Bulawayo-based artist, Melusi Writes, is a man on a mission to inspire authenticity.
The musician, formerly known as Maestro IV, believes that living one's truth is the only path to growth and reaching true potential.
In an interview, Melusi explained his recent rebrand, ditching his party-boy alter ego to use his birth name.
“I have grown up,” he stated.
“I have gone back to my roots to become real with myself and my fans.
“I loved hip-hop, but I was following trends. Maestro IV was an alter ego I had to create.
“Now, I want to plant seeds of value in the industry, not just make party music.”
This journey of self-discovery, spanning seven years, led him back to his roots in soulful melodies, he says.
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The rapper-turned-gospel singer insists he has not lost his fanbase through these changes.
“My fans have grown with me,” he said.
“My new music is more conscious and cuts across cultures and age groups, which has actually gained me new followers.”
Melusi recently released four gospel singles, including Usizolwami, derived from Psalms 121:1.
“It’s about being in a desperate situation where the only way out was through God,” he said.
When asked why Bulawayo artists often fail to reach the same heights as their Harare counterparts, Melusi pointed to systemic issues.
“The issue is a lack of structures,” he explained.
“In Bulawayo, an artist has to be everything: creator, marketer, and publicist. Elsewhere, an artist’s job is to make music; a dedicated team handles the rest.
“We don’t have that.”
He also cited a critical lack of local support, suggesting an inferiority complex among residents.
“Some hide behind the excuse that we don’t make good music, which isn’t true,” he said.
“Even legends like Lovemore Majaivana struggled here, but made money in Harare.
“Our artists are unfairly compared to those with a functional industry behind them.
“It will take financial power and drastic measures to level the playing field.”
