Yunashe Yangu<\/p>\n
Entertainer and content creator, Handsome Gudo, real name Ashwin Chiradza\u2019s new TikTok show called The Next Big Thing s lifting up upcoming talented artists and helping them to market themselves.<\/p>\n
According to Handsome Gudo, The Next Big Thing was created to help unheralded artists across Africa and the globe to gain exposure.<\/p>\n
He also said that the idea is to deal with the struggles of getting attention in mainstream media.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
His influence continues to grow across Africa and beyond.<\/p>\n
\u201cA lot of upcoming artists find it hard to make it in the mainstream. It\u2019s hard for them to get recording fees and a marketing budget.
\nTo be honest, talent is there, but they don\u2019t have money to even pay some DJs,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
He added that the platform does not select artists based on genre.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhoever wins will be the next big artist.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis whole initiative is to promote upcoming artists who are not getting funding, so they can fund their own projects.
\n\u201cThe show is on TikTok, and it is centred on upcoming artists who are not able to market on mainstream.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey are talented, but they don\u2019t have the resources to market their projects.
\n\u201cEvery two weeks, we make sure we have a winner.<\/p>\n
\u201cI invite anyone with a talent, beat boxing, guitarists, and more,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
He also mentioned that they have supportive partners and are looking for more sponsors.<\/p>\n
\u201cUpcoming artists should go beyond, and there is more talent in them.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey just need an affordable platform.
\n\u201cI have been working with well-established artists, but now the focus is on the foundation,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
Handsome Gudo said the programme is open to anyone who feels they have talent, regardless of genre.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe don\u2019t\u00a0choose genre. Anyone who feels they have talent should be part of the initiative.\u201d<\/p>\n
He said they are now preparing for the fifth edition.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo far, we have held three editions, and now we are going for the fourth.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe first winner received US$550, and his name is Steady Never Sober.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe second winner of that edition received US$200, and his name is Mad Dog (Chimbwa Mupengo).
\nThe 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.
\nThe third edition winner was African Son, who walked away with US$300, and Amanda, another 16-year-old girl, won US$150.\u201d<\/p>\n
On how selections are made, he said the process is determined by the audience.<\/p>\n
\u201cHow we select is an open audition, everyone is welcome.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll they have to do is request to join the TikTok live stream and have them backtracks\/instrumental beats ready to play.
\n\u201cAfter 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,\u201d said Handsome Gudo.<\/p>\n
He is thankful of the support from sponsors.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy praise go to one of the major sponsors, Chrysolite Foundation, who have been very supportive.<\/p>\n
\u201cI also extend my hands to other potential sponsors to come on board and make this thing huge,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
Through music, comedy, digital content, and live entertainment, Handsome Gudo has established himself as one of Zimbabwe\u2019s most recognised entertainment personalities.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
In April 2025, he performed alongside Stefflon Don in New Jersey, USA, further expanding his international profile.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Yunashe Yangu Entertainer and content creator, Handsome Gudo, real name Ashwin Chiradza\u2019s new TikTok show called The Next Big Thing s lifting up upcoming talented artists and helping them to market themselves.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":5796,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[27],"tags":[1167,1168,1166],"class_list":["post-5795","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-news-zimbabwe","tag-ashwin-chiradza","tag-chrysolite-foundation","tag-handsome-gudo"],"yoast_head":"\n