The ManicaPost
Liberty Dube
Entertainment Correspondent
JUST like the late legendary American rapper and actor, Tupac Shakur, Maximillian Tsau’s biggest battle in life was sometimes with himself.
He wanted much more of himself and he wanted the rap music movement to soar high.
Popularly known as NME, the late Mutare-born hip-hop star was one of best talents to be produced in the city.
He can be safely described as a torch-bearer of the rap and hip-hop movement after he led the way and rubbed shoulders with urban grooves pioneers Delani Makhalima, Dino Mudondo, Willom Tight, Jamal, Rockford ‘Roki’ Josphats, Leonard Mapfumo, Enock ‘Exq’ Munhenga, Project Fame, Roy and Royce.
His contribution to the hip-hop genre saw the shrewd lyricist and rapper being inducted into the Zimbabwe Hip Hop Hall of Fame.
He was born and bred in Dangamvura’s P-Section and rap music was in his DNA.
One of NME’s first compositions in the early 2000 was the song “Chenge” which became an instant hit before he partnered the indomitable twins, Roy and Royce, on “Chimoko”.
He went on to release another chartbuster, “Ngaibake”, which featured Roki.
Weekender Entertainment also understands that the rapper left behind an unreleased album, “Shangu Dzangu”, which comprise songs such as the title track, “Shangu Dzangu” and “Usadaro”, among many others.
Songs such as “Chimoko” and “Chenge” which was a dedication to his childhood girlfriend are still popular among old school music lovers and specialist deejays.
“His passion for music was out of this world. You would find him with a lot of written songs on pieces of paper, singing them,” said NME’s cousin, Leader Trust Tsau, in an interview early this week.
“Sometimes I would reach home and see him practising on his vocals and instruments. He was also passionate about nurturing young artistes and I remember at one time he was called to be an adjudicator at a talent show at Mutare Hall (formerly Mutare Queens Hall),” said Leader.
However, NME’s colourful musical story was cut short following his death in 2008.
The tear-jerking news of his untimely death shocked many after he allegedly committed suicide.
Many theories surround his unfortunate departure from his musical home ground — the earth.
lt is said NME took his own life after he allegedly found his wife in a compromising position with another man.
“We really don’t know whether he took his life or he was poisoned, but from the information we gathered from various sources and what he told us before his untimely departure, he was having marital problems with his wife,” said Leader.
While his life ended at just 29, his legacy lives on.
