Contrary to widespread speculation that Takura Zimbabwean award-winning hip hop artist Takura rebranded himself as Shona Prince to escape a problematic distribution deal, his manager, Tafadzwa Mangondoza, has dismissed such reports as unfounded. Speaking to Nehanda Radio, Tafadzwa was clear that Takura has neither signed any questionable contracts nor changed his artistic identity.
“No, he did not sign such a contract, and he did not rebrand,” Tafadzwa insisted, addressing swirling rumors that had gained traction on social media and entertainment forums. The clarification comes amid persistent chatter suggesting that Takura, widely known as “The Shona Prince,” had shifted his professional identity to navigate a failed deal with a Nigerian distribution company. Some reports even claimed that Takura had joined a group of Zimbabwean artists who allegedly fell out with the foreign distributor, leading to contractual complications.
Tafadzwa also weighed in on another matter that had caused confusion among fans — the identity of the individual featured in the viral “Pote” video and the role of Learn Shona, a music producer associated with the project. “Learn Shona is real, but he is not the guy people see in the video. He is a producer. The other guy in question is just someone else,” Tafadzwa explained, clarifying that misidentifications had fueled further speculation about Takura’s supposed rebranding.
The persistent rumors have highlighted how quickly misinformation can spread in Zimbabwe’s entertainment circles. For fans and industry watchers, Takura’s association with the Shona Prince persona has always been a key part of his artistic identity rather than a business maneuver. His management maintains that any claims suggesting otherwise are simply “fake news.”
Takura’s Team Denies Rebranding Rumours Following Alleged Name Change to “Shona Prince
Takura, born on October 30, 1988, in Masvingo, has built a distinctive presence in Zimbabwe’s contemporary music scene. His musical journey began in earnest at Mutendi High School, where his interest in performance and songwriting first emerged. Early on, he co-founded the duo Soul Afrika, which gained national recognition and laid the groundwork for his solo career. Over the years, he has developed a versatile sound that blends hip-hop, trap, Afro-pop, and reggae, appealing to a wide audience both locally and internationally.
Some of his most notable tracks, including “Zino Irema” and “MaObama,” have cemented his status as a household name. These songs, celebrated for their lyrical depth and contemporary beats, showcase his ability to fuse traditional Zimbabwean themes with modern global music trends. His talent has not gone unnoticed; Takura has earned numerous awards for his contributions to Zimbabwean music and has performed on stages across Africa and beyond, reinforcing his reputation as a leading figure in the industry.
The claims linking Takura to contractual disputes highlight a recurring issue within the Zimbabwean music industry — the susceptibility of artists to rumors surrounding distribution deals and international collaborations. While some musicians have faced genuine challenges with foreign distributors, Takura’s team emphasizes that he has navigated his career carefully, ensuring that his brand and contracts remain intact.
Beyond the music, Takura’s identity as “The Shona Prince” resonates with fans because it celebrates his roots while bridging contemporary sounds with cultural authenticity. This persona is not a legal or contractual strategy; rather, it reflects his commitment to promoting Zimbabwean heritage through music while remaining a relevant and innovative artist in an evolving industry.
Management sources reiterate that Takura remains focused on producing quality music and engaging with his fan base, rather than being distracted by unverified stories. Tafadzwa Mangondoza concluded by urging the public and media to verify information before sharing it, stressing that false narratives can harm both artists’ reputations and the wider creative ecosystem.
As the discussion around Takura’s supposed rebranding fades, it is clear that his musical achievements, including awards, international performances, and chart-topping hits, remain the defining aspects of his career. Far from being derailed by contractual speculation, Takura continues to consolidate his position as one of Zimbabwe’s most influential and innovative music artists, blending modern genres with culturally resonant storytelling to capture audiences at home and abroad.
Source- Nehandaradio
