Delani Makhalima
| Delani Makhalima | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Nationality | Zimbabwe |
| Education | Peterhouse |
| Alma mater | University of Cape Town |
| Occupation |
|
| Home town | MT. Pleasant |
| Relatives | Sanii Makhalima |
Delani Makhalima is a prolific Zimbabwean song writer, singer and producer. He made history by becoming the first artist to produce a full album featuring young artists which marked the birth of the Urban Grooves music. The compilation album propelled him to national stardom with hits such as David Chipfunyise's 'Tauya Naye'. He is credited for establishing many of the youthful artists such as Plaxedes Wenyika and Sanii Makhalima.
As a producer
One of the best producers of the New Millennium, Makhalima teamed up with businessman Gilbert Muvavarirwa to record a compilation 'The Future' in 2002. He recorded the album at his Galaxy Records. The album was to mark the birth of a new genre, which was to be termed 'Urban Groves'. The album carried compostions from David Chipfunyise, Sanii Makhalima, Willom Tight, Roki, Leonard Mapfumo, Stach, Decibel, Betty Makaya, Extra Large, Maskiri, and Alexio Kawara.[1] Since then, Makhalima never looked back producing many of today's big names such as Roy and Royce, and many more.
In the year 2000 Delani Makhalima set out to introduce an Urban sound of music to the Zimbabwe Industry. He started producing all kinds of music, from Hip Hop to Dancehall; Electronic Dance to RNB. Delani attended numerous meetings with Professor Jonathan Moyo benefiting the industry in implementing 75% quota and zero tax on equipment import. He paid for studio time for almost every artist he produced for, and also funded every project and album, the manufacturing of the CD’s and cassettes, music videos, marketing and distribution into stores as well. Between 2000- 2002 he produced over thirty seven number one hit singles and forty nine top ten singles. His intent was to create a movement.
As a Musician
He showed his versatility when he formed the group Second Nature with Dino Mudondo in 2000. The group used to grace fashion and beauty pageants.[2] After the group split, Delani went on to form another outfit ?uess (Guess) with Alexio Kawara, Brain Garikai and Donda Khumalo. The group was to define Delani as a competent musician. The group went on to release the hit 'Amai' which made airwaves. The song made it in the top chart show on a local radio stations becoming the third best song of the year 2000 [3] He ad written songs for his brother, Sanii Makhalima and many other artists.
As a Radio Personality
Delani has worked on various radio stations in the country and abroad. In the late 2000s he joined South African radio station Metro FM, as a trainee presenter. After a couple of months he landed himself a slot on the station hosting a show called the 'Playground' every Saturday and Sunday mornings.[4]
Delani started a talent search programme on Radio 3 when he was 15 years old. He did this with DJ Kimble Rogers who promoted local musicians. When Delani was 22 DJ Innocent Tshuma bought the idea to dedicating a portion of his midnight show to playing local music from all over Zimbabwe.[5]
References
- ↑ Wonderful G.Bere, Urban Grooves: The Performance of Politics in Zimbabwe's Hip Hop Music, Page: 114.'Proquest LLC', 2007
- ↑ Staff Writer, Dino launches new album, 'DailyNews', Published: 6 Nov 2013, Retrieved: 29 Apr 2014
- ↑ African Synergy, MUSIC and ME, 'Artlink', Published: 21 Sept 2011, Retrieved: 29 Apr 2014
- ↑ Lerato Matsoso, DELANI’S A PLAYA ON AIR!, Daily Sun, Published: ND, Retrieved: 29 Apr 2014
- ↑ [1], Youth Village, Published: Novemeber 2014, Accessed: 18 May, 2020
