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Zacukho Tetseo, also known by his stage name ZT Slingshot, received appreciations for his music videos “Nimok power” and “Believe” ft. Wetsote-ü Letro which were released last year. “Nimok power” was eventually named ‘Song of the Year’ and awarded at the 12th Music awards of Nagaland 2020.
This young talented upcoming rapper from the state is now set for the release of his solo track titled “TOP” by the end of this month.
In an interview with Eastern Mirror, the artiste shares about his journey in the music industry and more.
Read on to know more about the upcoming rapper.
Eastern Mirror: An introduction to those who have not heard of you yet.
ZT Slingshot: Born and raised in Pfutsero Town, my name is Zacukho Tetseo and I go by the stage name ZT Slingshot. Hailing from Thipuzu village, I belong to the Chakhesang community, currently pursuing music in Hip Hop Genre.
Eastern Mirror: Any interesting story behind how and when you started your connection with music?
ZT Slingshot: I grew up in a family where my father is a huge lover of music, which indeed played a major role in my life as well as my younger siblings. I grew up listening to classical and gospel songs. It did not really connect me but I started singing at Sunday schools and Sunday services.
Though rapping was never the genre that I had on my mind, things changed when I had the opportunity to go out to Mysore and met a Hip Hop crew known as the MYS3 and a music producer from Delhi known as ARYSTER; we connected and with the knowledge they have imparted I started switching my Genre to Hip Hop.
Seeing the connection with the Music for the first time I started my rap music in 2019.
Eastern Mirror: When was the first time you performed on stage as a musician? And what was the experience like?
ZT Slingshot: Growing up from a town where entertainment and platforms are lacking, I did not really had a breakthrough of hitting big stages but ever since I started as a rapper, my church ‘Pfutsero Town Baptist Church’ has played a major role in my music journey by giving me platforms to perform in church programmes and informal gatherings.
My best experience is the most recent performance in Dimapur, where I got the privilege to come and perform for a Charity show organised by Alobo Naga and Better Dimapur called ‘Coffee for a Cause With Alobo Naga’, where the love, response and support I got from the crowd just overwhelmed me.
Eastern Mirror: What are your main inspirations while writing lyrics?
ZT Slingshot: We all go through ups and downs in life, and just like that I write my lyrics on what I am going through in life.
I write happy songs when I'm happy; I write sad songs when I'm sad; and I write on what the society or the world is going through etc. My Emotions would be one of my biggest inspirations while writing my lyrics.
Eastern Mirror: What is your last music video "Believe" ft. Wetsote-ü Letro about?
ZT Slingshot: I have gone through ups and downs in life- left my studies, made wrong decisions, and went into depression when I lost my dad.
So many things were going wrong in my life. I wanted to do something right and wanted to make the right choices in life and I didn't want to stay in the dark making excuses and blaming myself for the misfortunes.
That is when I decided to write this song to look at life from a brighter perspective; to put away the past, my fears and every single insecurities I have.
The song is about always believing in God and believing in my dreams, goals and the passion I put into my music; believing in the things that God has in store for me and believing that better days are yet to come.
Eastern Mirror: How would you describe your style of music?
ZT Slingshot: From the art of rapping, I would describe my style as in old school hip hop.
I love to deliver my style of songs as in gospel rap, storytelling, etc.
Eastern Mirror: What is your greatest strength? How does it help you as a rap artiste?
ZT Slingshot: The "Grace of God" is always my greatest strength. As a rap artist, it has helped define myself to be strong and bold in the Lord and also it has helped me in so many different ways that I could possibly imagine.
Eastern Mirror: What is the best advice you've ever been given?
ZT Slingshot: One of the best advices I have been given is "Be humble, don't flex what you don't have and just be real about being you".
Eastern Mirror: Any upcoming projects that you want to share with your fans?
ZT Slingshot: Yes! I have an upcoming Solo track called "TOP", managed by Wakhro Khape.
The upcoming music will be produced by Nagabeatz and MV Production by Pharhetho Nyusou, Wwwou Letou, Vezhoto Vero and Sezokho Tetseo, and the song is set to be released by the end of April.
Eastern Mirror: Any message for your listeners?
ZT Slingshot: Thanking each and every wonderful soul that has been supporting me. Please continue supporting; subscribe and share my YT channel, follow me on IG and get updates about my songs.