Persistence pays off for TK Hollun

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South Africa-based Zimbabwean artiste TK Hollun’s (pictured) recently released album Blood Pressure seems to have put him in his rightful place as one of the sought-after musicians in South Africa where he is based.

By Style Reporter

South Africa-based Zimbabwean artiste TK Hollun’s (pictured) recently released album Blood Pressure seems to have put him in his rightful place as one of the sought-after musicians in South Africa where he is based.

Born Tendekayi Mushekwi, TK Hollun is one of the pioneers of urban grooves music and made his name with Ndafunga Kure, thanks to government’s deliberate policy of promoting local arts by enforcing a 75% threshold for broadcasting local content on national media.

However, with the demise of urban grooves coupled with the country’s harsh economic climate, in 2007 TK Hollun joined the “Great Trek” to South Africa where he was compelled to ditch his passion, music, and do menial jobs.

With his little savings, he attempted several comebacks, which all hit a brick wall as urban grooves music had gone into the abyss.

However, his efforts came to fruition when he set up a recording studio, Shakestone Records, in Durban, which was meant to promote artistes from Zimbabwe.

He even invited local artistes to his South African base in Durban with the aim of resuscitating urban grooves music.

His breakthrough was the release of his sixth album Blood Pressure, which hit the streets late last year. And since the release of the 12-track album TK Hollun seems to have regained his touch.

“I have been away from the music limelight for a long time, but the album Blood Pressure has brought back the vibe that most my fans missed in my previous projects,” TK Hollun said.

“It had been a challenge for me to have the album reach out to my fans, but I think I am doing everything possible to have my music in each fan’s home.”

TK Hollun said since the album launch he is getting invitations to perform at shows in South Africa, with some offers coming from Zimbabwe.

“It has been a wonderful journey since the day I released the album. I am now doing live shows here in South Africa,” he said.

“I went to Johannesburg and held a show with Zimdancehall artiste Bazooka. We also did another show together in Durban, that is last month.

“Last weekend I also shared the stage with Trevor Dongo and I will be performing with Killer T this month. There are chances that I might be part of supporting acts for Freeman at a show here at the end of the month.

“More and more endorsements are coming so are collaborations.”

Formerly of the group TBI in Zimbabwe, TK Hollun said he was hopeful that this year he would perform on Zimbabwean soil.

“It’s something that I am planning. I am longing to reunite with my old friends in Zimbabwe and do a gig in most cities there,” he said.