Zzambo refocuses with name change

Recording artiste Zzambo, who no longer goes by the moniker Tafari, says that the change represents a true metamorphosis, with a refocusing on his music and his fans, while entering a new chapter that is proving to be the most artistically fruitful of his career.

"Too many artistes bear the same name and every Rastafarian has a child by the name Tafari. As an artiste you need a unique presence for branding," said Zzambo.

Asked whether the name change will affect his fan base, Zzambo said, "As long as the content is up to par and feels good, they will be receptive."

In a move to get his new brand out there, the artiste has re-released his 2016 single Puts it Down under the new name. The change also affects his entire catalogue in all online music stores.

" Puts it Down is a homage to the counterpart giving extreme pleasure and causing the recipient to submit. The song was produced by Brett 'Beats' Bailey and released on the RUD3 Music label," said Zzambo. The re-release on February 25 was accompanied by a new video. The song also features his brother, singer Isat.

Zzambo, given name Zambo Tafari Buchanan in Kingston, his father is veteran old-school deejay Big Youth. He has been creating a unique fusion of reggae, hip-hop, R&B, and pop since the early 2000s.

He scored success with the singles Life is Not an Easy Road and Money in My Pocket. Zzambo later released three studio albums. Two of them, Rud3 Love and Desire Fulfilled, both hit the Billboard Reggae Albums chart. He is currently working on a new album with producer Noah Mason.