Story by Patience Nyagato
SOUTH African-based Zimbabwean music producer, Mr Brown, is breaking new ground after sealing a collaboration deal with American singer Lady Gaga.
Born Lynol Siwela and known in the music industry as Mr Brown, the South African-based singer-cum-producer is basking in a wave of success after banging another deal to work with Lady Gaga.
This comes a few months after Mr Brown worked with another renowned musician Akon.
“I am currently doing a project with Lady Gaga. We are still finalising when the song will be released and other things but we have started putting in the work,” he said.
Mr Brown, who is famed for working with South African musicians such as Makhadzi and Master KG, highlighted the importance of learning the ropes from established artists.
“One way to grow is to allow yourself to learn from others. You need to engage with others and learn from what they are doing. That is how you grow.”
Mr Brown also had a word or two for local artists who intend to grow beyond the country’s borders.
“One way to break the borders is simplicity. I tell you most of the Zimbabwean songs that are popular in SA are simple. Most lyricists don’t make money but if you make it simple it is easy for people to like your music. Mark Ngwazi trended and Jah Prayzah’s “Dangerous” is now well known and they are songs with simple language that anyone can sing even without understanding what you mean. “Todii” by Tuku is another perfect example,” he said.
Mr Brown has been part of popular hits such as Makhadzi’s “Magear’ and “Murahu”, Master KG’s “Skeleton Move” as well as Roki’s “Screenshot” among other popular songs.
He also bagged an All Africa Music Awards (Afrima) award for his song with Makhadzi among other accolades.
