By Progress Chaya
TRAILBLAZING Zim hip-hop star Tony Chihota has come up with a groundbreaking musical audiobook titled ‘The Beginning’ that explores themes of identity, faith, struggle, and healing.
The audiobook, which carries the same name as the author-cum-rapper’s highly acclaimed autobiography released in 2021, will be launched on June 7.
RM Publishers, who are behind the project, have described the soon-to-be-launched audiobook as pioneering work that provides yet another platform for the founding member of the famed A Peace of Ebony to tell his authentic story.
“Tony’s audiobook blends raw, personal life experiences with live instrumentation, voice narration, and creative storytelling. It is a vibrant mix of music, emotion, and narration.
“The anticipation for the audiobook is high, and the launch event promises an immersive experience with elements of dance, hip hop, and live performance, setting the stage for strong listener engagement,” said Rudo Muchoko-the publisher and founder at RMPublishers.
Muchoko added that ‘The Beginning’ was a bold step in a new creative direction.
“It is Tony’s first audiobook and his debut project under the Kutanga brand. It is also the first musical audiobook produced by RM Publishers.
“The audiobook will be available on Audible, with plans for additional availability on other platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music, to reach a global audience,” she said.
Apart from the audiobook, Chihota’s Kutanga brand also includes a fashion initiative.
“It is a brand that connects storytelling, music, fashion, and wellness to inspire and uplift. It also includes Nhumbi – a winter wear fashion collaboration with Faith Wear Apparel, rooted in bold, faith-based expression,” Muchoko told the Daily News.
According to the publisher, the audiobook seeks to build on the success generated by Tony’s autobiography.
“The paperback version of ‘The Beginning’ was received with great enthusiasm, with international sales and strong reader feedback,” said Muchoko.
Along with Herbert Schwamborn (Prince Qwela), Chiwoniso Maraire (Chi) and Keith Farquharson, Chihota,popularly known as Chief, co-founded a pioneering Zimbabwean hip hop group called A Peace of Ebony in 1991.