Story by Patience Nyagato
ZIMBABWEAN pop-reggae artist Aisha Dawn is proudly representing the country in Timbaland’s Timbo Ido Global Search Contest, a high-profile international talent programme aimed at selecting five emerging artists to feature on the Grammy-winning producer’s forthcoming album.
Born Tanya Nhara, Aisha is the daughter of Zimbabwean reggae icon Man Soul Jah, and now finds herself in the global spotlight as she competes for a life-changing opportunity in the music industry.
“So the contest was a global competition that was calling upon artists from all genres across the globe. I entered as a Zimbabwean pop reggae artist entering a song called Living It Up,” the pop-reggae artist said.
“The competition has eight rounds and I am currently in the first round where I am number one in my group. This was activated by public voting. People voted and they are still voting helping me make this dream of winning this competition come through.
“Winning will mean that my career as a musician will be elevated to the next level, to levels that I cannot even imagine myself right now. This means that I get to travel and have a one-on-one session with the great Timberland, studio session and I will also get to perform at Timberland’s exclusive event at a destination that they have not disclosed yet. So basically this is going to change the game for me and I hope for many other Zimbabwean musicians also as I want to show what Zimbabwean music is all about, what we mean when we are talking about Zimbabwe.
“People can vote for me, that is how Zimbabweans can help me win this because this competition, for the most rounds, is based on public voting. They will have to go to my Instagram pages, my social media pages that is, Facebook and Instagram. This is where they will get to see my link to the voting portal and it will lead them directly to voting for me.
“On Instagram, my handle is imishadon. H-A-D-A-W-N, and on Facebook, it is Aisha Don Nara so let’s bring this to Zimbabwe. Let us elevate the music scene for Zimbabwe. I believe that winning this is just going to be a game changer altogether. Putting Zimbabwe on the map. Putting Zimbabwe music on the map. So I look forward to winning this competition,” she said.
Aisha, who featured Nutty O on their song ‘Careless’ and has other songs in which she fuses pop and reggae has hopes of putting Zimbabwe on the world map.
First-round results for the contest are expected to be released this Thursday.
Zimbabweans can boost her chances to become part of the final five by voting online.
