I first bumped into a certain emcees work via a certain post where he stood next to Noble Stylz and spat some real gems. Once I did a subpoena to find his songs I found songs like, ‘‘Usanditsvake Pa Den”, which my nephew enjoyed so much.
The video is below: (Click the link here if its not opening here)
Tinotenda Devine Chidewu, widely known as Tidech, (which clearly is made up of the first syllables of his first, middle and last name) is making waves in Zimbabwe’s hip-hop scene with his raw storytelling, clever lyricism, and undeniable work ethic. I mean you can always tell who is who by how creative they are in naming themselves.
Born on April 14, 1996, in Harare, Tidech has steadily built a reputation as a force to be reckoned with, carving out a niche that blends local experiences with global influences.
According to him, his passion for hip-hop was ignited after listening to T.I.’s Paper Trail and J. Cole’s 2014 Forest Hills Drive.
The storytelling prowess of these artists shaped his approach to music, pushing him to express his reality through intricate wordplay and hard-hitting beats. Locally, he found inspiration in Noble Styles, a key figure in Zimbabwean hip-hop, who reinforced the importance of rapping in vernacular and staying true to one’s roots.
With time, Tidech refined his artistry, culminating in the release of his critically acclaimed album Pray 4 Me, Or Else... in late 2024. The project showcases his versatility, featuring standout tracks like Simba’s Outro, Ghetto, and Nyaka-Nyaka featuring Dingo Duke. His ability to blend introspection with high-energy delivery has solidified his presence in the ever-evolving Zimbabwean music landscape.
Tidech's creative process thrives on spontaneity, and this was evident in the making of Mary Jane, his collaboration with “Godo’’.
Oh we hadn’t introduced Godo, had we. - That’s just his alter ego…
While searching for beats for an upcoming EP with Sensei Jay, Tidech stumbled upon an instrumental by Savagie Beats. Inspired immediately, he started writing on the spot, crafting a song that encapsulates the need to unwind after a long day’s hustle.
Unlike Godo’s usual alcohol-themed records, Mary Jane took a different approach—focusing on marijuana as a widely accepted, albeit controversial, form of relaxation in many communities. The recording process was equally dynamic. Tidech recorded his vocals at DJ Tornex Studio in South Africa, engineered by Shaps Shereni, before sending them to Boy Tricky at Roman Rap Studios in Harare for mixing and mastering.
The accompanying music video, directed by Mandixy Pictures, added a surreal touch to the track. The visuals depict Tidech in a dream state, indulging in fun with his friends until he is abruptly woken up by his sister, bringing him back to reality. The video perfectly complements the laid-back yet thought-provoking essence of the song.
Tidech’s music is available on platforms like Apple Music and YouTube, where fans continue to engage with his latest projects. His dedication to pushing Zimbabwean hip-hop forward is evident in both his lyrical depth and his strategic collaborations. With an ever-growing catalogue and an unrelenting passion for the craft, Tidech is undoubtedly one of the most exciting voices in Zimbabwean hip-hop today.
As he continues to refine his artistry and expand his reach, one thing is certain: Tidech is not just making music—he’s telling stories that matter.
Below we have embedded the album Pray 4 Me Or Else from Spotify. Consider subscribing to our growing platform.