There’s a rare breed of artists whose creativity transcends the confines of entertainment. One such artist is Segulm, born Phillip Ganizani in 1994, Hurungwe, Mashonaland West. Now based in Harare, Segulm is a fearless, innovative, and hard-working singer-songwriter and fashion designer. He is a purpose driven changemaker crafting a distinct legacy through music, fashion and community empowerment. And as such, let's explore a bit about him here.
The musical genesis
Segulm’s journey into music can be traced back to 2007, shaped in part by early mentorship from producers like Lavel and DJ Miled. His first radio-submitted track featured Alicious, signaling a growing seriousness. Though he experimented with an array of genres in search of his true sound, a turning point came when he isolated himself in nature (what he calls “the zone”) to reconnect and create.
That introspection birthed Guru Afro Music, a genre entirely of his own making (how intelligent). Anchored in Zimbabwean heritage, it blends the raw grit of Hip-Hop with traditional elements like Nyau, Jiti, Ngoma, Mbira, Marimba and Hosho. Something that we probably need on a wider scale as far as Zimbabwean urban music is concerned. You’ll hear that rich type of sound in tracks like Mutinhimira.
His debut album, First of Season (October 2024), is exactly what its name suggests: a bold introduction to a new wave. Standout singles include:
• Chiso ft Alicious
• Kamwana ft Sunshine
• Musandibate
• Scottland FC Theme Song
The album's rollout was no quiet affair—Segulm launched it with a marathon of media appearances across ZBC TV, Star FM, ZiFM and Capitalk FM. On stage, he recently graced performances at both the Shone album launch (October 2024) and the Ti Gonzi album launch (April 2025), rubbing shoulders with the best of Zimbabwe’s current crop.
And, recently, he put on a stellar performance at July Fest in Kadoma.
When asked about inspiration, Segulm cites an eclectic blend.Kendrick Lamar, Rema, Asake, Seyi Vibez, Sampa The Great and perhaps most interestingly, himself.
Guru Threads: The Seguru Denims movement
While many artists use fashion as a branding tool, for Segulm, fashion is also therapy. Raised by his grandmother, he began designing with glue sticks and by hand, emulating her movements, learning from the way fabric came to life in her hands.
His fashion label, Seguru Denims, is mostly streetwear but refuses to be boxed in. Although denim is his signature, Segulm’s personal and performance outfits often stretch the boundaries. Wide legged jeans, straps, chains, ethnic beads, bold prints, glitter and all if the look demands it. Every piece screams intention and vibrance.
Segulm has crafted looks for other artists too, including Coldplay’s Shone performances, Yahya’s Fiesta Fiesta DJ gig and multiple music video shoots. Though Seguru Denims only launched officially recently, it’s already commanding attention. His iconic wide-leg “drip jeans” turning heads wherever he goes.
Crowned for a purpose: The intersecting story of music and fashion
Segulm’s style isn’t a sidekick to his music. It’s a lead character. Every project is visualized and designed with a full script and fashion is always central to the creative direction. At times, a song inspires an outfit. Other times, the look births the song.
And then there are the dreadlocks. Maintained for two decades through his business Dreadlocks Nation. Their ever-evolving colors and styles have solidified his identity as a Guru Afro Icon.
A message bigger than music
Through all his ventures, Segulm carries one unshakable mantra: “Crowned for a Purpose.” His mission? To uplift youth—especially the often overlooked boy child—from his hometown of Epworth and beyond. Through workshops, masterclasses and hands on mentorship in dreadlocks, carpentry, fashion design and music, Segulm is helping young Zimbabweans transform their artistic gifts into tangible livelihoods.
He dreams of a self-owned foundation, working with initiatives like Boys Engage to equip the next generation with more than just dreams but skills, tools and opportunities.
The road ahead
Currently, Segulm is riding the wave of his First of Season album, with upcoming visuals like the highly anticipated “Mbuu” music video (featuring Young Gemini and directed by longtime collaborator Sorogin Sorojena). On the fashion front, expect more bespoke creations and a scaling of Seguru Denims into commercial viability.
In five years, Segulm sees himself as a touring, fulltime recording artist with his fashion empire contributing to Zimbabwe’s GDP. Purpose, intent and consistency. Those are his compasses.
He is serving exquisite multi-dimensional art loudly, proudly and with undeniable flair
Follow his journey on Instagram: @segulm_
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