Emerging Zimbabwean Afro-pop singer Simbarashe Shumba, popularly known as Skiezy, used music and storytelling to celebrate mothers during the launch of his new live acoustic platform, Tuned In With Skiezy, held at The Little Farm in Harare on Saturday.
Unlike the usual high-energy club performances associated with many local music events, the debut show focused on creating a calm and intimate atmosphere, with mothers taking centre stage as special guests during the Mother’s Day weekend performance.
Backed by live instrumentation and acoustic arrangements, Skiezy delivered a soulful set featuring songs from his debut EP *Tapi Tapi*, while also previewing unreleased material that included upcoming singles “Simba” and “Remember.”
The singer said the concept behind the show was to allow audiences to connect more deeply with the emotions and stories behind his music rather than simply focusing on entertainment.
“This platform is about bringing people closer to the music in a relaxed environment where they can actually feel the message behind every song,” he said during the event.
The performance marked a significant step for the rising artiste, who is gradually carving a niche within Zimbabwe’s contemporary Afro-pop and R&B scene through acoustic sounds and relatable storytelling.
Beyond the music, Skiezy also spoke candidly about the challenges of balancing his growing entertainment career with academics. The musician is currently pursuing a master’s degree in construction project management while simultaneously building his profile in the music industry.
Asked how he manages the pressures of both worlds, the artiste admitted there was no strict formula behind it.
“It just works out somehow,” he said jokingly.
The launch of *Tuned In With Skiezy* comes at a time when more local musicians are exploring smaller, experience-driven performances that prioritize audience interaction and live instrumentation over large-scale concerts.
Music fans who attended the event described the performance as refreshing, citing the stripped-down acoustic setup and personal engagement as standout features of the evening.
Organisers say more editions of the live session are already being planned, with additional collaborations and new music expected in the coming months as Skiezy continues to grow his presence in Zimbabwe’s music industry.
