BY TICHAONA MATARUSE
While Hwange is known for mining activities, with many young people believing it is the most popular career that they can venture into, the story is different for artist Rachel Njomboro popularily known as Rashyn who recently launched three gospel songs and a music live session aims at empowering youths such that they discover their talents and desist from drugs and substance abuse.
Tichaona Mataruse (TM) had a chance to interact with Rachel Njomboro (RN) sharing her experiences as the artist, her aspiration and challenges in the industry among other issue and this is what she had to say:
TM: Please tell us briefly about yourself.
RN: I’m Rachel Nyasha Njomboro aka Rashyn, that is my stage name. I’m a vocalist, rapper, instrument player and a songwriter.
TM: How can you describe your type of art?
RN: I do mixed types of art. I always don’t want to limit myself to one genre but always want to try a lot of new stuff. I don’t limit my mind and my creativity but I always think outside the box to make fun.
TM: When would you say marked the beginning of your arts career?
RN: In the year 2002, when I was in grade 2; that’s when I realized that I wanted to do music. Mostly at school my favorite time was music time and I would win talent shows that my teacher used to do. Then around 2019 that was when I thought I should put my whole mind into music.
TM: Can you tell us about your recent achievements?
RN: I recently won the season 10 of Starbite 2022, scooping second place representing Hwange in Matabeleland North Province. I also became the first female to represent Hwange/ Matabeleland ’North Province in the finals. I also have single tracks that I released in 2021 namely Awesome God, Shonga and No one like him.
TM: What challenges do you face as an upcoming artist?
RN: I have been negatively judged and descriminated. I may be a woman, but I can do much better than some men who are also in the same industry like me. I have also been sidelined when there are gigs and functions and sometimes I don’t get to be given the spotlight to showcase my talent.
I’m also financially crippled as l don’t have any sponsors so far.
TM: What targets have you set yourself as an artist?
RN: I have a song coming out soon which is a love song. I want to be a producer, open a small school where I can nurture talent and teach children music from a tender age.
TM: Where can people find your work?
RN: They can go to my TikTok account rashynjombs/rashyn, on Facebook Rachel Nyashawashe Njobs and my pace Rashyn music. On YouTube, they subscribe to Rashyn.
TM: Who is your inspiration?
RN: My inspiration is a woman who believed in me and supported me when most seem to have negative perceptions of my work. She kept on pushing me and told me to remain focused and have a positive mentality by proving them wrong that I am better than what they think and that’s my mum.
TM: Besides art, what else do you do to earn a living?
RN: I’m a businesswoman, I sell clothes, do baking and cater for functions and events. I also sell baked goods to keep my life moving and balanced.