Meet Tichaona Brian Monera of London

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tichaona Brian Monera

Hi Tichaona Brian , can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Rhyme Assassin was born in Chikomba, Chivhu and grew up in the capital city of Zimbabwe Harare’s suburb Houghton Park.

Rhyme Assassin started music in 2000 doing rap battles and performances up to 2002 when he left for the UK, he then resumed his music career in 2012 when he met a UK producer named Deep Voice who ignited his passion for music and he started writing and recording music. Battling and cyphers were formative moments in my music career. These encounters earned me the name Rhyme Assassin which has become my official MCEE name. The name Rhyme Assassin resonates with the skillful poetic lyrical expression of the music and the excellence of execution of my craft.

Rose to prominence in 2014 after the release of “Party people” a single featuring T9yce. The song was the number one on major radio stations in Zimbabwe and was on ZBC Power FM Zimbabwe charts for 12 weeks on both the daily Power FM Top 10 chart and the weekly Power FM Top 20 chart leading the track to be in top 50 of the Power FM Top 100 songs of the year 2014.

In 2014 Rhyme Assassin established Uncle Rhymes Records as his record label he now works under In 2014, Rhyme Assassin started Mwana Anokosha concert, a charity musical event for orphans at Harare Children’s Home and the event has featured several performing artist. He has also been involved with Afro Empire dance group’s charity initiatives.

The greatest influencers that kickstarted my rap career are the likes of all-time greats such as KRS ONE, Run DMC & Big Daddy Kane, BIG, and 2 PAC. I grew up listening to their music on cassettes and vinyl. Because of my experiences and encounters with these hip-hop moguls, I embrace the hip-hop culture and started living out and expressing this in my lyrical content. My inspiration to write was primarily from Canibus and Krs One. I can even recall the first day I listened to Gangstarr — Moment of truth, Dead Prez — Let’s get free and DMX — It’s dark and hell is hot. Those were the early days when hip-hop was not playing much on Zimbabwe radio. Our exposure to hip-hop was mainly from folks coming from overseas and bringing cassette tapes back home. I would use my pocket money to rent out hip-hop tapes for a couple of days or more so that I can just listen to the latest hip-hop beats.

Last year I dropped a single Rhyme Apostles, a single that was able to link with all the powerhouses and legends. The song featured Crooked I, Canibus, Craig G, Keith Murray, Prodigal Sun, Chino XL, A-F-R-O. Reks, Ruste Juxx, K Solo, and Antlive. The song opened a lot of doors for me and the video is dropping soon. The single greatest desired outcome for this project is a greater realization but both artists and music lovers of the incredible power of collaborative music ventures across the industry. The single, Rhyme Apostles, is a clear and powerful demonstration of the synergy resulting from such collaboration. My wish for this single is that it will be timeless in its appeal and not just for a season.

My latest single is called Run Em Up with featured the legendary M.O.P. and Ruste Juxx and produced by The Arcitype. The single has been greatly accepted and is doing well with a video dropping soon. I ma currently working on an album called Dedicated to self which will feature Sticman ( Dead Prez) , Saigon, Ras Kass, Rockness Monsta, Wayne Gidden, Brevi, Craig G and production from the Legendary True Master, Buckwild, Dj King Flow, The Arcitype, Willaim Bostick, Deep voice and P2daoh

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The pursuit of my calling has not been without its challenges. Chief among these was and still is, the challenge of doing something that I love to do while working for a livelihood. Holding these two in tension is not easy. Sometimes my music career would present me with opportunities that often clash with my work and career obligations. I had to live with this, but I am now quickly moving to a situation where I am gaining financial independence which allows me to focus more and more on my calling and music career. Also after relocating to the UK I had to first understand my new environment and how things work. Just like anything in life nothing comes east has to work hard to get to a position I am in at the moment. There has been lot of ups and downs when life gets in the way but I had to stay focused to reach my goal.

We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
One of my favourite is the times I spent with my childhood friends which I think was priceless. I am the only son and so having a lot of friends that I grew up with was on of my favourite memories. This also built me to be capable to interact easily with people which is also a skill I need in this music industry. With friends we would play games, talk and share music and provided a refuge for me when I would feel low or unhappy for whatever reason. Some times its these littles experiences that gives u the most valuable moments in life.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.rhymeassassin.com
• Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/rhymeassassin
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rhymeassassin
• Twitter: https://x.com/rhymeassasin
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@RhymeAssassin
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/rhymeassassin
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@rhymeassassin

Image Credits
Roderick Sido photography