By Titos Makondo
THERE is nothing under the sun that can make one prouder than seeing their grit and determination pay off and making them shine bright.
These words relate to Billion Largest or Jahantima, born as Thomas Mavasa hailing from Makhosiya , Chiredzi South, whose lastest song , Huma Lazaro, has taken music lovers by storm, and crowned Song of the Year 2024 at Avuxeni FM.
This superb success has not only flickered hope but also catapulted him to fame, as a result, Billion Largest is now basking in his glory of success. His name has become the subject of public gossip, with music lovers buzzing about his impressive milestone.
Like a determined fisherman reeling in a mighty Barracuda, so is Billion Largest who went on to share a captivating story of his musical journey.
“My musical journey took off in 2009, the year l met Shadreck Mulwayini ( Xifu), a fallen local guitarist who inspired me to pick up a guitar and learn to play.
“We then planned to record our first track, Machangana ya ka Gaza, with our lead vocalist , Flexible Lihinga ( Bace Delegate) . The song turned out just as good as expected, served as a go – go for me to the world of music,” Billion Largest told this publication.
Having broken free from the shackles of fear, Billion Largest moved to Garankuwa ( Pretoria) in 2014, where he established his own studio to pursue his dreams.
“lt was at that stage that l started taking music seriously, producing my own work, and assisting other musicians with recordings through my newly founded Coles Studio,” he said.
Reflecting on his personal growth, Billion Largest said he has come a long way.
He opened up on the devastating scandal that plagued him last year, revealing that a string of robberies had left him stripped of all his music instruments and personal belongings, leaving him with hopeless about his future in music.
“The true inspiration for ‘Huma Lazaro’ was to serve as a testament to the resilience and strength that carried me through the darkest of times,” he stressed , while giving thanks to fans, friends and family for supporting him when he was down including making his song a number.
For the ‘Huma Lazaro’ hitmaker ‘passion first and money later’ remains a driving force. He vowed to remain in the game even though some local artists which he have started this journey with have slowed down and even given up due to lack of financial support.
“What fuels me to keep going as far as music is concerned is that l want to see my mother language ( Xitsonga) and arts industry represented better at national level.
” Of course the music industry has turned into a jungle, however, l urge all my fellows to stand firm and work hard with the heart of betterment of our mother lingo. On my side, l will keep on striving for excellence until my beloved hometown of Hlengweni reaches its potential in arts,” vowed.
Meanwhile , Billion Largest who
balances his music career with news reporting has four albums : Manyalo Volume 1, Manyalo Volume 2, Khoma Nomo and Huma Lazaro, plus numerous single tracks and music videos. His unique blend of music Amapiano and House music not only entertain his audience but also serves as a powerful to tool for promoting and preserving his mother language and cultural heritage.
To book Billion Largest for your next event, please contact him directly at +27 71 815 4448.