A STAR ON THE RISE:
GETTING TO KNOW ZIMBABWEAN RAPPER TIFF CAKE
Tiffany Ruvarashe Madavanhu (known to her fans and those witnessing her rise in fame as TIFF CAKE) is the newest female rapper on the block in Zimbabwe. The 20-year-old artist released her debut ‘Pretty in Zim’ which was immediately followed by the song and video for her latest single SAUCE which dropped on YouTube causing an immediate uproar and support. The music video ends with a snippet of the artist’s debut single where the rapper delivered lyrical smoothness that the Zimbabwe hip hop scene was yet to see. Tiff Cake is currently experiencing a spike in airplay and streaming views and is likely to show up on the TV screens very soon. Her charismatic raps and playful music video has made viewers wonder what her arrival means for the music scene. The notable one liner ‘excuse me alleged kings of rap, allow me to turn tables with new levels’ is an accurate description of the rappers into entry into the rap industry.
When asked TIFF CAKES when the fans can expect another single, or better yet her first project the rapper let us know” I am currently working on a track and video called Khatsana, with the local rapper Cal_vin. I am also dropping my EP this year, so that has been another thing to look forward to.” The debut music video, has left everyone, including a few big names in Zim hip hop to take to social media to ask who Tiff Cakes is. Fans have gone as far as tagging local mainstream rappers to Tiff’s work and begging for collaborations. In light of her emerging career Tiff is only interested in perfecting her craft and letting her fans people know who she is and what she is about.

“… Drake has also always been a favorite but I am also quite inspired by what African rappers are doing” – Tiff Cakes

when did you start rapping and who are your musical influences?
I started making music in 2016 back when I was in high school. I started rapping immediately. I especially enjoy listening to a lot of female rap. I looked up to the obvious icons, in particular Nicki Minaj as far as an international presence goes. Drake has also always been a favorite but I am also quite inspired by what African rappers are doing, Nasty C is the best rapper around Southern Africa I think.
what did you grow up listening to?
I grew up listening to a lot of music across genres. If I absolutely had to pick a favorite it was urban grooves here in Zimbabwe. After that, I really enjoy RnB and what I spend most of my time vibing to.
what are your creative processes? how long did it take to make Sauce and what made you choose it as your debut video instead of your first song for example?
It actually took me about a week to write SAUCE. I had written and recorded Pretty in Zim band released that as my first single. I remember getting so much positive feedback and a whole bunch of views and questions about my music which really inspired me to write another track. I chose to make a video for sauce because I felt like it had a lot of energy at the time and then it just felt right to incorporate Pretty in Zim.
so what are some of the hard realities of getting into the music business? Are you getting plays on air?
I am getting plays on air but it could always be better. The truth is if you are going to make it you need more than just enough exposure. Hard reality is also that you need connections and you need a lot of capital to go into all your projects. I am very lucky though to have a progressive family because that support system is so important. I have also had a chance to be mentored and have conversations with some artists in the business which is extremely helpful and refreshing for my music.

What’s the one thing you’d say you want people especially your fans to know that you’re really about?
I am all about women empowerment. It is so important for me to encourage women to feel comfortable in their own at all times. It doesn’t matter what size, weight, shape, complexion we all have to be positive and self-loving. It is also very important to me to be an independent woman in every aspect of my life, which is why pursuing music has only come second to getting an education.
any words for other artists trying to get their foot in the door?
Pray, work hard, be very smart and stay woke.
The viral debut is not the last we will be seeing of Tiff Cake on our screens and it certainly isn’t the last time she will be featured in a magazine. The rapper will soon be gracing covers and giving award speeches.
Instagram: @tiffcake_official
Tinatswe Mhaka