Ashe is a 24-year-old hip-hop artist from Sentosa Mabelreign. He born was on the 15th of May 1994 under the name Kudakwashe Jani.
How would your family and friends describe you?
My family and friends would describe me as a quiet, introspective, real and loving person. I am always medicated too with the homiez lol
Where did your love for music come from?
My love for music basically runs in the family as both parents are vivid music lovers and the power to impact people’s lives through art in music grew on me until I was confident enough to make my own songs.
When did you start working on your mixtape and how was the process?
Basically, the idea of making a mixtape came to me back in 2013 after a series of singles that gained some traction. I believed that for me to be able to take myself seriously I needed a full length project and an album was not it so I decided to do a mixtape. Then the name came from a friend of mine mocking my rap name Ashe calling me ashtray and it made a lot of sense to me when I sat down and thought it through and the title Ashetray was approved.
What do you hope people will take away from listening to your music?
I like to give out a lot of positive vibes and give hope to the hopeless. I’m always looking for the ability to help someone move from one place to the next positively. People should believe in themselves.
How would you describe your style of music and what inspired it?
My style of music, mmm I would call it contemporary hip hop. It’s like street, soulful and heart over matter. It is heavily influenced with how I will be feeling for that moment, which space my mind I would be wondering in.
How have people reacted to your music so far?
I have received generally good reviews from the people who have been listening to the music. When people you don’t even know start hitting you up appreciating the work then I guess it’s moving in the right direction, but honestly, I still want it to really move and penetrate more masses and platforms.
Apart from music, what else do you enjoy doing?
Apart from music I enjoy photography and football. I used to be quite the player in my playing days. I’m a huge Manchester United fan and back at home they even call me Wazza/Rooney because of my love for the player lol.
Where in the world do you wish to perform one day?
The place I would love to perform in the world one day I guess umm would be in fully packed stadium just before the Champions league final, or at Coachella festival.
What is the most important lesson life has taught you so far?
The most important lesson life has taught me thus far is that of love. We really can’t live on this earth without showing love, we are all equal and we have to love ourselves and each other.
Describe a typical day in your life.
A typical day in my life would include me waking up to some house chores then later hit the studio and go for community football in a golf course lol, boys repa Mebhaz know the drill.
Where is your favourite place to perform?
My favourite place to perform would be anywhere with a live and vibing crowd.
Who are your favourite artists and why?
My favourite artists would be Kendrick Lamar, Schoolboy Q, Nas,Jay Z, Sjava, and Thomas Mapfumo. Basically, because of the message in their music and the skillset they possess.
Which artists would you like to work with and why?
Locally I would love to work with Tulkmunny, Victor Stot, The Higher Culture, Dancehall Keddah, Ex Q, Asaph, Indigo Saint. Beyond our borders, Sjava, YoungstaCpt, Shane Eagle, ScHoolboy Q, Kendrick Lamar to mention just a few and this is because I believe we can make great music with these artists and I’m a big fan of their works.
What are the top songs in your playlist right now?
The top songs in my playlist now would have to be 0 2hero by Priddy ugly and Shane Eagle, Usarara by Tulkmunny and Tash Mwana wamai and the whole Ashetray mixtape lol.
When are you happiest?
I am the happiest when I’m listening to music, making music and performing the music.
If you could give up anything for a year what would it be and why?
It would be cigarettes because they are bad news and forever is more like it not just for a year.
What is your favourite thing about being Zimbabwean?
My favourite thing about being Zimbabwean is that we have so much untapped talent and are just waiting for a chance to showcase what we have.
How would you like to be remembered?
I would love to be remembered as a game changer.
What are your social media handles and music links?
Instagram: @Ashe_zw
Twitter: @Ashe_zw
Facebook: @Ashethetray
SoundCloud: Kudakwashe Ashe Jani
YouTube: Kudakwashe Ashe Jani
Ashetray mixtape link –> https://audiomack.com/album/ashe-7/ashetray-1
