By Michael Chipato
Tyfah Guni has followed where his kith and kin consider as familiar territory. To say it runs in the family could be accurate, smooth voice –box ticked, creatively on point and unique.
Signed to Ice n Roses record label, Tyfah effectively multi-tasks as he balances his music and studies with undivided commitment. ‘I am different from Nox’ affirms the ever developing talented Guni. For more about Tyfah, he opened up and this is what he had to say ……
Name: Tyfah Guni
Stage Name: Tyfah
Born: 9 July 1991
Home Town: Masvingo,
Current Town: Midrand, South Africa
Marital Status: Single
Education: International Marketing Degree Student at Chinhoyi University of Technology.
Musical Genre: Urban groove/conscious
Give us a short profile of your music from the time you started to date:
I started music when I was in Grade 7. I was later on in an acapella group at Christ Ministries High when I was form 6, and I was part of Star Bright 2012. Just before the finals of the competition, I started my degree and had to cancel the whole thing. From there, Nox and Tawanda Mugodhi, heard me play a gallon guitar singing this song “Another day”, and Nox was very surprised, he didn’t know I had that in me.
After that I recorded my first ever song at “This is Studios” called another day and Russo got Diana Samkange to do the backing vocals to just spice up the song .On release of the track, it took the he got me to perform that song and people loved it to the extent that they started throwing money on stage. The response was beautiful. From there I recorded a couple of songs at different studios, and then that’s when I was signed to Ice n Roses and I am not looking back.
TYFAH GUNI -“OUT OF MY LIFE VIDEO”
What do you have to say about your new video?
‘Out of my life’ tells a story of a lady who has trust issues with her man, she stalks him on face book hunting for stories and she is just not trusting her man. This lady then leaves her man and goes to another man. What happens after that is she knows there is no more turning back. Just enjoy the storyline. There is an amazing response to this video, people are loving it.
How do you distinguish yourself from your brother Nox?
I am totally different from Nox ; I have heard some circles peddling that our voices have some things in common – The fact is it’s because we were born by same parents and you know , maybe that’s why it is what it is, but I’m different from him and have my own type of sound.
Who have you worked with in collaborations so far?
I have worked with Diana Samkange on my 1st song “Another Day, Nyasha Time for the song called ‘Mudiwa wangu’ and I have worked with Nox in the track ‘’handichada”. It has also been amazing to work with Shock T whom I have done some work in a couple of songs like “Godo, Wadarirei’ and ‘Baby ndada”. The list is long amongst whom include GT, Mai Prim and Yung Karville on the track ‘’Usajaidze nhamo”.
How many albums/singles have you got under your belt so far? Please name them and the year you produced them?
I currently have ten singles for the tracks Another day , Wadarirei , Batisisa , Mudiwa Wangu , I can be , URI 1, Out of my life , I love it ,Crossing over and Baby ndada.
“Tyfah ft. Nikkie -Uri 1” – Picture Video
Is there any fresh music to be expected from you this year and what can your fans expect from your new album, how will it differ from your previous one?
There are some definite surprises to be expected this year. I’m currently working on this video of a song called ‘’Number 1”. I also have a couple of songs queued for release before December; so yes, there is much to expect from me!!
What has been the best moment and worst moment of your career?
I was supposed to perform at a show VSP in Sandton and my voice completely went off due to a cough and it was bad, really bad.
Do you have any hidden talents?
I’m a good actor as well as writing scripts and anything that needs creativity is part of my yard. I also play the guitar and piano.
What are the current challenges in Zimbabwean music?
Most artists lack originality, people have a tendency of imitating the ones that they see who have made it! The second greatest challenge for artists is artists is lack resources to make their music known. There is vast talent that remains hidden.
Who are your influences? What else inspires you?
It is ironic that I like artists from Nigeria, Davido and Flavor from the continent and internationally, R Kelly sits high on my list. My age has nothing to do with this inclination. I cannot mince my words about this truth, my brother Nox and Trevor Dongo have been inspirational figures in my musical journey.
What is your favourite part of the music making process?
I just love composing rhythms and melodies, adding my natural voice caps it all… that’s my favourite part.
What marketing challenges are getting in the way of upcoming artists in Zimbabwe and what do you think the national Arts Council should do to promote these artists?
Upcoming artists find great difficulty in getting their material known, and I believe somehow it is hard to attract the media to publish them,
Ice n Roses Family – Usajaidze Nhamo [Official Audio] – Tyfah ft. Mai Prim
