‘Thinking of you‘ is a song which has been dominating as it was in the top spot position for a month,at the top ten chat in Zambezi Magic TV. Zimbabwean Afro pop singer Farhaan Kaaz Khan (FK) aka Mr Boomslang who is based in the UK, the man behind the track Thinking of You, Spoke to the 263 Africa journalist Tapiwanashe Rubaya (TR) about his trending video Tonight during an interview.
TR: Who is Kazz?
FK: Kazz is a Zimbabwean patriot. I love my country from the depth of my soul-its my inspiration and has made me the person I am today. My love for my country makes me want to sing and make the nation proud.
TR: Why did you venture into Afro Pop?
FK: Simple, I love all kinds of music; I felt there was a space for it in the market and I jumped in. Afro Pop is so relevant nowadays – every race and culture enjoys it and we want to be on that international level so I strongly believe venturing into it has helped me to become more recognised in Zimbabwe and internationally.
TR: How is Afro pop taken in the UK music industry compared to the African music industry?
FK: Afro pop is still in the early stages here in the U.K. but it is a genre that is growing and becoming more and more accepted every day. It’s far from the most popular genre in the UK but it makes people move when they hear it. And that really is the aim of the game!
TR: You have done a number of collaborations one of the artists that you usually collaborate with its Decibel. Briefly describe your relationship with Decibel and why do you usually collaborate with him?
FK: Decibel and I go way back since the Prizm Inc. days, when we started our studio (Prizym Inc). He was right there alongside Bkay & I, he showed love and is one of the reasons we broke into the music scene in Zimbabwe. Decibel gave me a chance and for that I am forever grateful and it is a pleasure and an honour to work with such a humble and talented individual.
TR: You have a single ‘Tonight’ tell us more about the single….
FK: Well… we all know I love to dabble in every genre, I want to stay relevant but also I wanted to release a song which everyone would enjoy. It sounds a little retro but it’s something for everyone to enjoy. The single was co-written by my friend and very talented artist Jonah Sithole and the music was composed by super music producer Scott Whitman. I have put a lot of time and effort into this project; it’s received such a great response that I have done 2 visuals for this project. We’ve got the clean old school black and white video and then we will shortly be releasing a dance version – I cannot wait for you all to see it!
TR: Which media company is behind the production of the video for ‘Tonight’?
FK: The first video which you have probably seen was produced by Boomslang Media and Bidzi Films. The dance version of the video was shot and produced by Chalky Visuals, Boomslang Media and Bidz Films.
TR: Why did you choose that particular company to do your videos this year?
FK: The two companies I chose to work with (Chalky Visuals and Bidzi Films) have been like a backbone to Boomslang Media, they have the same drive and passion and when the three companies get together we’re able to make magic. They understood my vision and helped me bring it to life.
TR: You also have another single which is still trending in the music industry back home ‘Thinking of you’. Are you still marketing that song or you are now concentrating in the other track ‘Tonight’?
FK: I will always push all my music – “Thinking of You” was a very big project and it was received very well – I am so grateful with the reception it received. I mean number 1 on Zambezi Magic, 4 weeks consecutively – trust me when I say; I am in awe of my fans. I have a great team here in the UK and in Zimbabwe too who help us make sure the music is being heard. But, like everything, we move on and bring out new music to feed our fans the best of the best. I want to keep giving my fans music that they can vibe to and enjoy – appreciation for my passion is the best feeling in the world.
TR: What ways do you use, to communicate with your fans that are based in Zimbabwe and all over the world?
FK: I communicate with my fans worldwide by means of social media, tours and I make a point to go back home regularly – I love my fans. I take the time to speak to each one individually. I can spend hours of my day on social media conversing with them because it is because of them that my music is heard and I am where I am today. It’s great to find out about them, what they’re up to and even getting their feedback. I never want to be the kind of artist who is too “big” to take time out for my day as it is them who love what I do and it is them who help get my music out there.
TR: After the track ‘Tonight’ what is next for Kazz?
FK: So the next big thing for Kazz is to release another video – but this time, I’ve teamed up with the talented, UK artist, Bailey Browne for his latest single “Hotter than Fire” –if you haven’t heard it yet, make sure you check it out!!! This one is a summer banger for sure. Keep an eye out for the Album later this year!.