Meet Marcques, a multi talented young Zimbabwean songwriter/composer and a member of newly formed creative collective, VERYUS.
Who is Marcques?
Born Zorodzai Marcques Makani on the 19th of September 1990 in Harare, I did my Primary School in Masvingo then moved to Bulawayo for my Secondary education then back to Harare for my A Level studies and University. I studied Sociology and Applied Arts at the University of Zimbabwe. The first born in a family of two and a son of a pastor.
Where did your passion for music come from?
I grew up in a musical home. My parents listened to the lines of Whitney Houston, Luther Vandross and they sought of instilled the love for music in me, but eventually I fell in love with Hip hop on my own after I heard the first Run DMC tape.
Where do you see yourself in music, what type of artist are you?
I’ve never limited myself to Africa in regards to my music and hence I see the epitome of my music career being on an international scale, collaborating with the people I grew up listening to and the ones I idolise right now as a young African artist. I mean it goes beyond winning a Grammy, it’s moving a culture to the world hence It goes beyond for me because not only am I an artist but I am a song writer and composer so I want to influence the world music on global scale, that’s the type of artist I am. Not solely restricted to one genre or one culture.
Who would you say inspires everything you do in life?
My mother showed me what it means to give something your all and never give up.
What can we expect from you in 2017?
New things and new moves. Working on a 5 track EP with the incredible Verseless Philo that’s coming out in April. My debut album is coming out later this year and i worked with so many producers and artists on that one including Simba Tagz, Kito, Muzik Motion, Takura and Young Nash. I will release singles and visuals from the album much later.
What is your greatest achievement in life so far?
My degree. In an environment that doesn’t believe an artist can get an education I did it. I always push and emphasise the important of education, it’s not always necessary, but definitely a key advantage to have.
Who are the rocks in your life?
My mother, the woman I will marry and Jesus.
Where does the inspiration for your songs come from?
Inspiration comes from anything really sometimes it’s an event or incident and sometimes it’s a conversation. I like drawing from life, a never ending source.
What is your favourite song and why?
Very broad question, but outside of my music my favourite song right now is Mile – About you because it’s a matter that’s close to my heart, living someone that takes that for granted and you have to pick up the pieces and move on with Life as he nothing happened.
Personal song? I don’t think I have a favourite. The plight of the perfectionist. You always think you can do better lol.
If not for music, what else would you be doing?
Project management. I have a diploma and a definite obsession lol.
What do you hope people take away from listening to your music?
The truth of how life really is and how I handle every obstacle and victory.
Given the opportunity which artists would you like to work with?
Oh man that list is long, but briefly Khuli Chana, Patoranking, J.Cole , Wizkid, Schoolboy Q, Drake, Oliver Mtukudzi & Sauti Sol.
Who is your favourite Zim artist and why?
Shingi Mangoma definitely. I have been an avid fan and follower since Handikusiye with Reverb 7. She has a beautiful voice, vocal range and her style of writing is expressive and realistic. I like an artist I can relate to, be it sound or lyrics.
What keeps you motivated during the low moments in your life?
The desire to feed my family and make something of myself. The burden of being a man is the people that look up to you won’t understand if you bring nothing because you are in your feelings. Sadly.
Where in the world would you like to perform and why?
France. It’s a beautiful country and naturally I am a hopeless romantic, it’s prevalent in my music. I feel like I would fit in perfectly there haha
What are you most fond of about being Zimbabwean?
The resilience. Zimbabweans don’t give up, if a door is closed in our face we find another way in.
Describe a typical day in your life.
Wake up, jog, Hit the gym if it’s weekday, studio, hustle in the city as every other fellow countryman and back home.
What is the one thing you can’t live without?
I can’t live without my music, that means phone, earphones, whatever device I have at my disposal to play music. I need it.
What is the biggest lesson that you have learnt in your career and life so far, that you wished you knew sooner?
That things are never handed to you, you have to take them. Everything that’s worth it never comes easy.
How can people access your music or get in touch with you?
Contact me on any social media platform:
Facebook page: Marcques_
Twitter: @marcques_
Instagram: @marcques_
Snapchat: @marcquesmakani
SoundCloud: www.soundcloud.com/marcques_
Have you got any advice for other young artists who are starting out and trying to make their mark?
Be yourself, believe you can do it, work hard, work smart and don’t look back.
