Mudiwa Hood - Biography, Career, Personal Life, Songs, Awards and Nominations

Mudiwa Hood, born Mudiwa Mtandwa, is a prominent Zimbabwean rapper, singer, and actor known for his contributions to gospel hip-hop. He gained fame with popular tracks such as "Ndaita mari" and "Anhu acho tisu." Mudiwa Hood is recognized as a leading figure in Zimbabwe's gospel music scene, helping to popularize the genre of gospel hip-hop in the country.

Early Life and Education

Mudiwa Hood, born on July 24, 1985, in Harare, Zimbabwe, is the youngest of four siblings. He grew up in Chitungwiza and attended Nyazura High School. His siblings are Shupikai Mtandwa, Terrance Mtandwa, and Wanisai Tendai Mtandwa, who is also a musician. 

Mudiwa Hood is engaged to Karen Molly King. He earned Bachelor of Science degrees in Economics and Psychology and a Master’s in Business Administration (Finance) from Africa University.

Initially, he used the surname "Hood" for his recording career, a name derived from his biological great-grandfather. In 2019, he announced a legal change of his surname to Hood, as the Mtandwa surname came from his grandfather's step-father after his great-grandfather Hood had abandoned the family.

Personal Life

Mudiwa Hood was married to Angelica Colchèita-Hood. They divorced in 2020 and have one child together.

Career

In 2012, Hood began recording music at CraigBone Studios in Chitungwiza. He released singles like "Chaputika Zvinestaira," "Anhu Acho Tisu," and "Ndaita Mari." In 2013, he signed with Demon Proof Records but left in 2015 to start HoodNation Records.

His single "Ndaita Mari" (which means "I Made Money" in Shona) became a hit, topping Zimbabwean music charts for several weeks and winning four awards in a year. In 2015, he became a brand ambassador for Steward Bank and Ster-Kinekor Zimbabwe.

Hood's next singles, "Number 1" and "Mwana waMambo," were featured on the Star FM Zimbabwe Gospel Greats top-20 chart. "Number 1" was on the chart from September 2013 to May 2014. His 2014 single "Love yaSolo" and the 2015 track "Shinga," featuring Nox, also made it to the top-10 chart on Power FM Zimbabwe.

In 2017, Hood starred in the ZBC TV drama series Muzita Rababa, which won the best Zimbabwean television series award at the 2020 National Arts Merit Awards. He played the role of a church choir leader. In June 2021, he launched a reality TV show, UnderTheHood, on ZBC TV.

In 2020, Hood wrote and released a book titled Shut Up and Make Money.

Albums

Magnet (2012)

Mwana waMambo (2015)

The Street Preacher (2017)

Nominations

2013 - Zimbabwe Achievers Awards - Best Gospel Artist, People's Choice

2014 - Gospel Hip Hop Awards - Best Video, People's Choice

2015 - Zim Hip Hop Awards - Best Album Mwana waMambo

2015 - PERMICAN Awards - Best Urban Contemporary

2021 - BEFFTA Awards - Man Of The Year 2020/21

Awards

2012 - Zim Hip Hop Awards - Best Gospel Act

2013 - Zim Hip Hop Awards - Best Gospel Act, Best Video 10 Over 10, People's Choice

2014 - Zim Hip Hop Awards - Best Gospel Act

2017 - Zim Hip Hop Awards - Best Hustle, Best Video Slayin, Best Gospel Act

2017 - Megafest Business Awards - Business Personality of the Year

2018 - Zim Hip Hop Awards - Hip Hop Personality of the Year

2019 - Zim Hip Hop Awards - The Highest Achievement in Hip Hop, People's Choice

2021 - Zim Community News Awards - Best Hip Hop Artist of the decade