Russo

Russo (real name Russell Chiradza) is one of the top music producers in Zimbabwe. He is based in Harare. He is also songwriter and singer. Born in a family of five children, Russo’s passion for music began when he was in primary school where he used to play a piano. While growing up, he used to listen to a lot of music productions from one of U.S.’ top producers called Timbaland. He pursued his love for music at Churchill Boys High when he joined the Churchill Boys’ High School Jazz Band. After finishing high school, Russo set up his first studio in his bedroom. This was followed by opening a studio called ThisIs Records. Before establishing the record company, he had been working with Eddy Dhliwayo at Nitredy Studios for three years.

His break through song was ‘Ndakafa’ which he produced for Maskiri on his ‘Tapinda Tapinda’ album. ‘Ndinonyar’ by Nox is his biggest song so far.

He has produced songs for Zimbabwean artists such as Shinsoman, Nox Guni, Roki, Tocky Vibes and many others. To date, Russo has produced four number one hits on the local music charts. He is reportedly the only producer to have all top four songs topping the charts at the same time. He also produced the theme song for the UNWTO General Assembly held in the country in 2014. The song featured Zimbabwe artists such as Sulumani Chimbetu, Audius Mtawarira, Chiwoniso Maraire, Clive Mukundu and Albert Nyathi.

Some of the songs he has produced include ‘Tapinda Tapinda’ by Maskiri, ‘Yorira Ngoma’ by Tariro neGitare, ‘Ndakupihwa NaMwari’ by Dino Mudondo, ‘Ndakafa’ by Maskiri, ‘Ndinonyara’ by Nox Guni and many others.