ZimHipHop Rising Star GilMo: A Journey of Self-Discovery in 'Mo is Me' EP

Emerging from the vibrant and competitive Zimbabwean hip hop scene, GilMo is an artist whose voice resonates with authenticity and purpose. His debut EP, Mo is Me, serves as both a personal testament and an artistic declaration. The project is a reflection of his journey, from moments of self-doubt to rediscovering his passion and identity in music. In this exclusive interview with Riddims and Raps, GilMo opens up about the inspiration behind the EP, his experience as a battle rapper, and his thoughts on the state of hip hop in Zimbabwe.

R&R: What inspired the EP title? Can you include the main theme—things you wanted to address or speak on?

GilMo: I named the project Mo is Me because I needed to remind myself that I am more. I don’t know if that makes sense, but this came after a period of complacency, both as an artist and as a man. I had started to stray from the path I believe to be my life mission. So that’s what Mo is Me is all about—realizing that I am more, hence “Mo is Me.”

It’s also me introducing myself as an artist, you know, this being my first project and all. So, Mo is Me is also me (Mo) presenting myself to the music world.

R&R: Who were the producers of the EP, and can you highlight any collaborations? How instrumental were these people in shaping the project?

GilMo: The project was produced by T’naka Am.P, Kaze, Sam, and That Boy Cader. I would come up with ideas for songs while at home and work with these guys to create something that completed the ideas into proper pieces of art.

As for collaborations, the most notable is RayKaz. I remember running around the house when he sent back his verse—it was fire, as usual. Another standout feature was ZIS, who’s been on an insane feature run this year. Honestly, his verse on Ngoni is my favorite on the whole tape.

That Ugly Mofo and BnG are my partners in this rap journey. They’re not just collaborators—they’re friends. If I’m outside for rap business, you can bet they’re right there with me. I have so many songs with them that it was tough choosing just two for the tape.

Then there’s Cader. He’s a producer and a music video director. He made the beat for Live from the CT and directed the video. We’ve got more videos on the way together—he’s a beast.

R&R: Are you a battle rapper? How was your experience at the Shoko Festival battle?

GilMo: Am I a battle rapper? Yes… now that I won at Shoko. But before Shoko and Noble Stylz’s Bars on Bars, I wasn’t a battle rapper. My first-ever battle was at Bars on Bars, and I guess it grew on me. The fact that something I was just starting to love got me on stage at Shoko Festival is crazy in itself.

I’ll forever be grateful to Noble for that opportunity. That said, I don’t see myself doing many more battles in the future because I want to focus on what I know best—songs, freestyles, cyphers, and such.

The experience at Shoko was wild. I felt like a star on that stage, and even my step changed after performing there! 😂 I genuinely feel like a real artist now.

R&R: Lastly, what are your thoughts on the state of hip hop in Zimbabwe? Which rappers do you think are doing well?

GilMo: I think hip hop is big in Zimbabwe and one of the most listened-to genres. That said, there’s still a lot of room for growth. Some of my affiliates often complain that many of Zimbabwe’s biggest hip hop acts aren’t truly hip hop, but I think they’ve figured out how to make hip hop relatable. That’s a win for the culture because now people are more open-minded about hip hop than they were during the Dancehall era.

My favorite local hip hop artist is Voltz JT, and I think he’s doing extremely well. RayKaz is doing well. Bling4 is doing well. Dough Major and Dingo Duke are doing well too.

When I say “doing well,” I mean in terms of influence and following—not finances. I have no idea how much any of these guys make from music.

It's a wrap!

GilMo’s Mo is Me is a declaration of resilience, growth, and artistry, setting the tone for his promising career. With a keen focus on crafting authentic music and impactful collaborations, GilMo is positioning himself as a formidable force in Zimbabwean hip hop. As the genre continues to evolve, artists like him remind us of the power of self-belief and staying true to one’s mission.

Here's the link to the new EP Mo is Me by GilMo and remember to hit us with your feedback!