Curtis Richardson is a globally respected producer, songwriter and AnR. Curtis is well educated and holds a journalism degree that has helped him with both his roles as a songwriter and AnR. He is a multi-platinum & grammy nominated star and has written and produced tracks for global superstars like Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna, David Guetta, Tiesto, John Legend and several others. Curtis is a NARAS voting member who has also won BMI and SOCAN awards. The man is the embodiment of globalism as he is also highly touted as a KPOP, JPOP and MANDOPOP creator. The interviewer, Charles Myambo can be found at @charlesmyambo on Instagram. Charles Myambo (CM) sits for a chat with Curtis Richardson (CR).
CM: Given your extensive experience in the music industry, how highly would you say you rate Zimbabwean music?
CR: Having written and produced so many genres in different parts of the globe, I am very intrigued by the art and culture expressed in Zimbabwe. My friend and colleague, Zimbabwe’s own Charles Myambo, has been so generous in exposing me to the incredible Zimbabwean talents that are emerging such as Anita Jaxson, Gemma Griffiths, Amara Brown, Enzo Ishall, Jah Prayzah, Winky D, Holy Ten, Nutty O, Pheelz, ExQ, and Jah Master to name a few. All of them possess such incredible qualities and original identities in their musical style and artistic display. I look forward to possibly collaborating with one or a few of them in the future. Wish them all the best as they forge forward to take over the world!
CM: What is one quality that stands out which you’d say you have noticed about Africans, especially Zimbabweans?
CR: What I noticed most about Zimbabwean artists is their ability to display the richness of their culture in their visuals and music. Zimbabwean artists are electric in frequency, vibrant in spirit and distant in rhythm, melody and tempo. I have worked in different parts of Africa before but Zimbabwe has its own distinction and I love that no matter the dialect, you can still feel the essence of the music through the infectious melodies, rhythm and beat. Major vibes!
CM: Anita Jaxson, Gemma Griffiths, Amara Brown, Enzo Ishall, Jah Prazah, Winky D , Holy Ten , Nutty O, Pheelz, ExQ, and Jah Master are among some of the very best artists in Zimbabwe and on the continent. Could you perhaps highlight if any of their tracks stood out to you and if so, why?
CR: I love all the artists mentioned in this question. I loved discovering their music respectively. Here is my list (in no particular order) Jah Prazah “Dangerous“, Anita Jaxson x 100 Flex “Love Me Now“, Gemma Griffiths “Don’t Worry“, Holy Ten “Gamu“, Enzo Ishall “Ehee“, Winky D “Happy Again” and Amara Brown “My Protector“, Nutty O “Shoulder“, Jah Master “America“, ExQ feat. Amara Brown “Try” and Pheelz “Finesse” are currently being rinsed on my Zimbabwean artist playlist. Each song has an infectious quality melodically and all have commercial potential. My ears are always geared towards catchy melodies and commercial appeal cause at the end of the day, that is what will propel an artist. Each artist I listed is extremely gifted and these are the songs from their catalogue that I am currently jamming to at the moment. I look forward to exploring the rest of their illustrious catalogue in the near future. Zimbabwe got “TALENT”.
Charles Myambo (@charlesmyambo on Instagram) is a multiple genre #1 Amazon bestselling author. In addition to that, Charles is an international celebrity host and interviewer. He has shared stages with names like Paul Davison, Tiffany Haddish and several other notable public figures. Some of his other credentials include Actuarial Science and Data Science. He also has a solid background in data analysis having worked for some of the biggest data science companies in Asia. Charles Myambo’s team is directly affiliated with a vast number of public figures worldwide such as Justin Bieber, James Worthy, J Cole, Curtis Richardson, DJ Khaled, Meek Mill, Usher, Natasha Graziano, Will Smith, Fabrice Muamba, Casper Walsh, Connor Mcgregor, Julian Brittano, Cardi B, Lil Uzi Vert, Jennifer Lopez, Oprah Winfrey, DJ Geez, Rihanna, Hofit Golan and many more.
In his most recent #1 bestselling book, Charles was a co-author for Naleighna Kai. The book is titled “Powerhouse Voices: Amazing Experiences on Clubhouse”. This book broke several records when it was first posted on Amazon by topping 3 separate best sellers categories in under 2 hours. Naleigha Kai who is a close associate of Charles was the primary author for the book. She is a USA Todays #1 best selling author and has been dominating the book industry for over 2 decades. The other notable co-author of the book was Natasha Graziano. She is the world’s #1 female motivational speaker under 40 years old according to Forbes magazine.
