Hamisi Gift Musitwa (born March 2, 1999), known professionally as Volvexz Shawa, is a Kenyan rapper and songwriter. His music primarily addresses social issues, often reflecting his personal life experiences and the challenges he has faced. Volvexz Shawa is known for his storytelling rap style, particularly touching on sensitive topics such as drug abuse and HIV/AIDS.[1]
Volvexzshawa | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Hamisi Gift Musitwa |
| Born | 2 March 1999 Nyamira, Kisii County, Kenya. |
| Genres | Hip hop, Afropop |
| Occupations |
|
| Instrument | Vocals |
| Years active | 2018–present |
| Labels | Blessed Hands Records |
Early life and career beginnings
editBorn in Kenya, Volvexz, Shawa grew up in a challenging environment that greatly influenced his music. His early work often draws from the social struggles faced by many young Kenyans, including poverty, addiction, and the fight for survival. He started writing music at a young age, using it as a platform to express his thoughts and emotions.[2]
In 2017, Volvexz Shawa achieved widespread recognition with the release of his singles "Am on My Way" and "Regrets". These songs stand out for their lyrics, in which he adopts the perspective of youths who have fallen victim to drug abuse, leading to their infection with HIV/AIDS. These tracks resonated with a large audience due to their raw depiction of the struggles faced by many in Kenyan society, and helped cement his reputation as an artist unafraid to tackle difficult subjects.[3]
Career challenges and personal struggles
editDespite his rising fame, Volvexz Shawa's career faced a major setback when he experienced a fallout with his record label.[4] Around the same time, he faced a personal tragedy when his father died due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These events deeply affected him, leading to a temporary hiatus from music as he sought to cope with the loss and reassess his career direction.[5][6]
During this period, Volvexz Shawa took a step back from the spotlight to focus on his personal growth and healing.The Star Newspaper His break from the music scene allowed him to reflect on his journey and redefine his artistic vision.[7]
References
edit- ^ Osoro, William (2024-04-03). ""Painful": Rapper recounts label pulling down his songs amid dad's death". Tuko.co.ke - Kenya news. Retrieved 2024-10-16.
- ^ "Why Volvexzshawa Decided to Step Back from the Rap Industry". Capital News. 2023-12-30. Retrieved 2024-10-16.
- ^ Robi, Amos (2023-02-04). "US-based Kenyan rapper Volvexzshawa drops much-anticipated album 'Focus'". Pulselive Kenya. Retrieved 2024-10-16.
- ^ "Navigating the Music Industry: Volvexzshawa's Journey and Lessons for Aspiring Artists". The Bongo. Retrieved 2024-10-16.
- ^ "Volvexzshawa: Bouncing back from a difficult musical hiatus". Citizen Digital. 2024-03-03. Retrieved 2024-10-16.
- ^ Onikoyi, Ayo (February 18, 2024). "How Kenya rapper, Volvexzshawa bounced back after record label betrayal".
- ^ Osoro, William (2024-04-03). ""Painful": Rapper recounts label pulling down his songs amid dad's death". Tuko.co.ke - Kenya news. Retrieved 2024-10-16.