DJ Levels Chillspot - Biography, Education, Career Achievements, Personal Life, Riddims and Awards

Rodger Tafadzwa Kadzimwe, known professionally as Levels Chillspot, is a Zimbabwean music producer, artist, and Zimdancehall chanter. He is the co-founder of Chillspot Recordz, a pivotal label in the Zimdancehall music scene. In January 2020, Levels, along with his fellow Chillspot co-founder DJ Fantan, was sentenced to six months in prison for violating COVID-19 lockdown restrictions. The duo had hosted a New Year's Zimdancehall event in Mbare, where several artists performed. The event, attended by hundreds of fans, led to their arrest, and both Levels and DJ Fantan pleaded guilty to the charges.

Early Life and Education

Rodger Tafadzwa Kadzimwe, professionally known as Levels Chillspot, was born on September 9, 1989, in Murehwa, Zimbabwe, making him 35 years old as of 2024. He grew up in Chitungwiza, where he began his early education before later moving to the Mbare suburb in Harare. Levels has three sisters and one brother.

For his schooling, Levels attended several schools in Harare. He started his primary education at Avonlea Primary School and continued to Ellis Robins High School for his secondary education. After spending just two terms in Form 1, he transferred to George Stark High School in Mbare but switched schools again after one term due to his parents' dissatisfaction. He eventually settled at Sodbury High School in Darwendale, where he completed his studies from Form 2 to Form 4. 

During his time at Sodbury, Levels formed a musical group called "The Chainsmokers," although the group did not manage to record any songs. He later pursued sound engineering at the Music Academy of the West in California.

Career

Levels began his music career at a very young age, showcasing his remarkable singing and keyboard skills at the Evangelical Fellowship of Believers Church. After starting out with S.E.P.P Records, he eventually co-founded Chill Spot Record with DJ Fantan (Arnold Kamudyariwa) and DJ Ribhe (Tafadzwa Mandaza).

Chill Spot Record has been instrumental in popularizing the Zimdancehall genre, propelling Levels to stardom. Founded in 2013, the label has become one of the most successful Zimdancehall record labels in Zimbabwe. Levels and DJ Fantan's names became well-known across the country, frequently credited in hit songs that dominated radio airplay, public events, and clubs.

In 2013, Levels won a Zimdancehall Award for the best Riddim with "Zimbo Flavour," released under Chill Spot Records. He has produced albums for numerous Zimdancehall artists, including Winky D, Sniper Storm, Soul Jah Love, Seh Calaz, Freeman, and Tocky Vibes. His work, particularly the production of riddims like Silent Killer Riddim, which featured Jamaican artist Kalado, has been pivotal in the popularization of the Zimdancehall genre in Zimbabwe.

Throughout his career, Levels has produced around 30 riddims, many of which have won awards. He has worked with top artists such as Turbulence, Winky D, Freeman HKD, I-Octane, Romain Virgo, Charlie Black, Enzo Ishall, Killer T, Tocky Vibes, DJ Tira, and many other local talents. His production skills have earned him a reputation as one of the best Zimdancehall producers.

Personal Life

DJ Levels was once married to Dev Sando, with whom he shares a son. Details about their relationship remain private, but they are reported to have separated.

In late 2022, DJ Levels gained significant media attention due to his relationship with Shashl, the daughter of former Health Minister Obadiah Moyo. The couple dated for over a year, but their relationship ended in November 2022 when Shashl accused Levels of rape and physical abuse. She also claimed that he leaked a sex tape of them without her consent, violating the Data Protection Act. Levels denied these allegations and was released on $20,000 bail, pending trial in January 2023.

However, a new video emerged that appeared to show a different side of their relationship. Recorded by Shashl, the video shows the two cuddling and kissing tenderly, leading to mixed reactions from the public. Some fans expressed support for the couple, while others criticized them for being irresponsible and insensitive, particularly given the serious nature of the allegations. Some even speculated that the video might be a publicity stunt or an attempt to influence the outcome of the legal case.

In addition to these controversies, DJ Levels, along with DJ Fantan and DJ Ribhe, was arrested in 2020 for violating COVID-19 regulations after hosting a New Year’s Eve party in Mbare. He faced further legal trouble in 2022 following Shashl's accusations of rape.

In November 2022, Levels apologized to his fans after the sex tape and nude pictures with Shashl were leaked on social media. He claimed that his phone, a Samsung S21, had been stolen the previous day at Pablos "after a small fight," leading to the leak of the videos, which quickly went viral on social media and trended on Twitter.

Riddims

Werras Riddim

One Clan Riddim

Zimdancehall Definition

Boss Ndiani

My Boo

Pure Niceness

Bodyshine Riddim

Nobody Can Stop Reggae

No Fighting

Rova Ngova

Zvigubhu

Champion 89

Awards

• Zimdancehall Awards - Best Producer 2013, 15, 19, 2020 (Nominated 2014, 2016, 2017 and 2018)
• Zimdancehall Awards - Best Collaborative Production 2015
• Zimbabwe Music Awards - Best Producer 2021
• Star FM Music Awards - Best Producer 2021 (Nominated)