Dj Fantan - Early Life, Career Achievements, Controversies, Marriage and Songs

DJ Fantan, born Arnold Kamudyariwa, is a 37-year-old Zimbabwean record producer, record executive, DJ, Zimdancehall chanter, and manager at Chillspot Records. In January 2020, Fantan, along with fellow Chillspot producer Levelz, was sentenced to an effective six months in prison for violating COVID-19 lockdown restrictions. The charges stemmed from hosting a Zimdancehall New Year's event in Mbare, where several artists performed, attracting hundreds of fans despite the restrictions. Both Fantan and his colleagues pleaded guilty to the charges.

Early Life

DJ Fantan, born Arnold Kamudyariwa on March 17, 1987, in Mbare, Harare, is a prominent Zimbabwean record producer, DJ, and manager at Chillspot Records. He grew up in Mbare with four brothers (one of whom is deceased) and a sister based in South Africa. He attended Gwinyai Primary School and completed his secondary education at George Stark High School, where he met his future business partner, Levels Chillspot.

After losing his father at a young age, Fantan was raised by his mother, who ensured that he was clothed, fed, and attended school. While in high school, he initially tried his hand at soccer but later shifted his focus to music. In his second year of high school, he began learning DJ skills under the mentorship of Alcatraz Sound before joining Last Generation Sound.

During his final term in Form Four, when things became difficult at home, Fantan took a job as a cleaner at a fast food outlet. This forced him to temporarily set aside his DJ aspirations to focus on his education and work. His dedication paid off, and after six years, he was promoted to a managerial position. However, in 2010, he decided to leave the job and pursue his passion for music.

After moving into his own room in the same block of flats where he grew up, Fantan's place became a popular hangout spot for friends, including talented lyricists. They would often freestyle in his room, which eventually inspired them to purchase speakers and a microphone. What began as a fun activity quickly evolved into something much bigger, leading to the establishment of Chillspot Records. The studio, which started in his bedroom, has since become an iconic institution in the Zimbabwean music scene.

Career

In 2011, DJ Fantan transformed his bedroom setup into a recording studio, co-founding Chillspot Records with Levels. The duo began by producing riddims, which played a crucial role in popularizing the Zimdancehall genre across Zimbabwe. Although Chillspot was founded in 2011, it didn't make a significant impact until they released the "Zimbo Flava Riddim" at the end of 2013. This riddim featured several hit songs, including Soul Jah Love's "Ndongosimudza Musoro," Ras Pomppy's "Usade Kutamba Neni," Tocky Vibes's "Ngoma Dzonaka," and Terminator's "Any Ting A Any Ting," all of which gained immense popularity on the streets.

As the studio attracted more traffic, Fantan had to move out of his bedroom, upgrading the space into a proper recording studio with a booth and sophisticated equipment. The managerial skills he acquired during his formal job significantly contributed to the studio's longevity and growth.

Fantan and Levels' production of the "Zimbo Flava Riddim" won Riddim of the Year in 2013 at the Zimdancehall Awards. In the following years, they continued to achieve success, winning Conscious Riddim of the Year (Pure Niceness) and Best Collaboration Riddim (Mad Levels) in 2014, and Riddim of the Year in 2015 (Stage Riddim).

Fantan also managed the young Zimdancehall artist Ras Pompy, who, under his guidance, was nominated for the 2014 Best Zimdancehall Youngster award and received a full scholarship to further his education at Borrowdale Brooke Academy in Harare.

On January 3, 2021, DJ Fantan and his colleagues were arrested for violating COVID-19 regulations after hosting a New Year's Eve bash that attracted thousands of people. Initially sentenced to 12 months in jail, their sentence was later reduced to three months with an option to pay a $2,000 fine each, on the condition of good behavior until 2025.

Personal Life and Scandals

On May 10, 2022, DJ Fantan was detained at Waterfalls Police Station following his arrest on allegations of domestic violence. The arrest occurred after his wife, Gamuchirai Nemukunyu, filed a complaint with the police, accusing Fantan of assaulting her and damaging their household property. According to Nemukunyu, she had been enduring emotional abuse from Fantan, who allegedly locked her in the house and insisted that she should be a "housewife." 

On May 11, 2022, DJ Fantan dismissed the report by *H-Metro*, accusing the publication of fabricating "falsehoods" for relevance. However, in July 2022, DJ Fantan and Gamuchirai Nemukunyu reportedly separated following his arrest for domestic violence. He claimed that an altercation between Nemukunyu and a woman named Vimbai, with whom he was allegedly involved, led to their breakup.

Following the separation, Nemukunyu hired Harare lawyer Milton Serima to facilitate an amicable separation, which included care arrangements for their two young children and the division of property. Soon after their separation, DJ Fantan reportedly married a woman named Muponda. Muponda shared pictures of "their" traditional wedding ceremony on Facebook, although DJ Fantan did not appear in the photos.

Mixtapes Produced By Fantan

• Zimdancehall Mixtape 2014
• Zim Lovers Mixtape 2014
• Dj Fantan Zimdancehall Mixtape- 2014
• Zimdancehall Mixtape 2013
• Madlevel Riddim 2013

Some Music Productions

• My Boo 2015 (Chill Spot Records) 2015
• Boss Ndiani (Chill Spot Records) 2015
• Handinzwe- Shinsoman
• Chibaba neChimwana- Soul Jah Luv Feat. Missile
• Produced the Madlevel Medley video 2014