Mc Zendiambo Curedeh, has gained fame through his catchy slogans like ‘Gotha Tena’ ‘Donjo’ and most recently, "Mapangale." While "Mapangale" has been met with both love and criticism, he emphasizes that he's simply an entertainer trying to make a living and that people shouldn't overanalyze his work.
Tell us about yourself and where your journey began
What most people don’t know is that I joined the industry as a recording artiste, which literally didn’t take off. After several office jobs, I met radio presenter Mbusi at Ghetto Radio and he was humble enough to offer me a Platform back in 2013, that’s when I started schooling and learning about the emceeing courtesy of Mbusi’s reggae shows.
How did you come up with comical emceeing?
I learned from the best. My dad really inspired my humour since he’s always been funny cracking us up. I later learned it better from Mbusi when he occasionally invited me to his reggae radio shows as a friend of the show. Junior Dready also played a vital role in shaping my craft.
What inspired you to create the Mapangale dance?
The slaying gimmick was originally done by Kinara wa Mathare. He called it Mashoka, and I re-packaged it to Mapangale from the legendare rhumba icon Sam Mapangala. I added a couple of moves and Mapangale dance came to life.
It has now become a big hit. How do you feel about people associating the dance with violence?
I don’t think I should be associated with that but I do understand because I’m not responsible for anyone’s reasoning. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions and so do I but this is just showbiz no violence.
What challenges did you face while bringing it to a broader audience?
I didn’t face any challenges bringing the Mapangale anthem to popularity only that I didn’t understand why executives like Ezekiel Mutua from MCSK who allegedly called me out and a few other individuals who ganged up on me. It was my first time to be cyber bullied. They reported my post on TikTok and it was muted.
Have you had offers from politicians?
As much as they are influential people in society, I really haven’t been keen to address that issue from that angle. I’ve never ever had any offer nor been in talks with any politician.
What is their reaction towards the song?
I know many politicians like to work with what is trending especially on social media to gain from clout or popular challenges so I know a lot love it and would love to feature and be associated with it. I allegedly heard they talked about mapangale in parliament but as long as it doesn’t touch on my craftt, I’m ok.
What determines how you come up with a slogan?
There are several factors that determine how an artiste creates but particularly, I dwell with the Deejay’s flow with his playlist which helps me with crowd engagement. Other factors are the place, the time and also the occasion.
Are you getting international offers for gigs and collaborations?
Yes, I am getting international offers from various places including deejays who would like me to custom coin for them certain slogans that are familiar with audiences. We’re still expanding our zones.
Your signature slogans have become iconic. How did that style develop, and how has it changed your career and day-to-day life?
All these slogans and dances are mostly from within various party goers sometimes depending on the region one frequents. Some are ghetto, some are uptown. I believe there is freedom of expression even in dance. There’s no wrong in dancing a particular move as long as it’s a dance. Some challenges begin with a slogan which transforms to a dance or vice versa . They have changed my life for a better person.
What makes a good hype man? What separates the greats from the rest?
Discipline is what differentiates all entertainers and more those who work at social establishments like clubs and entertainment circles.
Looking at the evolution of emceeing and hype men in the club scene, how do you think it has changed since you started?
It’s literally impossible to run a major gig or a big event without a DJ who is backed by a hype-man, even internationally. That justifies how the entertainment industry has evolved.
What advice would you give to aspiring artists or DJs who want to break into the industry?
They should first know that the industry is saturated and so with high demand you require high integrity. They should always stand out. work extra hours and be unique at all costs. Discipline is too.
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