Enzo Ishall - Early Life, Education, Marriage, Divorce, Musical Career Journey, Politics, Songs and Awards

Enzo Ishall, whose real name is Stephen Kudzanai Mamhere, is a Zimbabwean musician and Zimdancehall artist. He is well-known for his hit songs "Kanjiva," "50 Magate," and "Mhamha," which were released in September 2019. These tracks were produced by the Mbare-based record label, Chillspot Records. Enzo Ishall also refers to himself as "Stallion."

In September 2019, reports surfaced that Enzo Ishall had started working with Passion Java and that he had been bought out of his contract with Chillspot Records.

Early Life and Education

Enzo Ishall was born on April 23, 1994, and he will turn 30 years old in 2024. He was born at Mabvuku Maternity Clinic in Mabvuku, Zimbabwe. Enzo developed a love for Dancehall music at the age of six and began writing his own songs while still in primary school. He completed his Ordinary Level education at Churchill Boys High and went on to pursue his Advanced Level studies at Phoenix College, where he earned an impressive 7 points. After graduation, he connected with Fantan and Levels, the owners of Chill Spot Records, the label he eventually signed with.

Personal Life

Enzo Ishall was married to a woman named Trish before gaining fame in the music industry, and they have a son together. In 2019, Enzo ended the marriage, citing abuse by Trish. According to media reports from 2018, Trish assaulted Enzo after he promoted his "50 Magate" video on his WhatsApp status, which featured images of wiggling women. This did not sit well with her, leading to a physical altercation. Enzo later explained that he left his wife because she was "disrespectful, uncaring, unfaithful, did not want to cook for him, and denied him his conjugal rights." Additionally, Enzo had not paid lobola or bride price for Trish, which led to frequent physical abuse as she often assaulted him for failing to fulfill this traditional obligation.

On January 25, 2022, Enzo Ishall made headlines when he proposed to his model girlfriend, Mellisa Mafadzwa. The couple tied the knot in June 2022, marking the end of his single status. Enzo sealed the union by paying lobola/roora for Mellisa Mafadzwa.

Career

Enzo Ishall recorded his first song at the age of 15 and continued to develop his talent over the years. In 2018, he released his debut single titled "Chiita Kwacho," which received positive feedback and helped establish him in the music industry. However, it was his hit song "Kanjiva" that catapulted him to widespread recognition, earning him numerous accolades and making him a household name in the Dancehall music scene.

In January 2020, Enzo Ishall signed a three-year contract with Teemak Promotions, which included monthly allowances for his upkeep, tours, and recording and video production expenses. The deal was estimated to be worth around US$100,000. However, in June 2021, during an interview on Power FM with Chamvary, Enzo announced that they had mutually agreed to terminate the contract.

Passion Java reportedly bought Enzo Ishall out of his contract with Mbare-based studio Chillspot Records for a fee of R200,000. On June 23, 2021, Enzo stated that he had reconciled with Passion Java, and they were working together again. In the same month, Enzo released a song about Hillary Makaya and later revealed that he had been paid by her to create the song in order to boost her social media following.

On September 1, 2021, Enzo Ishall announced his retirement from music after releasing the track "Ehee," which he declared to be his final offering. In an interview with KVG on the 3 to 6 Express on Star FM, Enzo explained that the negative impact of his music career on his personal life and the disappointment he had caused to those he loved were the reasons behind his decision to quit.

However, on October 11, 2021, Enzo Ishall made a comeback by releasing a track titled "Zuva Risingasvike." To mark his return, he expressed gratitude to his fans for their unwavering support during a difficult period in his life.

It is alleged that the songs "Kumisa Ngoro" by Rachel J featuring Enzo Ishall and "Highest Score," recorded after his deal with Passion Java, were banned from airplay by the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Censorship Entertainment, and Control Unit due to their vulgar and satanic lyrics.

Other Business Ventures

In March 2020, Enzo Ishall revealed to *NewsDay* that he had ventured into dishwashing liquid production. At the time, he mentioned that they were producing 2,000 units but had plans to scale up to 100,000 in the future.

In September 2021, several publications reported that Emmerson Mnangagwa's sons, Emmerson Jnr and Collins, along with gold dealer Pedzai Sakupwanya and Tapiwa Chipembere, had set up a paintball park for Enzo Ishall. They supported him in acquiring the necessary paintball shooting gear, including a large number of paintball guns, masks, and vests. The paintball park is located in Kamfinsa, Harare.

In 2023, Enzo Ishall participated in the Zanu-PF primary elections under his real name, Kudzanai Mamhare. He ran for a position in the Sunningdale constituency, where he received a total of 7 votes out of 1,385. Following the election, he became the subject of jokes on social media, with many Zimbabweans referring to him as "007" on various platforms.

Discography

Albums

2019 - ZimFest Riddim Vol. 1

2019 - The Hits

Singles

2018 - Kanjiva

2019 - Bhiza (Mutasvi)

2019 - Kure (Remix)

2019 - Gwati

2019 - Mhamha

2019 - Highest Score

2019 - Jira

2019 - Simbi Haina Chubhu

2019 - Ngoro

2020 - Urikutsvireiko

2020 - Ndiwonereiwo

2020 - Vakamhanya

2021 - Hillary Makaya

2021 - Finesse

2021 - Takuita So

2021 - Ehee

2021 - Zuva Risingasvike

2021 - Siki!

2022 - Ramba Wakadaro

2022 - Ahoyi

2022 - Ndanzvenga

2022 - Iyoyo

2023 - Handidi

2023 - Tiza

2023 - Raroorwa

2024 - Konzonga

2024 - Ukunzwa

2024 - Kanganwa

Awards

• Best Video” 2018 Coca-Cola Top 50 awards
• Best Newcomer” & “Best Zimdancehall” 2019 Star FM Music Awards
• Song of the Year” NAMAs 2019
• Song of the year NAMA 2023
• Best male artist NAMA 2023