In Conversation with: Garry Mapanzure

Garry Mapanzure is a 22-year-old Zimbabwean hitmaker known for songs such as Wapunza, Your Man, Pindirai among many others. He is also an Architecture student currently based in the UK. Listen to his debut EP, Sushi Season (The First).

Where did your love for music come from? 

I think I was born with the gift so I’m guessing that’s where the first love came from, and I embraced the ability I was born with. However, the gift was nurtured in Church as I started singing in Church from a young age.

Who are your music influences? 

I listen to many genres and learn a lot from the different artists I listen to, so I’ve got people like James Arthur, Davido, Wizkid, Maleek Berry and Jah Prayzah that aI respect and look up to.

What do you hope people will take away from listening to your music?

I vocally speak on behalf of their hearts, so I sing to what they relate to, what they go through in the whole journey of love, the pain, the beauty and life in general.

What’s a typical studio session for you like?

I pray in my heart before I record, and then I record over and over again until I’m satisfied because I’m a perfectionist.

What have been the highlights of your career so far?

• 2 of my songs reaching over 1 million and 2 million views on YouTube
• Getting signed to a UK publishing company Runabeat Music
• My debut Ep, Sushi Season had all 8 tracks in the Apple Music top 100 with 3 in the top 10

Where in the world do you wish to perform one day?

At the Grammys and hopefully I will scoop an award that day too.

What was it like working on the Sushi Season EP and how has it been received so far?

It was amazing and a hustle, it’s a lot of work getting a compiled body of work together because you have to get everything right, but there’s a lot of fun in the process. The Project was received well by the people, as mentioned previously all 8 tracks featured in the Apple Music top 100 with 3 in the top 10. This made all the work worthwhile.

Which artists would you like to work with?

The big-leagues, God willing, Davido, James Arthur, Wizkid, Jah Prayzah just to name a few.

What can we expect from you for the rest of the year?

More visuals and a few new projects just to shut down the year. I’m already thinking about 2021.

What is your favourite thing about being Zimbabwean?

You work 10 times harder to get what you want and when you get to the top there’s no better feeling of satisfaction that could pass that, and Zimbabweans are hardworking, and they persevere.

What advice would you give to upcoming young artists?

Stay true, pray, perfect your craft and if it’s yours it will come your way.

How have you been keeping busy during the lockdown? 

I’ve been recording more songs, visuals, trying to exercise here and there and learning how to cook.

What is the first thing you are going to do as soon as the lockdown ends? 

I will go to see my mother in Zimbabwe and tour around the world.

How would you like to be remembered? 

I would like to be remembered as a great man. One who achieved legendary status for his works and all his accomplishments.

Social media

Twitter: @garry_mapanzure

Instagram: @garrymapanzure

YouTube: Garry Mapanzure