Rina ventures into music promotion

One of the pioneer female rappers Upile Malenga has established a management firm which seeks to promote Malawian artists.

Better known in the music circles as Rina, the Blantyre based rapper has been active in music since 2008.

Her breakthrough was in 2010, when she recorded her single Not Like Me featuring Blakafella.

“I am now into public relations, starting with branding for events, artists and corporates. But some facilities we provide are also some that labels provide. UhuraVerified is a public relations, talent and events management firm that focuses on brand development, imaging and promotions in relation to music artists and the corporate world.

“We offer services such as marketing and public relations for artists looking to promote their events and or music projects, recording services for music and radio jingles and programs, product branding and distribution for artists to media personnel,” said Rina in an interview.

According to the artist, this does not mean she is out of mainstream music as she has songs to be released.

“I’m not out of music, I just took a break and now I’m back and will be releasing music soon. I have a single that will be released under the UhuraVerified brand. An album is in the works. I haven’t set up a date for it yet,” she said.

Rina is known for hip-hop which she fuses with African sounds, Caribbean drums and melodies.

“But at Uhura, we don’t specifically promote one type of music. We work mainly with youthful individuals and work towards helping them make an impact in the lives of their peers. We encourage our artists to speak positively and assist in influencing change and positive living among their peers,” she said.

Rina has in the past worked alongside Nde’feyo Entertainment on the Urban Music Party and was chosen as one of headliners.

She has one album out released in December 2012 called Fame Academy and one mixtape released called UndeRated released April 2013.