Takura ‘Shona Prince’ Biography| Real Name, Age, Music Career, Awards, Love Life, Children
Takura, aka ‘Shona Prince’ is an accomplished Zimbabwean Hip Hop artist. Known for his distinctive musical style and engaging lyrical prowess, Takura has made a name for himself within the music industry.
Real Name
Takura Bernard Shonhai
Background
Takura was born in Masvingo. His childhood was characterised with loads of movements between cities and towns in search of greener pastures. He spent most of his young life in Masvingo and Bulawayo.
Takura aka Shona Prince (Image Credit: EarGround)
Age
He was born on 30 October 1988. As of 2023, he is 35 years old.
Music Career
Takura discovered his passion for music from a very young age, igniting a fire within him that would shape his future. Even as a child, he was drawn to the captivating melodies and heartfelt lyrics that resonated with his soul. Music became a constant companion, providing comfort and inspiration through the ups and downs of his journey.
Despite his early love for music, Takura initially harbored doubts about his own abilities. He questioned whether he could measure up to the musical talent present in his family, causing him to consider alternative career paths. The dream of becoming a pilot briefly captivated his imagination, overshadowing his burgeoning aspirations as a musician.
It was during his time at Mutendi High School, a ZCC boarding school in Masvingo, that Takura’s talent began to emerge. Years of listening to songs on the radio and memorizing lyrics started to pay off as he would sing along to the tunes. To his surprise, his peers would go wild with excitement whenever he performed, leaving a lasting impression on him.
The overwhelming positive response from his classmates fueled Takura’s self-belief, encouraging him to pursue music more seriously. He began to recognize the power of his voice and the impact he could have on others through his music. This pivotal moment sparked a newfound determination within him to develop his skills and share his musical talents with the world.
Takura embarked on his music career while residing in Gweru back in 2013. Alongside his best friend Donald Mapholisa, he formed the group Soul Afrika. Together, they released a string of hit songs including “Zvinhu,” “Gule Kwete,” “Newe,” and “Pauri,” which garnered significant airplay and recognition.
Their collaborative efforts culminated in the release of their album “Ndimi Dzerudo,” solidifying their status as a celebrated duo.
However, following Mapholisa’s departure from the group due to personal commitments, Takura made a pivotal decision. Taking the advice of his manager at the time, Tytan, he relocated to Harare. It was in the bustling capital city that Takura crossed paths with Adrian Tate, who was Cynthia Mare’s guitarist at the time.
Embracing a new direction, Takura transitioned from Afro-pop to pursue a solo career as a hip-hop artist. His solo endeavors quickly gained momentum with the release of standout tracks like “Zino Irema” and “MaObama,” catapulting him into the spotlight as a household name. In 2016, Takura further solidified his position with the EP “Stripped,” featuring notable tracks such as “Mungandidi,” “Mari Hairambwe,” and “Ndoda Kutaura Newe.” Within a remarkably short span, Takura established himself as a renowned solo artist throughout Zimbabwe.
Takura’s talent and impact extended beyond national borders, earning him recognition beyond his homeland. In 2016, he was honored as one of the Top 10 African rappers by a South African Hip Hop Magazine, sharing the accolade with esteemed artists such as Kwesta, Nasty C, Emtee, Phyno, AKA, and Casper Nyovest. Building on his success, Takura released his debut album “SHTDi (Someone Had To Do It)” in 2018, further solidifying his reputation as a rising star in the music industry. To date he has a number albums and EP’s to his name.
He gives props to ROKI, Aleck Macheso, Winky D and Wizkid for influencing his music and approach to work ethics.
Awards
Takura has a number of accolades to his name. In September 2016, Takura’s outstanding talent was recognized at the Midlands Music Awards held in Gweru, where he walked away with two prestigious awards. His chart-topping hit “Zino Irema” earned him the coveted titles of “Best Single” and “Best Video.” The awards not only solidified Takura’s position as a musical powerhouse but also highlighted his prowess in crafting both captivating music and visually striking visuals.
In addition to his success at the Midlands Music Awards, Takura has amassed an impressive collection of accolades within the Zimbabwean Hip Hop scene. His contributions to the genre have been celebrated through numerous Zim Hip Hop Awards, where he has consistently been honored for his exceptional artistry and lyrical prowess.
Love Life
Multi-award-winning RnB and hip-hop muso Takura prefers to maintain a level of privacy when it comes to his love life. However, he occasionally provides glimpses into his personal relationships
In 2020, he made an open revelation about his romantic involvement by sharing a photo of his girlfriend, Charmaine Chasweka, who is also known as Cha Char. Charmaine is a talented individual with a diverse range of skills, working as a TV presenter for Zimpapers TV Network, as well as being a writer, voice-over artist, and brand ambassador.
Children
Takura is a proud father of one. He is blessed with a beautiful daughter named April, born during his previous relationship.
Being a father holds great significance in Takura’s life, and he takes pride in the joys and responsibilities that come with parenthood. Through his social media accounts, he shares glimpses of his daughter’s life, delighting his fans with adorable photos and heartwarming messages. On special occasions, like her birthdays, Takura’s expressions of love and admiration for April shine through his heartfelt words.
