DECIBEL
Crowned King of Zimbabwe’s Urban Grooves – with a Reggae flavor. He is Zimbabwe’s answer to dancehall music!!
Born Daniel Mazhandu, in the Midlands mining town of Shurugwi, Decibel as he is better known, says he sang on the day he was born.“I did my first song on the day I was born. I am told it was like a shrieking scream. Guess I wasn’t that good yet,†he says.
Decibel grew up in an average working class family, which saw him go through high school and then university where he majored and graduated in Biochemistry. His musical career started at high school where he did a few performances on variety shows, and won a few prizes. At that time, it was nothing to write home about, but that was soon to change.
“My first serious attempt was when I was at university in 2000 where I sang as a session musician/ backing vocalist for a Bulawayo reggae band called Motsi Uruka," he remembers.
When he graduated in 2002, Decibel did not need much convincing that he should take up music seriously. Armed only with a demo CD made at the cheapest downtown studio, it was not long before he was signed up by Galaxy records – a then recording powerhouse. At this studio, Decibel recorded his debut - Nakai.
“My next project was What Kind of World (2004). This was done at Country Boy Records as Galaxy had since liquidated. This album went on to be the bestselling at Country Boy Records and still is to date," said Decibel.The one video from this album Madhara also topped the charts for more than eight weeks it sparked controversy over its lyrical content - newzimbabwe.com
Decibel is currently working on a new project and even YOU can have prewiews on his live shows. Watch the space for details