Tocky Vibes

In most of his songs, he appreciates the role of parenting figures, the importance of fidelity as well as the rewards of working hard. In his song titled “Shanda” Tocky deploys a unique artistic style in which he exhorts himself and other musicians to work hard in the industry despite various setbacks that they encounter. In one of his songs, he also talks about the HIV and AIDS pandemic. It goes without saying that one of the most adored songs, and perhaps his outstanding song in 2014 was “Amai”. The song “Mhai/Amai” (mother) was a dedication to his mother, or loosely to all the mothers, thanking them for their roles in the upbringing of children.

Endorsement

January 2015, Tocky signed an endorsement deal with local cigarette manufacturer Savannah Tobacco. The signing of the deal was also testimony that Tocky Vibes had grown to become a household name such that companies wanted their brands to be associated with the artist. The deal was said to be the most lucrative in the land after it emerged that the deal was worth usd 200 000.^[3] Tongai Zvaravanhu, the chief operating officer of Savannah Tobacco, noted that although public opinion was initially skeptical whether Zimbabwe Dancehall would last, Tocky Vibes had been a revelation. He also heaped praise on the dancehall sensation pointing out that

Tocky was a great poet of great maturity and strength, his vision and social commentary make him a voice of Zimbabwe's youth. We are proud to have him as our brand Ambassador. All I can say is ah ah ah ah ah hi hi hi... aenda nenyika^[3]

The deal also included another prominent Zimbabwean musician Sulumani Chimbetu who was set to be the brand Ambassador for one of the products produced by Savannah Tobacco. Tocky Vibes was set to promote the Pacific Storm brand while Sulu would promote Pacific Breeze. As part of the deal, the artists would receive direct support, publicity and marketing, album launches and other materials.

Discography

Tirabhuru aka Kwata Zonke

In july 2016, Tocky Vibes released a 15 track album called Tirabhuru aka Kwata Zonke. At release he said the album featured diverse beats and rhythms hence the name Kwata Zonke. Some of the songs on the album were produced by renowned musician Clive Mukundu.

Some of the songs on the album are the followingː

1. Attack Kushuga
2. Chigumbu
3. Handichadzokere
4. Mari
5. Ndapererwa
6. Satana Ndisiye
7. Wadhakwa nedoro
8. Zvandoda
9. Chinango

Toti Toti

In 2015, Tocky Vibes released the album Toti toti which was recorded using a live band, a feat yet to be rivaled by many in the Zimdancehall genre.^[4] Reception of the album was lukewarm.

There were 8 songs on his album, and these were:

1. Toti toti
2. Kuhope
3. Hande Toki
4. Ita Undide
5. Usarara Muka
6. Nyama yekugocha
7. Mweya Wekubara
8. Papa

Singles

Below is a list of some of Tocky Vibe’s singles;

1. Mhai
2. Victoria Falls
3. Pandinorifuka jira
4. Shanda
5. Handityi
6. Kudzamisa Pfungwa
7. Handina zvinoera
8. Dziripo Hama
9. Ndini Ndinorira
10. Batai Homwe
11. Simudza Maoko
12. Tirikumhanya ^[5]

Picture Gallery

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  Tocky Vibes at a Show in a suit

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  Tocky Vibes at a Show in a suit

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  Tocky Vibes

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  Tocky Vibes Album Disc

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  Tocky Vibes Batai Homwe Album Sleeve

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  Tocky Vibes Singles Collection Album Sleeve

Videos

Performances

Tocky Vibes’ performances have been both local and international. The most notable include the Harare Agricultural Show in August 2014 where he performed alongside some of the established ZimDancehall artists such as Winky D, Killer T and Soul Jah Love. He also performed at the Lion Lager Beer Festival in October 2014 where he rubbed shoulders with some reggae icons from Jamaica.^[6]

Tocky’s live performances have been outstanding however, some critiques have ridiculed the young artist’s artistic dressing especially during live shows. During the Lion Lager Beer Festival performance, Tocky went to stage dressed in traditional tweed which included a black garment which is associated with spirit mediums. Critiques commented that Tocky Vibes was desperately looking for attention through his Mbuya Nehanda dressing style. Tocky Vibes is one of the most talented musicians in Zimbabwe and his dressing is part of his unique creativity which has a credible bias towards the Indigenous African culture.

He has also held very successful international shows in countries such as the United Kingdom where it was reported that people were turned away after the show had been sold away.^[7] Tocky's shows in Leicester and Luton were both said to have been sold out such that some revelers who had come to attend the show were turned away.

Controversies

Tocky was involved in a number of controversies and scandals especially during his festive season shows in December 2014. During his performance at the high profile Mafikizolo show at the Harare International Conference Centre, he allegedly blocked a fellow musician Jah Prayzah from entering the stage to show solidarity with him after bottles were thrown at him by the disgruntled fans.^[8] Tocky was furious with Jah Prayzah's entrance and he was quoted arguing that the latter had come to steal the limelight at the show. Jah Prayzah was manhandled by Tocky Vibes security personnel from the stage and this showed somewhat a tense relationship between the two popular artists in Zimbabwean music arena.

Scandals

It appeared the past caught with Tocky when the media started churning reports linking the artist to a love affair with an under aged girl. Local media houses reported that Tocky fathered a child years back with a girl who was aged 13 then. The girl, identified as Linda James was said to have been living in Marondera with her mother and did not know where Tocky was living after his new found fame. She argued that Tocky was no longer taking care of his child.^[9]

Awards

2014- Zimbabwe Music Awards People's Choice Award.^[10]

Zim Dancehall Awards 2014

• Best Male Artist
• Best Social Message
• Song of the Year

References