Maskiri: The Rapper Our Mothers Told Us Not To Listen To

There was always one artist when I was growing up, whom you had to listen to alone if it were your first time getting his album, because you couldn’t anticipate what he was going to say.

Then you would select the tracks that needed earphones and the ones you could listen to when your parents were away.

It can only be one guy.

One name that stands out as both legendary and polarizing—Maskiri.

Born Alishias Musimbe, Maskiri is one of the most influential rappers the country has ever produced.

”Tateguru” as many staunche fans choose to call him has been in a rollercoaster of groundbreaking success since the early 2000's. I remember listening to his first album when I was in Form 2. - This was the era of Munetsi, Leonard Mapfumo, Action Jackson, David Chifunyisa, and XQ.

It was his shock-value, provocative lyrics that made him easily talked about, thus cementing his place as a trailblazer in the genre. Our parents told us not to listen to him. You had to keep his cassette in a secret stache so that your mother wouldn’t find it and shred it to pieces.

He was criticized by guests on “Mai Chisamba Show”' often. Elder Machando looking, bald headed men and ruwadzana women, lamenting, “Nyika yashanduka!”'

Yet young people embraced him. See, here was the thing. Whether you admired him for his lyricism or criticized him for his unfiltered approach, one thing is certain: Maskiri changed the game forever.

The early 2000’s were different. There was no social media, less options of monetization. It was bed-room studios with cracked versions of Cu Base and FL Studio.

That’s why recognize Maskiri as one of the pioneers of urban grooves and hip-hop fusion in Zimbabwe, earning comparisons to Eminem for his provocative style. His hit songs, including “Wenera,” “Madam Mombeshora,” and “Zverudo,” have become cultural anthems.

Of course with many elders critical of his work he didn’t get recognized fairly on big platforms yet his contribution to Zimbabwean music is undeniable.

As we became less conservative he received a handful of local music awards and nominations but it was after his prime. It doesn’t take away from his ability to stay relevant for over two decades being an achievement on its own.

Many people that were given accollades he otherwise deserved have since faded into the abyss.

The more he was banned the more he influenced a new style, a new generation of artists, and that is a fact!

A master-class on controversy

Maskiri was trolling before the word was invented and is still a troll. Yanking our ties for public outrage, diabolically defiant bars, even leading to rumoured bans on radio stations. Yet surviving in a world where there was no Spotify, Soundcloud or TikTok.

His biography is more a master-class on how trolling, wit, and controversy are efficient in cementing domination in entertainment period.

One of the biggest controversies linked to Maskiri was his reference to the Tapiwa Makore being beheaded.

”Handina Musoro sa Tapiwa Makore”"

The public had mixed reactions—some felt it was insensitive, while others believed it was genius commentary on societal violence.

He later clarified in a Power FM interview that it was a double entendre. See person who beheaded Tapiwa Makore, was an uncle of his with the same name. - So Maskiri defended himself by saying the line was referring to the uncle.

He can make a good lawyer! - A lawyer with loyalists. That rhymes.

His album Blue Movie was rumored to have been banned from national radio, yet it reportedly outsold many records on the black market, proving that censorship only fueled curiosity and demand.

Now no one really can quantify alleged figures but if you lived in my day it was clear that it had spread faster H.I.V on a mining compound in Zvishavane.

Spread… faster than a hookers legs, after seeing a soldier on November 17.

Faster than it took Dr. Amai to do a PhD…

Okay that’s enough.

He really lived it, with publicized altercations, including the widely discussed incident where he allegedly jumped from a building while trying to escape an angry lover’s husband. While such stories have added to his notoriety, they have also fueled the perception that Maskiri is the ‘bad boy’ of Zimbabwean hip-hop—an image that he has often embraced.

Success: The Streets’ Poet

What makes Maskiri stand out is his ability to resonate with the struggles of everyday Zimbabweans. He has never shied away from discussing social issues, from economic hardships to relationships and the realities of the ghetto. His wordplay, humor, and raw storytelling have endeared him to fans who see him as the voice of the streets.

Unlike some artists who pivot towards commercial appeal, Maskiri has remained unapologetically authentic. His influence can be seen in newer artists who embrace vernacular rap, fearless storytelling, and a disregard for industry norms. His DIY approach to music—pushing through despite industry challenges—has shown many up-and-coming rappers that success is possible without corporate backing.

Shaping Zimbabwean Hip-Hop

Before Maskiri, Zimbabwean hip-hop was struggling to find its own identity, often mimicking American sounds. His work helped localize the genre, proving that hip-hop could thrive in Shona and street lingo while still being relatable. He paved the way for artists like Ti Gonzi, Holy Ten, Noble Stylz, Nasty Trix, R.Peels and many others who now dominate the scene with their own interpretations of local rap.

Maskiri’s boldness in challenging societal norms and addressing taboo subjects set a precedent. He made it acceptable for hip-hop to be rebellious, thought-provoking, and, most importantly, uniquely Zimbabwean. His ability to merge rap with elements of sungura, dancehall, and urban grooves also contributed to the genre’s mainstream acceptance.

He further cemented his place in pop culture by appearing in the Simuka Comedy Roast, where his sharp wit and humor were on full display. His new music remains as scathing as ever, proving that he still has the lyrical prowess to shake up the industry and stir debate.

A Living Legend

Love him or hate him, Maskiri’s influence on Zimbabwean hip-hop is undeniable. He remains one of the most impactful rappers the country has ever seen, continuously shaping the culture through his music and persona. While controversy has been his companion, it has also been his marketing strategy, keeping him in the public eye and reinforcing his ‘bad boy’ image.

As Zimbabwean hip-hop continues to evolve, it owes much of its identity to the foundations laid by Maskiri. He dared to be different, and in doing so, he gave Zimbabwean rap a voice that refuses to be ignored. His story is one of resilience, defiance, and an unrelenting passion for hip-hop—traits that will forever make him a legend in the game.