In a sad development, Zimbabweans woke up to the news that highly talented musician and award-winning rapper Cal Vin, real name Mgcini Calvin Nhliziyo, has died. That Luveve Boy, as Cal Vin was affectionately known was 35-years-old.
The local hip hop artiste was raised in Bulawayo’s high-density suburb of Luveve where he was introduced to the rap and hip hop world in the late 90s. Cal_Vin said that he was heavily influenced by iconic musicians like Michael Jackson, Tupac, Oliver Mtukudzi and Jay Z.
He recorded his very first studio trackback in 2003. By 2004, he was producing his own beats. However, his music was underappreciated at the time and he only hit the mainstream and achieved popular acclaim in 2014 with his breakthrough blockbuster EP, Dat Luveve Boy.
The wildly popular track Zkhuphan was so good that it attracted the attention of South African rap king Cassper Nyovest who publicly endorsed his approval of the track and collaborated with Cal_Vin on a remix of the song for the South African market.
Some of the awards that Cal Vin has won include,
Album of the Year for Year of the Vin, Zim Hip Hop Awards 2015
Best Male Artist, Zim Hip Hop Awards 2015
Song Of the year for Z’khupan, Zim Hip Hop Awards 2015
At the time of publishing, we were still to confirm the cause of death for the talented musician.
Condolence messages have been flowing on social media as people mourn Cal Vin. Below are just some of the messages.
Rest In Peace Mgcini Calvin Nhliziyo!
We were waiting for that album.
Go well that Luveve Boy
It is another dark day for the arts in #Zimbabwe pic.twitter.com/L1wVxsTX38— National Arts Merit Awards (@namaszim) October 25, 2020
I have so many dope memories working with Calvin. He was brilliant. Prolific. Talented. Hard working. I mourn a legend, a father and a son. pic.twitter.com/4fj9mukxQC
— Kuda Vendor in Chief 🇿🇼 (@begottensun) October 25, 2020
