Paintafresco

Paintafresco is a Zimbabwean rapper, singer/songwriter, actor, and executive producer whose work has earned major national recognition across music, theatre, and live performance. In 2025, he won Verse of the Year at the Zim Hip Hop Awards, following three nominations in the same year (Best Live Act, Best Alternative Artist, and Verse of the Year). He was also nominated for Best Newcomer at the 2024 Zim Hip Hop Awards. His single 'Dance 2 This' received more than 570 radio plays in 2025, confirming strong national airplay and audience reach. In theatre, he won Best Supporting Actor at the Reps AFDIS Awards in 2025 (for work performed during the 2024 season), solidifying his standing as a multidisciplinary performer.

A graduate of the Music Connects Africa (MCA) programme - supported by the British Council and the Swiss Embassy in Zimbabwe - Paintafresco has emerged as one of the programme’s most impactful alumni. He was one of only four artists selected from a cohort of 50 to perform at the Music Connects Africa Showcase, highlighting both his artistic distinction and live performance strength. He was also a standout contributor to the Music Connects “8 Piece Combo” album, appearing on 4 of the 8 tracks, the highest number by any artist on the project. His output within the programme demonstrated consistent excellence, discipline, and creative leadership, positioning him as a leading voice in Zimbabwe’s alternative and experimental hip-hop space.

Paintafresco further expanded his national and continental presence through Shoko Festival, one of Africa’s most influential urban culture festivals, where he performed and featured prominently on Mashoko Tapes Vol. 2. He appeared on 7 of the album’s 13 tracks, again making him the most featured artist on the project. His live performance credentials were further demonstrated with a performance at the Zim Hip Hop Awards on 12 December 2025, reinforcing his nomination for Best Live Act and reputation as a compelling stage performer.

With over 20 years of performance experience, having begun in music and theatre at the age of five, Paintafresco combines artistic depth with industry professionalism. He has worked with Almasi Collaborative Arts, owned by internationally acclaimed actress and playwright Danai Gurira - best known for her role as Okoye in Marvel’s Black Panther and as a lead in The Walking Dead - on the critically acclaimed play Family Riots. He is a familiar presence on Reps Theatre stages and appears in Zimbabwean television productions. Musically, he has released two EPs - Brush Strokes (2020) and R.I.P. Meant to Be (2022) - alongside a consistent catalogue of singles and collaborations available across all digital platforms. With award recognition, strong radio support, and high-profile festival and showcase appearances, Paintafresco stands as one of Zimbabwe’s most versatile and forward-moving contemporary artists.

Paintafresco’s career is further anchored by extensive live performance experience alongside some of Africa’s most respected artists. He has shared stages with Nasty C, Cassper Nyovest, Nadia Nakai, and Boity during major tours and festival performances, including the Ivyson Tour and the African Throne...