I am Jay Dumza, real name is Zibusiso Dumisani Dube. I’m a 25 year old Pumula North resident from Bulawayo. J. Dumza is just a rap altar ego, my father’s initials were “J.D” & l somehow inherited them as my home name since childhood, so l just took advantage of that.
What is the one thing you can’t live without?
GOD… I’ve come all this way not by my own might nor power, but by his grace.
How did you get into music?
Most musicians if not all of them have a choral background. Choirs have always been one of my passions since primary school, sadly the singing voice faded as I grew older.
The rapping though, started as evening cyphers back in form 4 in 2008. We didnt have much entertainment as boarders so whenever we had power cuts we’d hold cyphers just to pass time.
2011 is when I first entered a proper recording studio with Maestro IV & VIC Jita. Since then I took it more serious
What do you hope people will take away from listening to your music?
The truth & reality. My only way to survive in this present day of flamboyant & braggadocios hip-hop is to tell real life if not common stories, some are fictitious while some are from personal experience.
As an artist, how important are bars when making a track?
It depends on the song concept or mood of the track. I find it lame to put bars & punchlines on a love or funeral song as compared to a cypher verse. Then again, our pens are not gifted the same.
The concept is what matters most to me often, followed by the chorus which must be catchy & effortless as possible. The concept is what matters the most to me, it separates you from the rest of the writers. You can have the craziest bars & catchiest melodies on a song, but you cannot take away the feeling that a well conceptualised song leaves on a listener.
What have been the best & worst memories of your career so far?
My career hasn’t really taken off, I’m yet to achieve a lot. My worst moments while I was in the making are the feuds with fellow colleagues. I’m sure I’d be far if it hadn’t been for them, but everything happens for a reason & l have learnt to accept that conflict is inevitable.
The best moments aren’t really big, but I’d say getting street & media recognition is one of them, especially with Missed Calls S/O to the homie @Charlie_Zimbo
Of all the songs you have done to date, which one is your favourite?
Poem Or Letter. It’s the last song l released & probably my best, there’s a couple unreleased songs that I like though, I’m saving them for my solo project.
Apart from music, what else do you enjoy doing?
Street football, sadly I can’t play.
Where in the world do you wish to perform one day?
Tricky. But anywhere around Africa before exploring overseas. Ghana & Kenya.
What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
Humbling yourself. That must be the hardest thing for a rapper. If you can’t humble yourself life will humble you painfully.
Where is your favourite place to perform?
Poetry slams, book clubs, Jazz sessions. Anywhere with a small audience that appreciates chilled narrative music.
What song is the soundtrack to your life?
Sam Smith-Pray.
Which artists would you like to work with and why?
Locally… The young guys still tryna make a name for themselves cos they bring a new & fresh vibe from each of their streets which besides they are easy to work with compared to big names…
Blek Hit’s story telling is deep, Solid Wilson, Brintz, Tibzy, J. Nemo there’s this young dude I like called Costira… The list is endless man. Jr Brown, Beav City &Tulkmunny
Internationally… Young MA yinja san, masinga xeganiswa kunganyiwa. Also Verti from Ghana.
What can we expect from you in 2018?
I’m not yet sure, but I’ll definitely be putting out content, l hate to make promises in case l fail to deliver.
Who are your top artists right now & why them?
-Mali Music(USA): touches my soul especially his “Mali Is” album.
-Afrotraction (SA): He’s on that Jazz tip & his vocals are smooth.
– Priddy Ugly(SA): His sound is very unique for a hip-hop artist & he gives me courage to be free & diverse in my own music.
-DESTRUCTION BOYZZZZZZZZZ!!!! : I just couldn’t leave them out.
If you could give up anything for a year what would it be & why?
I’m sure I can survive without WhatsApp. There are a few people l talk to lately & I prefer phone calls to personal visits plus vele it’s an enemy to progress.
What is the favourite thing about being a Zimbabwean?
Lol being considered as part of a nation that’s considered to be one of the most intelligent.
How do you like to be remembered?
I’d love to be remembered for positively influencing youngins.
What advice would you give to an upcoming artist?
Always have a plan B in case music doesn’t workout. Decent education will never let you down.
A special S/O to Lady K and Pd TheGhost for their support.
Social Media
Twitter & IG : @JayDumza
Facebook: Zibusiso Dumisani Dube
-Poem Or Letter
https://soundcloud.com/user-581282625/poem-or-letter
– Poem Or Letter
https://youtu.be/8ArvSH24oQY
– Missed Calls (Prod. By Charlie Zimbo)
https://soundcloud.com/thefixxonzifm/missed-calls-prod-by-charlie
