Yunashe Yangu
Entertainer and content creator, Handsome Gudo, real name Ashwin Chiradza’s new TikTok show called The Next Big Thing s lifting up upcoming talented artists and helping them to market themselves.
According to Handsome Gudo, The Next Big Thing was created to help unheralded artists across Africa and the globe to gain exposure.
He also said that the idea is to deal with the struggles of getting attention in mainstream media.
Handsome Gudo further said the idea was born out of the challenges that unheralded but talented artists face, particularly when it comes to securing airplay on mainstream platforms due to limited resources and networking opportunities.
His influence continues to grow across Africa and beyond.
“A lot of upcoming artists find it hard to make it in the mainstream. It’s hard for them to get recording fees and a marketing budget.
To be honest, talent is there, but they don’t have money to even pay some DJs,” he said.
He added that the platform does not select artists based on genre.
“Whoever wins will be the next big artist.
“This whole initiative is to promote upcoming artists who are not getting funding, so they can fund their own projects.
“The show is on TikTok, and it is centred on upcoming artists who are not able to market on mainstream.
“They are talented, but they don’t have the resources to market their projects.
“Every two weeks, we make sure we have a winner.
“I invite anyone with a talent, beat boxing, guitarists, and more,” he said.
He also mentioned that they have supportive partners and are looking for more sponsors.
“Upcoming artists should go beyond, and there is more talent in them.
“They just need an affordable platform.
“I have been working with well-established artists, but now the focus is on the foundation,” he added.
Handsome Gudo said the programme is open to anyone who feels they have talent, regardless of genre.
“We don’t choose genre. Anyone who feels they have talent should be part of the initiative.”
He said they are now preparing for the fifth edition.
“So far, we have held three editions, and now we are going for the fourth.
“The first winner received US$550, and his name is Steady Never Sober.
“The second winner of that edition received US$200, and his name is Mad Dog (Chimbwa Mupengo).
The second edition winner was King Sly, who won US$300, while the second winner was Whitney, a 16-year-old girl who won US$150.
The third edition winner was African Son, who walked away with US$300, and Amanda, another 16-year-old girl, won US$150.”
On how selections are made, he said the process is determined by the audience.
“How we select is an open audition, everyone is welcome.
“All they have to do is request to join the TikTok live stream and have them backtracks/instrumental beats ready to play.
“After you audition, the audience will choose whether you proceed to the next round. If you are lucky, you can get a golden buzzer, which allows you to go straight to the finals,” said Handsome Gudo.
He is thankful of the support from sponsors.
“My praise go to one of the major sponsors, Chrysolite Foundation, who have been very supportive.
“I also extend my hands to other potential sponsors to come on board and make this thing huge,” he added.
Through music, comedy, digital content, and live entertainment, Handsome Gudo has established himself as one of Zimbabwe’s most recognised entertainment personalities.
Throughout his career, he has collaborated with leading figures including Madam Boss, Mai TT, Andy Muridzo, Baba Harare, Jah Master, Garry Mapanzura, and DJ Fantan.
He is also the founder of TikTok Celebrity Box Games, which has featured international artists such as Blaq Diamond, DJ Cleo, Alfred Ntombela, and Demarco.
In April 2025, he performed alongside Stefflon Don in New Jersey, USA, further expanding his international profile.
