Dennis Ndlovu
Zim GBC News| Arts and Entertainment reporter
https://www.zimgbcnews.co.zw
Linos Tapera, rapper and filmmaker, known as Brilaizer, is emerging as one of a new generation of multi-disciplinary creatives shaping the country’s artistic landscape.
Fusing hip-hop with cinematic storytelling, the artist has built a reputation for deeply personal work that draws on lived experiences, while also pushing boundaries across music and film.
Born and raised in Zimbabwe, Brilaizer’s journey into the creative world began at an early age, initially through drawing. He describes his passion for both music and cinema as inseparable, viewing them as different expressions of the same purpose.
“I really don’t think there’s a difference,” he said.
“Through it all I get to tell stories, if I can’t tell it through music, I tell it through film.”
Brilaizer’s work is often marked by emotional depth, rooted in a childhood he describes as complex and at times isolating. Raised largely by his grandmother, he says those early experiences shaped his storytelling.
“My music is very personal,” he explained.
“There’s a lot of pain, those are the elements that I felt when I was young.”
This sense of introspection is evident in projects such as the iMANI EP, later reworked into the UTHANDO EP, which explores themes of love, faith and loyalty. The project, he says, was heavily influenced by his own relationships.
“Love is not always rosy,” he said.
“It’s about choosing to stay, to grow, to transform, even through hardships.”
Songs like Sondela, Dedel’uMqhele and Dreaming highlight his poetic approach to rap, blending lyricism with emotional storytelling.
A distinctive feature of Brilaizer’s music is his use of multiple languages, including IsiNdebele, Shona, Swahili and English. He says this reflects both his background and a broader vision of unity.
“My mother is South African and my father is Zimbabwean,” he said.
“So I got to test different cultures, I just see the world as a human being.”
He believes multilingual expression allows him to connect with diverse audiences, describing it as offering all the flavours in one plate.
In recent years, Brilaizer has gained wider recognition within Zimbabwe’s hip-hop scene, particularly with releases such as Manyama and QAPHELA. The latter, now remixed with established artists, has expanded his reach beyond local audiences.
“I’m being played regularly now,” he said.
“There’s been a shift.”
Despite this, he notes that broader recognition remains a work in progress, both for himself and for many emerging Zimbabwean artists.
Beyond music, Brilaizer is also an active filmmaker, with projects including iGAZI, Spirit Of A Good Heart, Lights Out: The Book Of The Blind, and several short films.
Through film, he aims to present what he calls an unfiltered reflection of society.
“Life is raw,” he said.
“It’s not always milk and honey, sometimes people fall and don’t rise again.”
His work often explores themes of African identity, realism and social struggle, while also encouraging pride in cultural heritage.
A strong advocate for documentary filmmaking, Brilaizer argues that authenticity is central to meaningful storytelling.
“I don’t like fake things,” he said.
“Documentaries show the realness of everything, nothing is filtered.”
He believes this form of storytelling is essential for preserving history and inspiring future generations of creatives.
Through his studio, now known as Obaxel, Brilaizer is also investing in the development of other artists. The platform focuses on collaboration, training and creating opportunities within Zimbabwe’s creative industries.
Looking ahead, his vision extends beyond national borders to the wider continent.
“I’m not looking at Zimbabwe as Zimbabwe on its own,” he said.
“I’m looking at Africa as a whole.”
He envisions the creation of a superpower, African creative industry capable of telling authentic stories and ensuring artists are properly supported and rewarded.
Brilaizer says fans can expect continued growth, both musically and in film, as he works on new material, including an upcoming release.
“There’s a lot to expect,” he said.
“Growth, maturity, and the truth.”
For the artist, staying authentic remains central to his mission.
“I want to be remembered for staying true and using art for the betterment of the world,” he also said.
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