Kim Makumbe is an upcoming young and vibrant, Zimbabwean singer-songwriter, with an unforgettable smile😊.
Where did your passion for music come from?
You could say loneliness. I was in boarding school in Grade One (yes, imagine that bundle of joy far away from home for 9 months of the year, that was me). I had so much time to myself that I ended up writing my own songs. I even recall having a 12-track album in my head, but only one song was English. The rest were gibberish. I’ve also been singing in church for close to 9 years now, that experience alone definitely nurtured the gift and grew the passion.
What do you hope people will take away from listening to your music?
The emotion, getting in touch with their emotional side. It may be emotion towards different issues in society, or just eargasms when you listen to good music. I’m a lyricist too, so there’s always a message I put across.
Who are your music influences?
Gosh it’s a long list, I am inspired by the women in the Zim music industry, Ammara Brown, Janet Manyowa, Tamy Moyo, Gemma Griffiths and the like, who are paving the way for female dreamers like me. It’s definitely much easier now because of them.
How would you describe your style of music?
I am not attached to a specific genre; I just create art (I have done afro pop and dark pop so far). It’s usually lyrical and soulful, you definitely feel something as you listen, because of how emotional my writing process is.
Where do you get the inspiration for your music?
I am deeply rooted in my faith and have quite a measurable EQ; I have a healthy relationship with myself and a deep love for God. I am also a good listener and I care about humanity a lot! All that put together opens my gift in writing and gives birth to the art and the melodies.
Who have been your favourite people to work with?
I haven’t worked with many people yet. I appreciate the first team to unearth Kim the artist, that is Batsirai Shasha and the entire Mtaka Media team, as well as my producer, Tonny N, and everyone coming my way.
Who would you like to work with in the future and why?
Locally, the ladies I mentioned above (they inspire me so much), DJ Tamuka, Ishan, Brian K, Nyasha David, Takura, bring em all. Internationally, Burna Boy, Beyoncè, John Legend, Chance The Rapper, J Cole, Alicia Keys, Nasty C, Cassper Nyovest, Cardi B, Sauti Sol, bring em all too!
What inspired your latest tracks Do You and Sheego?
Do You was inspired by the 21st century identity crisis, people can easily lose track of who they are in this digital age. It’s an encouragement to everyone to be themselves despite the pressures of society.
Sheego (meaning female ego) is a song I wrote after I had countless encounters with women, both young and matured, who had found themselves at the mercy of men and other women who could have their way simply because the ladies didn’t know their value. I have had a few painful moments of my own too, before I decided to reboot and build my self-worth which I think is the most important thing a woman should have.
What have been the highlights of your career so far?
The response to my music, especially Sheego, is priceless. I’ve had 11K views in just one week, and it’s only an audio and it’s getting international air play in countries I have never imagined, thanks to my producer. I have also been learning a lot while working with Batsirai Shasha, meeting such amazingly supportive people like John Cole, being interviewed by Zimbo Son, countless blessings, really. The best times are coming.
What is the most important lesson life has taught you so far?
Patience and preparation. What’s yours will always come to you. Question is, are you ready for it?
How are you keeping yourself busy during the lockdown?
Self-development, song writing, learning a new instrument, reading (even started a book club with a friend), creating networks and a lot of family time. It’s a tough time for the world, but it doesn’t have to define who we are as humans, we’ve conquered already.
What is the soundtrack to your life?
Funny enough it’s a song without lyrics, Time by Hans Zimmer.
What’s a typical studio session like for you?
I’m quite hands-on, because when I write especially from scratch with no beat, I get every detail in my mind though sometimes I have no idea how to express some of it. Once I connect with the producer, we’d have like a telepathy thing going on. My lyrics are premeditated, so in the studio it’s just laying it down and working on it until the right amount of ear-candy achieved.
How would you like to be remembered?
Kim the Billionaire. Not just in monetary terms (hahaha got yah ;), but the girl who touched a billion-plus lives.
Music
YouTube: Kim Makumbe
Social media
Facebook: KimMakumbeMusic
Instagram: Kim Makumbe
Twitter: Kim Makumbe
She is talented and will become a super star
She is a wonderful girl.Inspiring one person who dosent give up.Kim is so amaizing soon she will be a star
Turns out what she can touch turns too gold.Give her a few more weeks she will be worth more than gold
She is just amazing she can do all things