Yes folks, Maya's name is Nobukhosi Mapfumo and no folks, she's not related to the legend Thomas Mapfumo or the rhyme-less, Leonard Mapfumo. But we caught up with CMG's sassiest and sexiest and we put our journalistic skills to the test.
Zela Lawless: Welcome to Shoot The Works With the Lawless. We hate to be predictable so the first question is somewhat unexpected. Are you a rapper or singer, or both?
Maya: I'm both
Zela Lawless: Explain to us how and when you fell in love with music.
Maya: I fell in love with music ever since I was li'l kid my favorite station was radio 3 back then, now called Power FM. My parents played lots of music, that's how l got introduced to different genres. The friends l grew up with loved music so we would sing and dance at sunset that's when l found out that was capable of singing almost any pitch. High school l became best friends with a guy called Ishmael who was so into rap, at spare time we get together, pick a word, l sing then He raps that's how l fell in love with rap as well. Then we called ourselves Choppers but we didn't go far. That's When l met Maestro lV through His sister.
Zela Lawless: You mention, Maestro IV, one of the fastest rising stars of our generations has songs with you. Please let us in on a few collabo tips. What makes your collaborations with Maestro magical?
Maya: It's all about about understanding each other the fact that with Maestro there are no limits. We try on different things on a song and we discuss if the thing is working or not, patience: we make sure what we recorded is on point..
Zela Lawless: Please take us through your writing process. How do you come up with your lines and your flow for let's say the a verse as fiery as the one you performed on Cha Cha?
Maya: Well most of the times the beat tells you wat it needs. I believe I'm another instrument that utters words, I'm the missing piece of the beat. So when l listen to it and definitely feel it, the words just come out or a certain tune that im going to lay words on or lyrics
Zela Lawless: I think every song you've been in has hit the radio and has done well. When you make music do you intend to make a hit? If so, what's the secret ingredient? Only if it's shareable of course.
Maya: It's all about enjoying/having fun with what you doing. Sometimes thinking too hard and taking too much time on something becomes stale/boring and you won't have that energy you need to put out on that track... like l said before understanding each other on what you want to put out, with efforts put together it becomes mega magic.
Zela Lawless: Let's step out of the studio a bit, and talk about promoting and marketing. How do you promo your material and the Maya brand in general?
I've have been doing the basics like whatsapp and Facebook and also a face to face thing, interacting with different artist across the country. Though l feel like I need a professional to handle such things.
Zela Lawless: If you do get a 'professional' I think your music will reach unimaginable heights.
Genre time. What music do you do? What do you call it?
Maya: I'm coming in as a hip hop artist though l can do almost anything in terms genres..
Zela Lawless: You do sound versatile, no lie. You got bounce and vocal ability. Let's get up close and personal, what's your government name? & why did you name yourself Maya?
Maya: Nobukhosi Mapfumo. Maya; when l was a kid l loved playing witch doctor and l believed l healed myself with herbs when l fell sick and all. Then l heard about the Mayans who had great knowledge about things who were able to treat and heal any sickness, knew the future to my understanding, then l called myself Maya cos l believed l had powers and that name grew into high school til now, many know me by Maya and so l made it my stage name.
Zela Lawless: That's an interesting tale. So are we to expect something deeply spiritual from you in the future? Something Camagwini like or Salif Keita-ish?
Zela Lawless: Also the Mapfumo, are you by any chance related to my personal favorite, the G.O.A.T, Thomas Mapfumo?
Maya: Yes on the musical question, cause right now I'm coming, trying to grab all the attention and when l have it, then I'm sure you will listen to the Message l bring you.
Maya: [Giggles] I felt that question coming. I don't think we related cause Mapfumo is said to be my Grandpas second name, l'm actually a Mawodzwa.
Zela Lawless: Please give us an idea of the message you bringing. Maestro has been dubbed 'the people's rapper' because of his relevance and all round charisma in my opinion. Please tell us 'what shoes you have brought to the dance'...
Maya: It's not only going to be about parties and fun. But also enlighten the world about what people are going through and l also want to stand for the girl child as a female rapper, cause we need recognition.
Zela Lawless: Female rappers are in demand. Those are big shoes to fill, but I'm sure you are ready.
So is it music through out or you got a day job and/or some other passion?
Maya: I got a job, though l wouldn't wanna dwell on it.
Zela Lawless: That's OK. On a lighter note, what's your favorite hot drink and what's your favorite cold drink?
Maya: I don't take alcohol. I'm a softies person, but would like to try alcohol in twenty years, God willing.
Zela Lawless: [Laughs] Awesome. Are a cat person or a dog person?
Maya: Both, but for cats l like them when they are still kittens.
Zela Lawless: Back to music. What are you currently working on? And could you drop a line or two so that our magazine is the first to get it?
Maya: Im currently working on an Ep.
_I was there, one of them,_
_Traded my body for a soda_
_And all of my friends had turned to saw dust..._
Zela Lawless: Wow, thank you for the sneak peek. We are almost done here, I'll give you a chance to speak with your family, friends or fans. Anything you wanna say?
Maya: Don't stop believing in me, cause your faith in me is my strength, this goes to C.M.G family. My other family and fans please keep supporting love you all.
Zela Lawless: You mention faith, are you a religious believer?
Maya: Yes in God
Zela Lawless: On behalf of the Skynet Yzia fam I'd like to say thank you for doing this with us. Shoot The Works With the Lawless is honored to be part of your walk to fame, Maya. Please leave your contact information, and where fans can download your music after you say your farewells...
Where to download, will sort it out...
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