KUDZAI CHITSATSO
Afropop star Poptain has released a hot single featuring Atenda Chinx and Chillmaster, just in time for summer.
With a catchy beat produced by Major Terro, and an equally catchy hook by Poptain; the song explores love from three perspectives—infatuation, caution and disillusion.
Poptain is smitten, Atenda Chinx is on the fence, while Chillmaster closes off the track with an outright rejection of love. The song’s lyric video has already racked up 100k views on YouTube, proving Chikokoko’s potential to become a summer hit.
Here’s our exclusive interview with the man himself, Poptain, where we discussed this latest single, the collaborative process, and what he hopes fans can take away from the song. Enjoy!
Hie Poptain, thank you so much for taking time out for this interview!
Poptain: You’re welcome! It’s a pleasure to be here sharing my story with you.
You, Chillmaster and Atenda Chinx; what a potent combination! What drew you to them?
Poptain: I had previously worked with Chillmaster on the track Usandikanganwe featuring Michael Magz, so we already had creative chemistry. He brings a unique emotional depth to his verses.
With Atenda Chinx, this was our first time working together, and I was drawn to her fresh sound and the perspective she brings as a rising female artist. Her style complemented the theme of the song perfectly.
Can you tell us about the message behind ‘Chikokoko’? What inspired you to write it?
Poptain: Chikokoko is about love but not just in a typical way. It’s a three-way narrative.
I’m the one expressing the feeling of being in love, Chillmaster comes in hard, rejecting love completely with the line “don’t call me when love is mentioned,” and Atenda Chinx represents someone who is cautious but open to exploring love.
It’s inspired by the real emotions people go through in different stages of love.
How did the two artists’ contribution enhance the song?
Poptain: They brought balance and depth. Chillmaster’s raw rejection of love contrasted perfectly with my own expression of being in love. Atenda brought a third, more open ended perspective, skeptical, yet willing to give love a chance.
This made Chikokoko feel like a conversation rather than just a song.
Take us back to the recording session. How was the creative process?
Poptain: The creative process was smooth but powerful. Each artist brought their own flavor to the song. Chillmaster’s verses came with his usual heartbreak energy, while Atenda added an intriguing balance of curiosity and vulnerability.
Seeing all three of us approach the concept of love from different angles was truly memorable.
What was it like working with such talented artists? Any surprises or takeaways?
Poptain: Working with both of them was a blessing. Chillmaster always surprises with how deep he can go emotionally, and Atenda impressed me with how quickly she tapped into the concept even though it was her first time working with me.
The main takeaway is how powerful collaboration can be when everyone understands the vision.
How did you balance your creative vision for the song with their input?
Poptain: It was collaborative from the start. We discussed the storyline and each person had the space to bring their authentic self. I think that is what made the song feel real, no one was boxed in.
What do you hope fans will take away from this song?
Poptain: I want them to feel seen, whether they’ are in love, avoiding it, or just curious about it. The song speaks to different emotional states and I hope people find their part in the story.
One last question. Any fun or memorable stories from the recording session?
Poptain: One funny moment was when Chillmaster was recording his verse, "musandisheedze panotaurwa dzemoyo," line, everyone in the studio went silent, then we burst out laughing because it was so cold and honest. It set the tone for how bold we could all be on the track.
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Watch the Chikokoko official video below and share your thoughts:
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