The Sunday Mail
SANII Makhalima’s fans believe he can only produce good music when things are going south in his private life. Some of them even go to extremes of wishing bad in his love life, with the hope that it will inspire him to produce hit songs. However, the RnB musician who happens to be one of the godfathers of the urban grooves movement is not startled at all. Instead, he has swiftly responded by producing a new album titled “B-rokenhearted”, which is due for release on September 4. Our reporter Brighton Zhawi last week caught up with Sanii, who considers himself a G.O.A.T (Greatest of All Time), to discuss his new album, weird fans wishes and other issues. Below are excerpts of the interview.
Q: “Whoever is dating this guy can you please hurt him bad so that he can write new songs. You are giving him too much love that in turn is making him forget about music.” This is one of many nasty comments on some of your social media platforms. How does it make you feel?
A: I love it. It makes me understand why my fans are the way they are. I have since released a 10-track album “B-rokenhearted” in response. The title of the album is derived from such memes.
Q: You have a bias towards the love theme?
A: I write love songs predominantly because I feel it makes the world go round. Resultantly, my fans have made me the love doctor of my generation, Mr Heartbreak as they would say. I have been in this business for 20 years, consistently producing hit-after-hit. People think I write my personal experiences, however, that is not always the case. I at times sing your pain as mine.
Q: Can you take us through the new project “B-rokenhearted”?
A: It is a collection of songs that I have written over the years and some this year. My fans think I write the best love songs when I am heartbroken and that is the inspiration behind this album. The project is essentially inspired by people, my journey in life and music career, and emotions. The album carries some Afro-pop, reggae, RnB and classical sounds and will be released on September 4. Nine videos accompany the project.
Q: What distinguishes you from other musicians?
A: I did not venture into music by accident. It is what I know and am good at. I write my music, I sing my music, I produce my music, I record, engineer, and master myself. There are a few artistes in Zimbabwe that can do all that work by themselves. In simple Shona ‘ndipei sando dzangu akomana’. I am at a level that is hard to compare. I believe I am one of the greatest of my generation. I may not have media hype like my fellow artistes, but my talent is unmatched. I am a G.O.A.T. Some will say I am arrogant, however, it is simply God showing his magnificence through me. I thank God and my fans that recognise the unrivaled talent.
Q: Why do you consider “Hazvichaiti” a track to look out for?
A: It is an epitome and encompasses everything that I think is needed in our musical market right now. It has Sanii emotions that you know and it is a danceable, sing-along song. It has something special.
Q: Does the new album have songs that can match “Usadaro” or “Ndofefeterwa” standards?
A: It is hard to compare songs from different eras because the variables are different. I believe all my songs are great. I believe “Hazvichaiti” is the most commercially viable track but I am struggling to pick my best track.
Q: How do you feel about social media criticism?
A: I think there is a thin line between cyber-bullying, hate speech and constructive criticism on social media. Naturally, I am not about negativity. I only want positive vibes. In short, I do not care about all negative stuff but I do embrace constructive criticism.
Q: How many albums do you have?
A: This is my 16th project. It is an EP album because it has got 10 (tracks). I will release other tracks as singles.
Q: I notice you once again feature Nox on this project. Who else is on it?
A: I have worked with Nox for a while even when we were in South Africa. He has featured on my songs before and I have featured on his. This time he features on a track titled “Why”. There is also Julian King, a budding artiste based in America. I loved his song “Rwendo”, which I saw on social media. I then contacted him and we did two songs “Is it Over” and “Julian King kana Sanii”. He is a brilliant artiste.
Q: Do you think Zim artistes support each other?
A: Our arts industry or music industry leaves a lot to be desired. I do not think we support each other enough. Rivalry or competition is good, but we should not let it drive us to the point where we can no longer support each other. In such circumstances, it ceases to be competition.
Q: How have you managed to stay afloat in the cut-throat music industry?
A: God has played a major role. I started my solo career on a gospel note with “Vulela” because I knew this is my path and the road that I was taking has ups and downs. God has been there for me and I get the songs and talent from Him. I am his vessel. Furthermore, I had a good stepping stone in my brother Delani. I have good relations with fellow artistes like Leonard Mapfumo, Take 5, Nesto and Cindy that I met some 20 or so years back in high school.
Q: What exactly is urban grooves?
A: People need to understand that urban grooves is a movement that involves a collection of young artistes, from different genres, who just wanted to be heard.
Q: At some point, you slowed down in your music career, what was happening?
A: I had to be a father figure more than anything.
Q: Sanii Makhalima is most women’s crush. Any message to them?
A: Oh my goodness! These women that are crushing on me, please do not stop crushing. Please continue supporting my dream, please continue supporting Sanii Makhalima and will continue giving you nothing but good vibes.
Q: What does it take for local artistes to penetrate international markets?
A: We cannot go international without being supported by fellow Zimbabweans. Financial support will take us places. As long as people want to get music for free and not buying our merchandise, we will not go anywhere. I have about 70 000 followers on my Instagram. Imagine if they were all to buy “B-rokenhearted” for US$2, that would easily translate to US$140 000 in my pocket and that can give me access to foreign artistes.a
