A dedicated mentor to artists, Trevor Rufaro Goustino popularly known as KayGee 40 life’s mission revolves around motivating and advocating for individuals navigating challenging life circumstances.

My Afrika Magazine reporter Lingiwe Gumbo (LG) had a moment with KayGee 40 (TG) exploring his work in the music industry and impact within the community.

L.G: It is my belief that everyone is created for a specific reason. May you please share what you believe is your purpose and passion.

T.G: Mine is to motivate and be the voice of the voiceless through music.

L.G: Please introduce yourself and tell us how you have been trying to meet the goals you mentioned previously.

T.G: I am Kay Gee 40. Born Trevor Rufaro Goustino in Dangamvura, Area C in Mutare. That is the city I was born and raised in. Getting my above-stated goals done is actually quite easy, because it is just in me to motivate and speak up for others who are going through what I went through, whether its parents divorcing or facing a rough patch in life. Besides singing, rapping, and motivating people, I also mentor artists, some of whom are now well-known. I do not just touch lives with my music; I am also on the ground doing the work.

I am a music educator as well, mentoring the next generation of one to twelve-year-olds. Being their music teacher really motivates them. When they hear my song on the radio or see me on television, it inspires them more than words can ever say. Now, many of them have already started composing songs of their own at such a tender age.

L.G: What motivated you to put yourself out there and become a rap artist?

T.G: It was really me turning lemons into lemonade. I have always wanted to be a musician since I was very young. I remember my father taking me to concerts at a tender age, and seeing Oliver Mtukudzi and Safirio Madzikatire (Mukadota) on stage felt like home to me. When my parents divorced, I needed someone to talk to but I did not have anyone. You know, being a firstborn, you often carry a lot. All I had was a blank page. I started writing poetry, inspired by seeing my father do the same once but it did not feel like enough, so I turned those words into music. Tupac’s music spoke directly to what I was going through, and it helped me immensely. I wanted to do the same for someone else, someone going through the same thing, with no one to talk to.

L.G: In an interview you had recently, you spoke about how writing down your emotions was therapeutic. Can you please explain more?

T.G: Being an introvert, I struggle to talk to people about how I feel, whether it is my joy or my pain. Music fills that void for me. When I hear a joyful beat, I just relate to it and write something on it. I do not just write lyrics, I also add melodies. It is such a beautiful feeling, I cannot even explain it. Hearing your own creation, seeing people love it, and having some even say, “Your music saved my life,” brings warmth to your soul. Writing my true emotions down is like talking to a therapist. The advantage with music is that you get to listen to what you have been going through after some time. All my songs are like my personal diary, as I can pause and reflect on them.

L.G: When you look at where you are now musically, do you feel you are in the right direction?

T.G: I have mastered my sound and now know what I want. I used to experiment a lot with my voice, instruments or in performances but now I am sure about what I am doing. Since I did not quit doing music, the experience is beginning to pay off. 

L.G: Network builds your net worth. Who have you met that has helped you grow as an artist?

T.G: I have met a lot of influential people who have helped me to be where I am. I will not name them though. One thing about me is that I do not burn bridges. I always keep in touch with those who have elevated my brand. I have to mention one person in particular because he is no longer with us, Julius Chirume. May his dear soul rest in power. He was the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation program Young Gifted Talented (YGT) Director. He gave me my first television interview, and we connected. From then on, we became colleagues. He even created the YGT Acoustic Sessions around me. I helped him shape the show and got to understand what acoustic performances are like. I would bring him artists for the show and mentor them behind the scenes. I know he is gone now, but I would like to thank him for the opportunity he gave me.

L.G: Please name the people who have inspired you to be the artist you are today?

T.G: Internationally; Nas, Tupac, Buju Banton, Wizkid, Common, Marvin Gaye and Alicia Keys Locally: Fortune Muparutsa, Mau Mau, Andy Brown, Maskiri, Takura, Thomas Mapfumo, Oliver Mtukudzi, Junior Brown, and Chioniso Maraire.

L.G: Does your family support you? Who is your greatest cheerleader?

T.G: My mother is such a lovely soul. Firstly, when I told her I wanted to study music she supported me. Even up to now she still does. She comes to see me perform every now and then. She is my greatest cheerleader. Overally my whole family supports me or should I say, we support each other. We are a family of talents so we have no choice but to be there for one another.

L.G: Which collaboration have you done that was more challenging than the rest? Explain why.

T.G: I have collaborated with a lot of artists. Working with more established artists can sometimes be a big challenge because of their ego. It is not easy working with someone who already has a formula that is working for them and trying to swerve them in your direction. In your head, you can actually hear them singing on a particular sound, but they won’t budge. What makes it hard for me to collaborate musically is working with artists who are not on the same frequency, passion-wise or mindset-wise.

L.G: What do your existing audience not know about you, which they should know, in your art or personally?

T.G: I think I have been transparent in my music. If they are my true fans they know everything about me through my music.

L.G: What inspires your creativity, what drives you?

T.G: My joy, my pain, and society at large. As artists, we are the third eye of society, we talk about things people think about but cannot say, or things they never even thought about. Melodies also inspire my creativity. I cannot resist a dope melody when I hear one.

L.G: As a rap artist, is the money enough? If not how else are you making sure you meet your needs?

T.G: Money will never be enough. It is only this year that I realised that music has been paying my rent and feeding me for the past 10 years or so. So I am grateful. However, the dream is not to pay rent but to own houses and properties no doubt. I have plans in the pipeline that I can not disclose yet. We are living in an age where there are so many avenues to make money off music so its quite possible.

L.G: What kind of person are you? If I met you for the first time, what should I expect?

T.G: Cool, calm and collected being. I like to stay humble and mind my own business.

L.G: What advise can you give to a talented and passionate individual who would like to start their journey in art?

T.G: Explore, explore, explore. Then make up your mind about what you want to do. Try to be as original as you can, but to get to that point, you might imitate someone, just do not forget to remain unique. When most legends started, they were accused of copying or sounding like someone else, but they eventually found themselves. Know the business side of music; it will save you time and help you avoid dealing with crooks. Find a mentor who can guide you through the journey.

L.G: What are your latest and upcoming projects which you feel your audience, old and new should know about?

T.G: The past three years I have been working on new music. All I can say is, please do follow all my social media handles for updates, I have good music for you. 

L.G: What are your social media platforms where people can get your music?

T.G: kaygee40zw across all social media, except for TikTok:kaygee40musik