordinary school, mudhara, an expensive one,” chuckled Missile in between dancehall style gestures.

His manager sees a lot of potential in the talented youngster and believes a professional music career could pluck Missile out of the rigours of the ghetto into a better life.

“When we met I quickly noticed the vast talent in him but what was lacking was the professional mindset.

“Here was a kid who was exposed to some of the rigours of ghetto life but I am sure he can go places, just come to Fio and you will understand what I am talking about.

“He is the most-sought-after youngster in that ghetto and probably he could be to Highfield what Ras Pombi is to Mbare,” said Charamba.