Chizmo Sting: promising reggae dancehall star

Reggae is a gloally known music genre that is played and enjoyed by many people. Apart from Jamaica, which is regarded as the home of reggae music, many artists from different countries, including Malawi, perform the popular genre.

Then there is dancehall  music, a sub-genre of reggae, that is equally loved by many fans across the world.

Talking of most Jamaican reggae and dancehall artists, their music is rich in philosophy, texture and lyrics which grants Jamaica a global musical popularity through artists such as Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Vybz Kartel, Buju Banton, Busy Signal, Jah Cure, Jamiel and Chronix.

Likewise, listening to sparkling reggae dancehall vibes by one Chizmo Sting (Njuchi) from Lilongwe, one appreciates profound talent which can ably compete on the international stage.

Born Chikondi Mungwa, Chizmo Sting is a member of Njuchi Group popularly known as Njuchi Zitatu, a reggae trio comprising himself, Eli Njuchi and Veda Njuchi. Until two or so years ago, Njuchi Zitatu were managed by Silver House Inc under the leadership of female reggae artist Sylvania.

Looking at the number of best reggae dancehall artists in Malawi through the fingers of one hand, Chizmo Sting can arguably emerge in the top five. This is if his mellow vibes and rare stage works are anything to go by.

Fondly called Rastar Bwoy, Chizmo Sting is the people’s favourite, especially in the ghettos where his music resonates with the realities of life.

Growing up at ‘Dubai’ in Area 49 in Lilongwe, Chizmo Sting says he was inspired by the struggles of young people to venture into music in 2015, the same year he was introduced to Njuchi Group. The main Njuchi Group comprising other well-known members such as Chycoon (the Njuchi King), Vube, Provoice.

He said he embraced reggae dancehall as a weapon for social change.

Said the artist: “I recorded my first song when I was in Form Four at Mkomachi Secondary School. I remember I missed classes that day just to record the song. I was inspired by a friend called Sisqo who gave me a beat to record my voice on.”

But Chizmo Sting said Moskas introduced him to the Njuchi Group where Chycoon and Vube gave him moral support to embark on a serious music journey. While in the Njuchi Group, Chizmo Sting featured on several riddims such as Fly Away produced by Thin Denius and Charxy Bandry for Silver Plate Inc.

He said: “Chycoon played a big role at the onset of my music career. I look up to him as someone who kindled the fire in me to take music seriously. Likewise, my former manager Sylvania gave it her best shot to promote my brand. I am where I am today because of the priceless efforts of Sylvania, Chycoon and other Njuchi Group members.”

Chizmo Sting met Eli Njuchi and Veda Njuchi in 2015 and subsequently they became Njuchi Zitatu that was was more like a splinter entity from the Njuchi Group.

“I, Veda and Eli used to be very close, making it easy for us to work together and we formed  Njuchi Zitatu. The name Njuchi was derived from the main Njuchi Group,” he said.

Chizmo Sting added that in  2015, his life changed.

“First on April 16 2015, my mother died and it is also the year I started recording music and dropped out of school,” he said.

Chizmo Sting said his vision is to become an internationally known reggae artist, but he dislikes being compared or being in competition with anyone else.

“My mission is to set my own standards in the reggae and dancehall world and leave a legacy. And I like people to love me the way I am without comparing me to anyone else because I am a king of reggae dancehall in my own right,” said the artist.

Chizmo Sting has worked with renowned music producers such as Zupah and released a 17-track mixtape titled Rastar Bwoy that features popular tracks such as Yahweh, Mercy, Follow, Ghetto Anthem, Wife featuring Njuchi Zitatu, Fight Hard and Umodzi.

He has also dropped a new single called Sokosera and featured many other artists on different projects.

Generally, reggae music is synonymous with the fight against oppression and suffering. Mercy is one of Chizmo’s powerful songs that pleads for people’s emancipation from probems of this world such as hunger and diseases.

Chizmo Sting’s approach to music exhibits his strength which is powerful and meaningful phrases. In Sokosera he playfully advises his peers about facts of life.

In For Real, Chizmo Sting engages in a heart felt conversation with his young sister pouring his heart out about love chalkenges.

“Tikakhala limodzi amanditcha Mr, kumbali amandibisa, sindidziwa zomwe amafuna mwina siine type yake ya mamuna...” he sings in part.

Producer Zupah described Chizmo Sting as one of the gifted reggae artists with great international potential.

“His standards are very high and he is indeed one of the biggest artists from Malawi. I believe with the right management and networking, Chizmo Sting is destined for international greatness,” he said.