Tocky Vibes

Tocky Vibes is a highly rated artist in the Zimbabwean music arena. He belongs to the fast growing Zim Dancehall music genre which has won considerable following especially from younger Zimbabweans. Tocky Vibes rose to fame with his hit song Amai which was liked by many for its unique lyrical content and this earned him a new name, Dancehall Priest. Tocky Vibes was born Obey Makamure on 29 November 1993 in Rugare Suburb, Harare. He began singing at a very young age where it all seemed like a joke until he released a single called "Tirikumhanya". He was moved to rural Masvingo where he had to make a living, as things were difficult for him. He returned to Harare in December 2012 and picked up where he left off, only to find that things were not so easy. Tocky Vibes then moved to Rusape where he found a job as a herd boy, and would later find that the amount of signing gigs increased for him in Harare and he'd travel frequently. Raised in the Rugare suburb of Harare, Tocky’s love for music began when he was still in his teens. It is this love which later on manifested and pushed him in to the recording studio. Since then, his unique voice and touching lyrics made his fame to rise. Tocky started recording music in 2009 and has produced a number of songs in form of singles and albums. Tocky’s lyrics are distinct from those of his fellows due to a commendable and credible level of maturity that he exhibits in his music. He stands as a beacon of light considering the level of maturity in his lyrics. In most of his songs, he appreciates the role of parenting figures, the importance of fidelity as well as the rewards of working hard. In his song titled “Shanda” Tocky deploys a unique artistic style in which he exhorts himself and other musicians to work hard in the industry despite various setbacks that they encounter. In one of his songs, he also talks about the HIV and AIDS pandemic. It goes without saying that one of the most adored songs, and perhaps his outstanding song in 2014 was “Amai”. The song “Mhai/Amai” (mother) was a dedication to his mother, or loosely to all the mothers, thanking them for their roles in the upbringing of children. January 2015, Tocky signed an endorsement deal with local cigarette manufacturer Savannah Tobacco. The signing of the deal was also testimony that Tocky Vibes had grown to become a household name such that companies wanted their brands to be associated with the artist. The deal was said to be the most lucrative in the land after it emerged that the deal was worth usd 200 000. Tongai Zvaravanhu, the chief operating officer of Savannah Tobacco, noted that although public opinion was initially skeptical whether Zimbabwe Dancehall would last, Tocky Vibes had been a revelation. He also heaped praise on the dancehall sensation pointing out that Tocky was a great poet of great maturity and strength, his vision and social commentary make him a voice of Zimbabwe's youth. We are proud to have him as our brand Ambassador. All I can say is ah ah ah ah ah hi hi hi... aenda nenyika The deal also included another prominent Zimbabwean musician Sulumani Chimbetu who was set to be the brand Ambassador for one of the products produced by Savannah Tobacco. Tocky Vibes was set to promote the Pacific Storm brand while Sulu would promote Pacific Breeze. As part of the deal, the artists would receive direct support, publicity and marketing, album launches and other materials. Tocky Vibes’ performances have been both local and international. The most notable include the Harare Agricultural Show in August 2014 where he performed alongside some of the established ZimDancehall artists such as Winky D, Killer T and Soul Jah Love. He also performed at the Lion Lager Beer Festival in October 2014 where he rubbed shoulders with some reggae icons from Jamaica. Tocky’s live performances have been outstanding however, some critiques have ridiculed the young artist’s artistic dressing especially during live shows. During the Lion Lager Beer Festival performance, Tocky went to stage dressed in traditional tweed which included a black garment which is associated with spirit mediums. Critiques commented that Tocky Vibes was desperately looking for attention through his Mbuya Nehanda dressing style. Tocky Vibes is one of the most talented musicians in Zimbabwe and his dressing is part of his unique creativity which has a credible bias towards the Indigenous African culture. He has also held very successful international shows in countries such as the United Kingdom where it was reported that people were turned away after the show had been sold away. Tocky's shows in Leicester and Luton were both said to have been sold out such that some revelers who had come to attend the show were turned away.

Tocky Vibes

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