My Bulawayo caught up with Ricco Andrews popular known as Vinnie King to discuss his projects and his life.My Bulawayo (MB) and Ricco Andrews (RA).
MB. Describe yourself in one word
RA. purposeful
MB. tell us about your education background
RA. I went to welcome play centre creche in Lobengula street, went to St’ Patricks primary school , then moved to Botswana in Grade 3 proceeded at Bophirima Primary school in Gaborone, I then did my secondary at Milton High a boys school.
MB. what would readers be suprised to know about you
RA. i am a sushi chef
MB. Tell us about your work
RA. I am a songwriter, singer and choreographer, I mix all the mentioned media in my art and am also into modelling and acting. I also host events on some occassions.
MB. What inspired you to take this route
RA. I remember watching Usher Raymond on Tv on coca cola on the beat while i was growing up as he danced and sang to his hit song “you remind me” i remember my neighbour and my best friend Mimi going crazy over him, so we used to be hardcore fans and that for me became an ultimate quality of a star, as he sang and danced very well. i was part of a high school dance group known as K-Otix . i also vividly remember when me and Tinashe we would walk from Mzilikazi to Belleavue so that we can meet and practise.. most promoters would disappear in the last hour before we could get get paid, we got paid peanuts a lot of times but we never gave up,
MB what are some of the challenges you have come across
RA.the struggles i have come across can be written in a book, yet we were consistant yet we did not get money, we saw some mebers of our group leaving to look for some steady jobs in other countries, and also for a better life.
MB.how do you reach your target market
RA. i reach my target market through radio, television, the use of social media , press and also shows. I would say my target market are both the young and the old I always try to cretae music that can cater for everyone .
MB. are you part of social responsibility
RA. yes I am part of A N T A C . (A new talented African Child) where we work with orphans and children from the streets to help them realise their potential and be part of their lives, in guiding them, emotionally and spiritually I also work with Grassroot soccer on some HIV and Breast Cancer awareness as well. Am part of an annual Bulawayo International Art Fair which is aimed at uplifting emerging artists by giving them a platform to showcase their talent. I have also started an organisation called Youth Connect Africa which is aimed at connecting children in the streets , schools and orphanages.
MB. what can you say to a young you out there
RA. all i can say is you can have definateness of purpose turn your ‘shoulds’ to ‘musts’ and trust God to direct your paths.
MB. Your parting shot
RA. read at least one proverb a day instead of concentrating on what you can give, be the change you would like to see today.
MB. where can people find you
RA. Follow me on twitter/instagram and facebook on m=name @TheVinnieKing.if you do not sacrifice for your dream your dream will end up being the sacrifice stay blessed
MB. thank you for you time.
