By Clive Tinashe Mapuranga
In a competitive music industry dominated by young Zimbabwe and Jamaican Dancehall artist, ‘Unik’ a conscious reggae artist residing in Zengeza 5 has captured the market and attention of many music lovers especially youngsters after he recently dropped a video of his hot single entitled “I wanna know you”, which has gone viral on social media platforms.
Walter Mandeyo (35) popularly known as ‘Unik’ in music circles has so far released 2 albums, both containing eight tracks with his latest in 2015.
His first album entitled ‘Voice’ came with the following tracks namely Uri Chiedza, Ndingavatende nei amai, Gara wandisiya ndaenda, Zverudo ,Handikwanise kuzviziva, Ndichachengetedza mhiko among others.
The second album is entitled ‘Music’ has songs such as “Ndizive pandimire featuring Amaze, In this journey, Tumira tsamba kuna baba, my sisters story and among others.
In an interview with Chitownews, many young people in the ghetto said they are admiring his music since he is operating from a different genre.
“Unik is doing it in an innovative way so that it may catch the ear of other listeners of all age groups. His latest hit song called I wanna know you is an example of a truly mastered music,” said Cremio form Zengeza 3.
Speaking to Chitownews recently, UNIK’s brother Massin Madeyo said his brother is in the class of best urban groovers.
“He’s among the best urban groovers and in the class of Trevor Dongo,” said Massin.
“He is performing various shows both local and international. I strongly support and encourage my brother to take his career seriously and I hope that youths in Chitungwiza and Zimbabwe in general are going to support him.”
Unik was motivated by international artists like Joe Thomas, Alaine and Tarrus Riley motivated to pick the microphone and embark on his music journey.
Walter said he has love for music and believes in himself that he can inspire other youngsters through his own music.
“I was so fascinated by the rise and seriousness shown by international artists who rose from the dusty streets of their countries to make it to the top and we all know about them. I admire the effort and hard work they merge together to produce quality music,” said Walter.
He cited the Zimbabwean economy as the biggest hurdle facing many artists in achieving their dreams.
“The challenges that I am facing in the music industry are more financial for instance getting my own studio to advance my career. Moral support is also another challenge I am facing as some of my family members who do not take this music seriously,” continued Walter.
Unik is currently using digital platforms like YouTube, Facebook, WhatsApp to market his music to the world.
“The modern generation is now fond of the digital network, so everything that I do pertaining music I make sure I upload it on to the internet. That’s how I engage with those who love my music and also it is a cheaper channel to parade my music. I’m not getting income from music but it is just that I am passionate with it” said Unik.
