V2

Biography

V2 (Vitumbiko Nkosi) best known for his debut mixtape ‘#isThatV2’ is a Malawian-American artist. Born in Lilongwe Malawi, Nkosi brings his diverse background and upbringing into his music, along with his versatility and passion. African born, American raised, his music brings passionate delivery and explores his life experiences. With his mother having him at such a young age (13) he was raised by his grandmother in a house of 6. His family immigrated to Mishawaka, Indiana before settling down permanently in South Bend, Indiana. Nkosi has been a fan of rap music since early childhood. His Uncle, Lusungu Nkosi (who he refers to as a brother), made a huge impact on Nkosi by playing artists such as Tupac, Sade, Jill Scott, and Trick Daddy. At 10 years old, Nkosi entered a modeling/acting competition. With the success gained from the event, Nkosi moved to California with his mother, Florence Nkosi. In between work, his mother would frequently host a Malawi internet radio show called “Radio Yako”. Nkosi caught interest in the software she would use for her broadcasts. One primary software called “Magix” allowed him to realize he could upload instrumentals and write covers and remixes to some of his favorite artists' music. Nkosi moved back to South Bend, Indiana and attended Clay High School where he picked up on producing music through “Mixcraft” Later on, Nkosi would discover more recent DAW’s like “FL Studio”. Nkosi and his best friend Wonderful Nsunza (Malawian) formed a label called “Zoom Entertainment“ and from there the artist known as “V2” was born. Nkosi quickly built a buzz in his highschool with his music. He later relocated to Lansing, Michigan and rebranded his label due to the co-founder moving out of the country for Schooling. There he landed opportunities to open for big artists such as Rich The Kid, TK & Cash, Kirko Bangz, and Rejjie Snow. Nkosi released his unofficial mixtape “Temper Tantrum” in 2011, and his debut mixtape, “#IsThatV2” in 2016. The tape was released on Soundcloud. Two singles from the mixtape, “Huh” and “Do The Most” became particularly successful. Nkosi later moved to California to finish school and after completion went back to the motherland to reconnect with his roots and learn about his upbringing to find himself not only as a man, but as an artist, and to get an understanding on his purpose in life. Upon his return to the states Nkosi had a different outlook on life which translated through his demeanor. He picked up where he left off in music but this time with a purpose and a meaning of what he could talk about and where his influence would land. From his own words Nkosi’s music is here to bridge the gap between the new Malawian generation and the old malawi generation. Even beyond the “born frees” the generations after (in the states known as Gen-Z) has a bridge with the new technology reaching african youths and them realizing they are able to express themselves comes a new conflict within the community of how to keep malawian roots whilst being influenced by cultures from around the world like fashion from China and Japan and Culture from U.K and U.S with outlets such as Whatsapp, Facebook, and Youtube and phones being easily accessible. Malawi youth are now able to form a personality from content they have digested through social media and the personality they have built. Which is unfamiliar with the older generations of Malawi and the cultures subsided from their influence. Since his return Nkosi’s music has been more pertaining to who he is and his upbringing debuting with “It’s a Vibe” featuring Fellow Malawian artist J.Cam.G where they speak about what’s to come in their future with an American influence with an African background. Following this success, Nkosi has not let off the gas and in 2022 has already released 8 songs which includes 4 videos. He debuted on Malawi television with hit song “Like That” with help from fellow Malawian artist T-Music and long time friend and fellow musician Tresa Brake. To build his buzz in his home country Malawi on April 16, 2022 he released all his recently released music as an EP. The EP was fittingly named “Tafika” which translates to “We have arrived” letting his home country know that he has arrived on the scene and is ready to make his presence known and to let his music be heard to help influence Malawi youth to be themselves but to keep the values we were all raised on which is ulemu (respect), honesty and keeping tradition alive.

Discography

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