Digging up an unpleasant past is something many would not dare to do, but gospel rapper Joseph “G-Joza” Pilime is up for it, with his dramatic past being the inspiration behind his latest album titled, Now or Never.
By Kennedy Nyavaya
The 15-track album, which is set for release on June 11, was produced by Courtney Antipas and features Flabbz, Minister Wadiwa, Rumbi, Sasha as well as radio personality DJ BK on some of the songs.
In an interview with The Standard Style, G-Joza said the offering was a reflection of his repellent past of gangsterdom, which he believes will instill a better conscience among those that will listen to it.
“We have made Now or Never so that I can give young people hope through my personal testimonies and my experience as someone who was once a bad guy, a gangster,” he said.
“So I have revealed my scars in the album, knowing that many people will be healed by my scars.” G-Joza also explained how he had to rewrite the songs after losing recordings in a road accident last year.
Having grown up in an environment characterised by abuse and discrimination, the upcoming rapper — who recently released a track Copa Cabana that tackles the issue of false prophets — said the songs would resonate with many, ensuring that they let go of life’s calamities.
Whereas hip-hop culture may be viewed as an unusual medium for sending positive messages, G-Joza believes the art can be used to express uncontaminated lyrics.
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“We are tired of music that is killing the minds of the future leaders, portraying women as sex objects and drugs as a cool thing. It is time to act now or never for what we believe in,” G-Joza said.
“This is a different album because it gives people hope and it is a sound that is there to remind our youth that our home is not on this earth.”
His album launch will be followed by a series of tours in the capital where he will take to the stage in Glen View, Dzivarasekwa, Borrowdale and Chitungwiza, among other suburbs. Meanwhile, in a feat to counter his past endeavours G-Joza has partnered other youths in a Christian movement named Switch (Salvation Worship Inspiration Truth Change into Holiness) to help converted young artists in their Christian journey.
