Tapiwa ‘Taps’ Mugadza, known professionally as Taps, is a Zimbabwean soul and pop singer who began his musical journey at the age of 15. He competed in the Zimbabwean Idol competition, winning third place overall before making his move to America, where he studied at the Musicians Institute in Hollywood – graduating with the school’s highest honor, ‘Outstanding Artist’.
He has gone to work with world-renowned producers such as T-Collar, Moose, Pip Kembo, Boi-1da, and legendary Quincy Jones, writing all of his own music. His covers also have received acclaim from the likes of Billboard, recognized as some of ‘the best soul-stirring covers’ on their commended lists. Taps music has been featured in TV series including Criminal Minds and EXTRA, where he performed live. We had the pleasure to speak to him about his flourishing career.
How did you get into the music industry?
Originally, I got into the music industry by necessity. I grew up in an orphanage in Zimbabwe and realized that, when we had to sing, we were able to provide for the children’s home. When the caregivers realized I could sing they pushed me into that direction and I’ve been running with it ever since!
Who have been your musical influences?
Bryan Adams and Michael Jackson have been some big influences. On top of that, as a kid, I have always loved classic rock.
You competed in the Zimbabwean Idol competition, winning third place overall before making your move to America. Please tell us more about your experience of the competition and its impact on your career.
Overall, I realized that competitions are not for me. It helped me to see what I wanted out of music and it put the extra drive in me to go after what I wanted. The experience wasn’t bad it just wasn’t for me! I was doing what people wanted me to do versus what I wanted to do.
You studied at the Musicians Institute in Hollywood, graduating with the school’s highest honor of ‘Outstanding Artist’. Please share your experience studying at the institute and how it has shaped your approach to music.
When I was growing up I always thought that people only told me I could sing just because I grew up in a children’s home. With that said, I didn’t have formal music training growing up. Being surrounded by other musicians, and being complimented by them, really helped boost my confidence. On top of that, the Musicians Institute shaped my career by giving me a work ethic that I didn’t have. Practicing, writing, and memorizing really helped sharpen my craft.
You’ve worked with world-renowned producers such as T-Collar, Moose, Pip Kembo, Boi-1da, and Quincy Jones and received much acclaim but what would you say has been your proudest industry achievement so far, and why?
Quincy Jones is the man! One of my proudest moments was getting to meet him and hearing him say I have a gift. When someone of that magnitude gives you that complement you know you’re headed in the right direction. Especially when working with such a massive talent like himself.
Tell us more about your latest track titled ‘ Dance All Night’ and the accompanying video Note: Please provide a background to the track, production process, director, and those involved in the production of the video.
Originally written and recorded in 2015, Dance All Night has been a work in progress from 2015 to 2021. It was written about me and my friends growing up in Zimbabwe. As a kid, some of my freest moments included going to camps. We would play music and just dance and sing without having one care in the world. Just us being kids! It’s always good to look back on fun things like that and so I really wanted to create a song that represented that time period in my life. On top of that, I wanted the music video to portray just how free and fun those moments were.
What projects are you currently working on?
I’ve never actually put an album out and so right now I am working on my debut album!
Where can people find out more about you?
Follow along on Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/tapsempire/, and you can listen to ‘Dance All Night’ here.
Photo credits: James Davis II
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