29 Jul 2014

Sirishebo Nshimwe, commonly known by the stage name, Shanky Briz is one of the artists who use music to promote culture.

Shanky Briz is an African pop artist who combines dancehall with ragga and produces his music in Sesubia, a language widely-spoken in the Chobe district.

Also inspired by the love for peaceful living within the public, the 24-year-old Shanky Briz, who hails from Satau in the Chobe District decided to use his singing talent to produce music which encourages people to love one another and revive the spirit of sharing.

In an interview with BOPA, he explained that he is involved in trying to keep his culture alive and spreading knowledge about it through music. Culture and language are unquestionably intertwined. Therefore, language is more than just a means of communication, it influences culture.

Shanky Briz is back with his third album, “Order” which will be released before the end of this year. The album has six tracks which include “Order, Yolanda and Lyitendere” (work for yourself) among others.

The title track encourages the youth to ease up on partying, clubbing and abusing alcohol as that will help save their lives from HIV/AIDS, passion killings and other unspeakable things that can happen to them.

Yolanda on the other hand is a track that aims at promoting the beauty of an African woman while title track “Lyitendere” encourages the youth to stand up and provide for themselves instead of relying on parents and the government for support

Having only realised his singing talent when he was doing standard 5, Shanky Briz explained that he was motivated by the likes of Winnie Mashaba and Matlakala among others as he believes they preach about life stories in their music.

He released his first gospel album in September 2009 which was titled “Re ka se tsene”. The album was aimed at teaching people about gospel. He however, decided to change his music genre in 2011 and came up with a different and unique genre and landed on African pop hence his second album “Hard worker”.

He said the reception for his second album was marvelous as it received a lot of airplay on Radio Botswana and most people loved it. He further said that he wants the society to appreciate his culture, that is why he sings in his vernacular.

Shanky Briz said he believes that in the process of showcasing his culture through music, he will also attract tourists to the country as music also promotes dialogue and understanding among different cultures.

Shanky Briz is slowly becoming the new kid on the block and he is working very hard to establish himself around the country and internationally. Since his music career started, he has performed at most places around the country. He also gets gigs at weddings and clubs.

With his serenading melodies, Shanky Briz has received recognition in the international arena as he has received invitations to perform in Namibia, Zambia and other neighbouring countries.

He further said he is also working on his clothing label called King-Shanky/KS to help diversify and sustain himself. Shanky Briz encouraged the youth to take action and nurture their success in life, saying that those with talents must use them to benefit them in the long run. ENDS