CGHS - Alumni Trust

216Whisky – From the Halls of Cheziya Gokwe High School to the Heartbeat of Zim Hip-Hop

Connect & Stream

The Sound

216Whisky has cemented his status as a powerhouse in the Zimbabwean music scene, crafting a signature sound that blends raw, authentic hip-hop with infectious dancehall rhythms and contemporary Afro-fusion. His music is characterized by gritty, relatable storytelling, catchy hooks, and an energy that resonates from the townships to the mainstream. He isn't just an artist; he is a voice for the streets and the youth.

The Journey & Discography

216Whisky's rise from local cyphers to a national headline act is a story of relentless hustle. His discography charts this impressive evolution:

Recent Releases: He continues to dominate the airwaves with newer releases like "Mira" and "Dai Ndakaziva," proving his consistent relevance and artistic growth.

Breakthrough Singles: He first captured major attention with anthems like "Mafidhloi" and "Mari Yekwedu," tracks that became street hymns and established his trademark style.

The EPs: His project "Whisky N Wota" further solidified his place, featuring fan favorites and showcasing his versatility.

Collaborative Hits: Known for his potent collaborations, 216Whisky has delivered massive hits such as "Mukati" (featuring Mighty T), "Taurai Zvako" (featuring Ti Gonzi), and "Mukwasha" (featuring Enzo Ishall & OG Gobby), demonstrating his ability to elevate any track.

The Cheziya Gokwe High School Influence

The foundation for 216Whisky's raw talent and work ethic was poured within the gates of Cheziya Gokwe High School.

The Discipline of Hustle: Balancing academics with his burgeoning passion for music taught him essential time management and discipline—a crucial skill that now fuels the rigorous demands of studio sessions, video shoots, and tours.

The First Stage: The school's talent shows and cultural events were his first platforms. It was here he learned to command a room, feeding off the live energy of his peers and building the confidence that defines his performances today.

A Melting Pot of Stories: Cheziya Gokwe was a microcosm of life, providing a rich tapestry of experiences, struggles, and triumphs. The environment and stories from his school days became the bedrock of the relatable narratives that fill his music, giving it an undeniable authenticity.

"Cheziya Gokwe High School wasn't just a school; it was the world. Everything I saw, everyone I met, every challenge we faced... it all went into the music. The confidence to even pick up a mic came from those school shows. That's where I learned that my voice mattered. I carry the spirit of Cheziya with me in every verse I write and on every stage I grace."

Isamel Whisky

@216Whisky

#CheziyaGokweAlumni #ProudlyGokwe #216Whisky #ZimHipHop #ZimDancehall #Spotlight

Why He Shines

Exceptional talent

216Whisky is a prime example of the exceptional talent nurtured in Zimbabwe's communities. His journey from a Cheziya Gokwe High School student to a chart-topping artist is a powerful inspiration, demonstrating that with raw talent, unwavering tenacity, and the foundational values forged in youth, any dream is achievable. He is not just making hits; he is amplifying the voice of his roots.

The Hustler's Mentality: Relentless and Independent

216Whisky embodies the spirit of a self-made hustler. His online presence is a continuous stream of new music, studio sessions, and promotional content, indicating a powerful, self-driven work ethic. Unlike artists who may wait for major label backing, 216Whisky operates with an entrepreneurial hustle. He consistently engages with his fans directly on social media, teasing upcoming projects and dropping music with a frequency that shows he is always working. This trait is not just about ambition; it's a survival and growth strategy rooted in the DIY ethos of the Zimbabwean music scene. His tracks often reflect themes of making it against the odds, a narrative that resonates because it mirrors his own career path—building his brand from the ground up, one release and one fan interaction at a time.

Authentic Street Narrator: Lyrical Relatability and Cultural Rootedness

His artistry is defined by a commitment to authenticity. 216Whisky's lyrics are not abstract or overly polished; they are direct, gritty, and deeply rooted in the everyday realities, struggles, and joys of his audience. He acts as a narrator for the streets, tackling themes like love, financial struggle, betrayal, celebration, and social commentary with a raw honesty that makes his music feel like a conversation. This trait makes him more than an entertainer; he is a relatable figure. His choice to often use colloquial language and reference local scenarios strengthens this bond, making his music a genuine soundtrack for his community.

Collaborative Hitmaker: Strategic and Scene-Building

216Whisky understands the power of collaboration and has strategically positioned himself as a central node within a network of talented Zimbabwean artists. A look at his discography reveals a pattern of high-impact features with artists like Ti Gonzi, Enzo Ishall, Mighty T, and OG Gobby. This is not accidental; it’s a defining trait of a savvy artist who knows that collaboration expands reach, cross-pollinates fanbases, and elevates the entire scene. He doesn't just feature others; he creates synergistic partnerships where the sum is often greater than its parts, resulting in anthems that dominate across multiple audiences.

Gallery

Achievements

YouTube Silver Button Award | Critical and Fan Recognition | High-Profile Collaborations

17.8K+

Socials Followers

3.7M

Views on Youtube (Various Projects)

1.0M

"Nzira Feat WeDande" YouTube Views

7+

Collaborations
Digital Streaming Platform Certifications & Performance

YouTube Silver Button Award: Based on his YouTube channel (@216whiskyzim), which has over 1.2 million subscribers, he is almost certainly eligible for or has already received the YouTube Silver Play Button award, which is given to channels that surpass 100,000 subscribers. Reaching over a million subscribers is a major milestone in itself and a powerful testament to his massive popularity.

Massive Streaming Numbers: Many of his hit songs have amassed millions of views, which serves as a de facto accolade in the digital age.

"Mukwasha" (feat. Enzo Ishall & OG Gobby): Over 1 million views.

"Nzira Feat WeDande": Over 900K views.

"GORE Ft. Mr Attention": Over 600K views.

Critical and Fan Recognition

"Street Anthem" Recognition: Tracks like "Mafidhloi" and "Mari Yekwedu" transcended being just songs and became cultural anthems. This kind of organic, grassroots adoption is a powerful form of acclaim that is sometimes more meaningful than a formal trophy. They were undeniable hits in the streets, clubs, and on public transport, cementing his reputation.

Media Coverage: He is regularly featured in prominent Zimbabwean urban music blogs and online publications (e.g., H-Metro, Zimhiphop), which track and celebrate his new releases and milestones. This consistent media presence marks him as a notable figure in the scene.

High-Profile Collaborations as a Metric of Success

As mentioned in the previous analysis, his role as a collaborative hitmaker is a key trait. Being sought after by established artists like Enzo Ishall and Ti Gonzi for features is a significant professional accolade. It indicates that his peers and the industry recognize his talent, his unique sound, and his ability to elevate a track and reach a massive audience.

CGHS – Alumni Trust