Then and Now: Singer Cee Jay Besa

By Lance Guma

In our weekly series ‘Then and Now’ Nehanda Radio looks at prominent Zimbabweans from all walks of life. We get their pictures when they were young and take a look at what they have become.

This week we feature US based singer Cee Jay Besa who told us as a youngster he began singing at a ZAOGA (Zimbabwe Assemblies of God Africa) church crusade in Zimbabwe.

“My uncle had a gift of making handmade instruments and we soon had a full band consisting of me, my brothers and cousins. He taught us individually and collectively to play instruments.”

Cee Jay said “Through the years, I found myself taking part in talent shows and competing for prizes etc. I made Starbrite Talent show and various others and won several of them before becoming a professional and touring musician.”

Cee Jay said his best moment so far has been playing at the Harare International Conference Centre show ‘Face of Zimbabwe’ in December 2012 alongside Ex Que, Stunner, Nox, Amarra Brown, Winky D and Sulumani Chimbetu.

“I had always dreamed of playing at the HICC since I went to see the Bhundu Boys playing there on returning from UK when i was a little boy. I’ve shared the stage with Lil Wayne, Red Rat, Bobby Valentino, Jagged Edge, 112 but this meant more to me,” he said.

Asked what his worst moment so far has been Cee Jay said:

“Failing to make to the roster at Atlantic Records in 2006 when I was really trying to go pro with my production and music and the subsequent fall out of my Rudeboy Records team we had built till then.”

“After picking up the pieces, I started pursuing a solo career and never looked back. My current CD called Songs Of Praise is available for download and free for a limited time only at www.soundcloud.com/cee-jay”

My favourite video is from my latest CD, song called Miracle Working God