Decibel Biography| Real Name, Personal Life, Education, Controversies
Daniel Mazhindu, who is known by his stage name Decibel, is an acclaimed reggae dancehall artist who gained immense popularity in Zimbabwe by spearheading the Urban Grooves music movement.
He was crowned the King of Zimbabwe Urban Grooves, thanks to his influential contributions to the genre.
Decibel’s music resonated deeply with the audience, and his debut single ‘Nakai’ skyrocketed to the top of the charts within just two weeks of its release.
Personal Life
Decibel, hailing from the Midlands mining town of Shurugwi, was born and raised in Masvingo, Zimbabwe. He is happily married to Charity, and together they have been blessed with two children. Their firstborn, Kylie Ashanti, was born in 2009.
In 2013, Agnes Gudza, a former producer at the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC), made allegations against Decibel, accusing him of abandoning her and their two children after he relocated to the United Kingdom. However, Decibel vehemently denied these claims.
Education
Decibel accomplished a significant milestone by graduating from the University of Zimbabwe in 2002, earning a degree in biochemistry.
Alongside his academic pursuits, he also pursued a passion for sound engineering, completing his studies in that field in 2011.
Music Career
Decibel’s journey in the music industry commenced during his high school years when he showcased his talent through several performances in variety shows, earning him recognition and even winning a few prizes.
However, it was during his time at the University in 2000 that he made his first serious foray into music. He began his musical career as a session musician and backing vocalist for a reggae band from Bulawayo named Motsi Uruka.
After completing his studies in 2002, Decibel did not doubt pursuing a serious career in music.
His talent was evident, and it didn’t take much persuasion for him to make this decision. Fortunately, he caught the attention of Galaxy Records, a renowned recording powerhouse led by the legendary Delani Makhalima at that time.
Impressed by Decibel’s potential, the record label wasted no time in signing him up.
Decibel’s journey at Galaxy Records began with the recording of his debut album titled ‘Nakai’ at their prestigious studio. The song possessed a captivating energy that resonated with audiences, and it quickly climbed the music charts.
Within a mere two weeks of its release, ‘Nakai’ soared to the coveted Number 1 position, solidifying Decibel’s status as a rising star.
Following the success of his debut single ‘Nakai,’ Decibel continued to make waves in the music industry. He released another hit single titled ‘Chido,’ which not only matched but even surpassed the popularity of ‘Nakai’ over time.
These two songs secured impressive positions on the year-end charts, with ‘Chido’ reaching Number 2 and ‘Nakai’ at Number 5 on the coveted Top 100 list.
The music video for ‘Chido’ further cemented Decibel’s success, as it dominated the charts, holding the Number 1 spot for over six consecutive weeks.
The video’s widespread popularity is evident, with over 106,008 views on YouTube to date, demonstrating the massive appeal of Decibel’s music.
In addition to his local triumphs, Decibel expanded his reach globally with the 2006 UK release of ‘Ndikati Hello,’ a collaboration with Bkay and Kazz.
This venture allowed him to connect with a broader audience and establish an international presence, further solidifying his position as a talented and versatile musician.
Controversies
In 2007, Decibel found himself embroiled in controversy when his song ‘Madhara’ faced a ban from all ZBC channels.
This decision not only affected Decibel but also extended to music by other artists such as Maskiri, Stunner, and Extra Large.
The reason behind the ban was the lyrical content of the song, which was deemed to be abusive and inappropriate.
