HARARE - He is barely 12-years-old yet Munashe Tanjani, better known as Spiderman, has shared the stage with international dancehall stars like Capleton, Agent Sasco, Mr Vegas and Mavado.

Zimbabwe’s youngest dancehall star was part of the supporting artistes and bands when the four internationally recognised Jamaican stars performed in Zimbabwe last year.

For a boy so young to achieve such a feat in the tough Zimbabwean music industry where most artistes struggle to have their music played on local radio let alone get space on gigs arranged by local promoters, is remarkable.

“When Mavado came last year he was so amazed that a young boy like me could entertain such a huge crowd”, said Spiderman who has just begun Form One at Mt Pleasant High School.

“Mavado left me a wrist watch in appreciation of my work. I used to be known as “Babylon” when I entered the music game in 2011 but that name was changed to “Spiderman” by Mr Vegas and it has remained my identity until now”.

Music has taken the young chanter as far as Chipinge and Gutu where he performed during music galas and also in Chegutu where he rocked Savannah Trust Concert.

Despite his tender age, his talent has earned him the respect of senior dancehall stars that are always ready to help him become the superstar, that many are sure he will become.

“When we do shows, veteran dancehall artistes just treat me like every other artiste and we have good relations. I actually feel honoured to share the stage with people I used to look up to,” he said.

Munashe writes his songs with the help of his father George “Jiggaz” Tanjani who is also a popular dancehall artiste.

“We do collaborative work when it comes to writing music. Sometimes I write by myself but always I let my dad check on the lyrical content before I go into the studio to record.

 “I have done 11 singles which include the tracks Nguva Yechikoro, I took A Break, Spiderman Christmas, Zamanishoni and Zvanga Zvakaoma and most of them revolve around my experiences at school,” said a confident Munashe.

Munashe, who started singing at the tender age of five and learnt from watching his father rehearse, is riding high on Star FM with his track Ndinowachisa.

The song is currently sitting on position five on the Top 10 Dancehall segment presented by Templeman and Garry B.

The young artiste believes relying on music alone will be foolhardy.

 “I would like to be a pilot someday and I believe that dream will materialise because I am very good with science subjects.

“I do not want to rely on music alone, because at this age I have already realised it doesn’t really pay.
 
“I usually spend my weekends studying and only go into the studio to record when there is not much school work to do.

“When I was writing my Grade Seven examinations, I actually had to take a break from music to concentrate on my studies,” said Munashe. - Tarisai Machakaire