After sheer determination and hard work, multi-talented actor and musician Fillemon Stephanus, also known as Mabuzza, will be celebrating 12 years in the music industry tomorrow.
He will be captivating his fans with a celebratory concert at Chicago’s with fellow musicians. He told VIBEZ! it has always been on his mind to do something extraordinary after so many years of putting in the work.
“It is something that has been on my mind for quite a while. Just that at the time, I didn’t have a team or people who would help me make it a reality. Especially for unsigned artists, it’s all up to us to make things happen. Luckily, in 2023, I met a lady who knew and loved my work. We spoke; she saw potential and she took over the Mabuzza brand and cleaned it up. Now, we are here – 12 Years in the Game Music Concert and more work to be released before the end of 2023,” he explained.
As the new generation is preparing to take centre stage and the older mentors are shaping them up, Mabuzza thinks it is time they get to hog the headlines too.
“A lot has changed; we don’t see the same two names on the lineups that much anymore. I guess show makers have seen the purpose in a lot of artists – not just the regular anymore. Yeah, the new age has come with the heat, and it keeps us on our feet to put in more work because the sound has changed – and it is needed.”
The musician/actor has not had an easy ride after releasing albums and appearing in three movies so far, but this has not deterred him from making it through this cutthroat industry.
“It has been a tough 12 years of ups and downs – but luckily, I’m born with the heart of a lion to have stood for all the disappointments and achievements on my own without a record deal or sponsorships by any company. I have done all of this on my own,” he confessed.
In the interim, Mabuzza will be releasing two singles soon, and he deemed it a surprise before the end of the year.
The 12-year celebration show will have acts like Sunny Boy, Exit, Spuzza, DJ Roxxy, DJ Rose and Manxebe Sesfikile – just to mention a few.
“This will be one of the most successful events that will showcase all my success and achievements. Please get yourself a ticket for N$40 at Pick n Pay. Entrance at the gate will be N$80 and VIP N$150 to chill and take pictures with the big boys. Let’s make history together. Chicago’s, it’s on,” he said.
- slunyangwe@nepc.com.na