TAKUDZWA HILLARY CHIWANZA & TINOFARA CHIWANZA
Zimbabwe has always been the perfect ground for South African music artists. Given how much we consume copious amounts of art from our neighbours in the south, it is a certainty that each time they come here, they get the most welcome reception. We love SA artists, and we love it all the more when they come to our country for live music performances. But among the many SA artists who have enjoyed commercial viability and have performed in Zimbabwe, there is one name to have never graced this land that sticks out. And that is rapper Lehlogonolo Ronald Mataboge, better known as A-Reece. A situation that will change come 18 October, 2025.
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| A-Reece |
A-Reece has been confirmed as part of the star-studded lineup to feature at this year's edition of 263 Culture Fest, which will be held on the 18th of October. It's a moment many A-Reece fans have been eagerly and patiently waiting for. Well, it is here. The big-hearted bad guy is finally coming to Harare, and the platform seems to be the perfect one. Earlier in the year there were calls from some sections in Zim Hip Hop quarters to have A-Reece come for Shoko Festival (since it's more of a hip-hop oriented festival) – but clearly that isn't happening. But a win is a win.
263 Culture Festival has emerged as one of the biggest in the country, having held widely successful events in the last two years. And it is on its way to become one of the foremost music festivals in Southern Africa. Other artists who have been confirmed for the 2025 edition so far are: Major League DJz, Moozlie, DJ Kent, De Mthuda, Ciza, Wowrae, and Majoer Prodi. But for ardent hip-hop fans, Reece's coming here stands as a monumental phenomenon to witness.
The excitement is palpable. To have such an award-winning, influential and contagious star who makes international waves feels spectacular. Reece is undoubtedly one of the most exceptional rappers on this continent, resembling sharp, introspective, edgy, and authentic storytelling rap; the type of rap which irresistibly draws the listener into his state of mind. The curiosity and excitement of watching him live are colossal.
A-Reece is an all-rounded artist, one you would say fully understands the variables of African Hip Hop culture. He is a blend of the old school and the new school; producing a diamond that fits in all categories of rap. From educational, inspirational, romantic, to hood bangers, Reece has been one of the most exciting rap talents to come out of South Africa. It would be safe to say that he is one of the artists who's made a lasting imprint in the SA hip-hop scene ever since he came to prominence in 2016 under the auspices of Ambitiouz Entertainment, the label he was signed to when he started. And up to now, he remains a consistent figure in the game, never running out of potent lyricism to bless his fans with. He's such a hardworking star whose aura is simply undeniable.
His discography reflects the journey of an artist relentlessly striving to find his unique sound that sets him apart from his peers. And also, the journey of his discography, in as much as it is marked by masterpieces only – Paradise 1 & 2, From Me To You & Only You, Gwan Big Up Urself, Reece Effect, Long Lost Letters, And I'm Only 21, Today's Tragedy Tommorow's Memory, P2: The Big Hearted Bad Guy, Blue Tape, among others – comes with its fair share of drama; particularly the disbanding of The Wrecking Crew. And that is because he loved putting on other rappers. After he left Ambitiouz Entertainment under acrimonious circumstances, Reece formed The Wrecking Crew, comprising of rappers from his inner circle who included Flvme, Ecco, Mello, Krish, Ex Global, Wordz and producer Mashbeatz. Now, for those acquainted with A-Reece's journey, the era of TWC was golden.
It is the era in which his intransigence and disdain for record labels – as he fearlessly embraced being an independent artist – made him an endearing rapper among fans. He became a darling to those who steadfastly followed his music and story. He made being an independent artist such a cool thing. And though TWC enjoyed its fair share of success as an independent outfit, it ultimately came to an end as the rappers went their separate ways for multifarious reasons. But that is a story for another day. One would surely be waiting to witness the rap star perform his famous songs like such as Feelings, Paradise, Couldn't, Meanwhile in Honeydew, Rich, Holding Hands, Safe Haven, We Both Know Better, Re$idual Self Image, Mark 15: 35, and so many more. The list of his amazing songs is endless, a sign of his expansive catalogue which has been continuously refined over the years to give us the A-Reece of today we have fallen in love with. This is what we hope to witness on the 18th of October: hip-hop records that are meant for the real n*ggas (and we are just borrowing from his diction here).
The synthesis of his turbulent but wildly rewarding rap journey is what we are eager to see. His catalogue is vastly rich with cutting-edge, precise, unique (outta this world), and candid lyrics that ooze confidence. His way transcends the mere the art of braggadocious approaches to every aspect in life—beyond money and women, Reece conveys self-esteem improving lyrics, as well as content that touches on real life issues such as street struggles and personal life struggles. He makes the listener get in touch with his messages, and inspires a sense of persistence and relevance in life. His distinct flow characterised by an intellectual and clear, hard-hitting cohesion makes him the purveyor of an authentic delivery style which has made him gain credibility, prominence and the power to flourish as an independent artist. Those who believe in realness and that florid rap style where lyrics are clearly enunciated have the chance to attain the most satisfying experience of their lives.
It is also fair to say A-Reece has served as a figure to look up to for certain Zim Hip Hop acts. The hip-hop scene in our country is now developing with fast-paced rate especially in terms of creating new artists. With those ones that are already established further expanding their footprint. A-Reece's arrival here portends a huge opportunity to create meaningful synergies and collaborations between Zim Hip Hop and SA Hip Hop. This is the chance for any artists in the fraternity of pushing hip-hop culture to obtain enough inspiration and motivation to also become mainstream hip hop artists who spark national and international interest. Perhaps indie collectives such as The Wrecking Crew can be replicated in Zimbabwe and push the game to new frontiers. Furthermore, it would also allow South Africa and Zimbabwe to connect and exchange urban cultural differences, opening room for growth in the overall global arts and entertainment culture of Southern Africa and Africa at large.
There is a lot to write home about A-Reece and his music. We would probably need plenty of other articles to expound his story at great length. As someone of significant commercial viability who will be coming to Zim for the first time, his long-awaited energy is obviously accompanied loads of anticipation. That is, for those who religiously follow A-Reece. We are fully aware that with such an expansive catalogue and a very limited time-frame to perform (we guess his slot may be 30 to 45 minutes long), not a lot of songs we love are going to be performed. But that doesn't curtail our excitement in any way. Because for now, we are only elated that at last, he is coming to Zimbabwe. And we know it's going to be a memorable experience.
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