An aspiring local musical artist with several tunes released online strives to inspire both young and old by delivering messages through his songs based on real-life experiences.
Mccford Nyasha Ruzvidzo, a self-proclaimed Afrofusion artist known as MJ Fordz, who also dips into hip-hop and amapiano, dropped five single tracks on various digital platforms last month. The 23-year-old from Gordon’s Bay presents his lead track entitled “Moon and Back”, which is based on struggles faced in his own relationship with his girlfriend.
Asked why listeners should take to search engines for his music offerings the artist says: “It reflects what’s happening in today’s society daily; I often speak for the voiceless and strive to bring listeners music that is unique, inspires, educates, comforts and brings people together.”
In so doing he draws inspiration from endlessly listening to relatable hits such as that of the American rapper Tupac Shakur and Nigerian-American singer-songwriter Davido, among others, discovered his passion for music while singing in his church youth choir. However, Ruzvidzo felt suppressed and limited from voicing the messages in his heart. So he took a leap of faith and ventured into producing his own music; composing melodies and writing lyrics, creating the beat, setting tempos and keys, and laying the tracks down in the recording process. He scored a break when he visited a local recording studio for insight and experience, and was approached to aid a musician with backing vocals to a song that was being recorded. This spurred him on to reaching greater heights, for many in the industry recognised his potential, which was encouraging.
The part-time artist, who has a day job at a Somerset West solar-geyser and gas installation company, explained he goes with the flow when it comes to the creative process. “When the music making inspiration hits I just focus on what’s running through my mind at a given moment,” he explained. “Drawing from real-life experiences, I start composing to get the message I want to extend to a specific beat and rhythm.”
Ruzvidzo released his first song in October 2020 and has continued pursuing music. So far he boasts 12 tracks released digitally, including three official music videos, and has garnered more than 400 subscribers on YouTube and over 8k views, which has earned him royalties from streaming platforms and gives him hope for a successful career in music.
“The internet has a great impact on the music business for it takes music all over the globe and to the ears of listeners anywhere in the world,” the self-taught artist pointed out. “Interacting with listeners and gauging their reactions to the music one puts out into the world is immediate and easier.”
Ruzvidzo has also braved the stage, performing in a few clubs such as Mzanzi Lounge and open-house parties around the Helderberg. A highlight was recently performing before local rapper Nasty C at Mtata Lounge in Strand.
He has the following pearls for those with similar dreams: “Focus on you. Make yourself better every day because you’re important. Believe in yourself and take on new challenges. Our dreams can manifest in reality with enough effort and trust in the process. They can also manifest if we put enough effort into and trust the process. Rise up. Let’s help one another grow without any short-cuts.”
V For more information, call Ruzvidzo on 0670939871.
