In the heart of Zimbabwe’s vibrant music scene, one name stands out above all others, radiating an extraordinary blend of talent and versatility. The young dancehall sensation Nutty O has firmly established himself as a musical genius and one of our time’s most captivating stage performers.
Born Carrington Simbarashe Chiwadzwa on June 22, 1992, in Edith Operman, Mbare, Harare, Nutty O’s musical journey began at an early age. His love for music was ignited by the enchanting sounds of UB40, a passion he shared with his father, who was equally enamoured with reggae music. His transformation from an eager listener into a remarkable musician was nothing short of magic, turning the gift of music into an art form.
Nutty O’s pivotal moment was in 2014 when he decided to embark on a full-fledged music career, catching the discerning eye of the veteran music producer, Funkydalic, known as the Cashlibs City Producer. Their partnership birthed a series of chart-topping hits that catapulted them into the limelight. Airplay and radio interviews became a constant companion on their journey.
In 2015, a significant turning point arrived as Nutty O joined Kenako Muzik, a label housing musical heavyweights and accomplished producers, including Dj Tamuka and Oskid. His release, “Kwandabva Kure,” became an instant hit, securing the third spot on Dj Edu’s BBC Radio 1 Extra Destination Africa DNA Show and earning international recognition, expanding his global audience and motivating him to reach new heights. Later in the year, Nutty O shared the stage with dynamic Jamaican artist Charly Black, and he clinched a nomination for the most promising artist at the Zimdancehall Awards.
Subsequent years saw Nutty O’s rise to prominence, marked by the release of “Do It Alone” in 2016, another hit single produced by his musical partner, Dj Tamuka. The song made waves in Jamaica when it premiered on Jamaica’s Suncity Radio 104.9 FM, opening up doors for international collaborations. As his brand recognition grew, Nutty O embarked on a UK tour, mesmerizing audiences with his spirited performances. His popularity quickly spread, reaching South Africa, where he concluded the year with unforgettable shows in Cape Town, Johannesburg, and beyond.
In the following years, Nutty O signed with Military Touch Movement, owned by the legendary Jah Prayzah. Their collaboration gave birth to the hit song “Chekeche,” with Nutty O’s verse leaving an indelible mark on music lovers. His debut single with Military Touch Movement, “Bugatti,” became a street anthem, and its accompanying music video premiered on Trace Africa, soaring to number 5 on the Norway iTunes reggae chart. His relentless efforts paid off with the Best Newcomer Award at the Zimdancehall Awards. Nutty O also became an Ambassador for ZOL Fibronics, one of Zimbabwe’s largest telecommunications companies, and his music continued to captivate a global audience with features on Trace Africa, along with another sensational hit, “Boomshelele,” propelling him to even greater heights.
Nutty O’s international tour expanded to include Australia, Botswana, South Africa, and various other countries around the world. In 2019, he had the honor of collaborating with Jamaica’s reggae songstress Etana on “No Money No Love,” a track featured on the Reggae Forever album, which reached number 1 on the Reggae Worldwide Billboard and iTunes Worldwide Reggae Top 200. The album also received a Grammy nomination for Best Reggae Album, a testament to Nutty O’s global impact.
Corporate organisations recognized Nutty O’s unique style and engaged him for their flagship projects. He crafted jingles for Sasai Zimbabwe and the UNDP Sustainable Development Goals, all while enchanting audiences at the Bob Marley Commemoration Festival in Abu Dhabi, sharing the stage with former Michael Jackson record producer Teddy Riley. His international touring continued, entertaining fans in Botswana, South Africa, and performing alongside Nigerian dancehall star Patoranking in Zimbabwe.
The accolades kept pouring in during 2019, with Nutty O receiving the Best Male Award at the Zimdancehall Awards and the Best Zimdancehall Song Award at the prestigious Star FM awards. From his humble beginnings as a listener of reggae music to becoming one of Zimbabwe’s most celebrated musical talents, Nutty O’s journey serves as a testament to the power of passion, dedication, and the unwavering pursuit of musical excellence. Without a doubt, Nutty O is a musical powerhouse, a game changer, and an unstoppable force within the entertainment industry.
On Nutty O lives to the sentiment he shares on his website, it says “Ability Xtention (ABX) is a multi-genre musical ensemble based in Harare, Zimbabwe. A generation of game-changing musical artists bent on making lasting impressions on the African continent and the world at large. Fronted by one of Africa’s hottest emerging artists, Nutty O Di Bwoy, ABX is defined as ‘The never-ending pursuit of growth”. No lie detected, wishing Nutty O success at ABX, Ability Xtention to the world.
