Que: The Artist Who Refuses to Fit In

Que: The Artist Who Refuses to Fit In

It was a warm afternoon in Harare when I finally caught up with Que, the artist whose name has been making waves in Zimbabwe and beyond. He walked in with effortless confidence—his signature bold fashion, striking hair, and a presence that demanded attention. But what stood out most wasn’t just the way he dressed or carried himself—it was the energy he exuded, the kind that only comes from someone who truly knows who they are.

As I got to know him, I couldn’t help but ask about two of my favorite songs of his: Mambure and Son of a King. He was lit up at the mention of them.

"Son of a King? Now, that one is personal," he admitted . "I don’t think I made it for the people. I made it for me. It’s me speaking things into existence—blessings from the Lord, catching flights to Europe because of music, and, yeah, even throwing a little shade at fake homies. It’s a flex, but it’s also a declaration."

Then there was Mambure, a song that revealed a different side of him.

"That’s the Indie Pop version of me. It’s more commercial, designed for the festival crowds in Europe. But at its heart, it’s about love. It’s about someone who’s held it down for me over the years. But don’t ask me to get into details—I’ll leave that part to the music," he said with a knowing grin.

Que isn’t just a Zimbabwean artist—he’s a global artist with Zimbabwean roots. His travels, especially to Germany, have shaped his music in ways he never expected.

"Before, I saw myself as an Afro R&B artist. But after performing in Germany, I realized I could do more—I could blend Indie Pop with my Shona lyrics and create something unique. Europeans love dance music, and I found a way to tap into that without losing who I am. Traveling opened my mind; it showed me that we don’t have to stick to one genre. We can experiment, we can evolve, and still be cool in our own way."

It’s this ability to adapt while staying true to his roots that makes Que’s music stand out.

But Que knows that in the music industry, talent alone isn’t enough. His striking fashion sense isn’t just a style choice—it’s a strategy.

"Music only plays about 15% of the game. The rest? It’s about brand imaging, PR, booking agents, publishing deals. That’s why I created my look—my hair, my fashion—it all builds a persona, a character that aligns with my music. I want record labels and corporations to see me and remember me."

He paused for a moment before adding, "At the end of the day, music is storytelling, and I want every part of me—my sound, my image, my energy—to tell that story."

Unlike some artists who follow strict routines, Que’s creative process is fluid. He doesn’t chase music—he lets it come to him.

"Music is spiritual. You can’t force a feeling," he explained. "I usually lock in with my producer, Prince of the South, or sit alone in my home studio. I listen to the beat, hum some melodies, mumble a few words, and when the song is ready, it reveals itself to me. I never force it."

It’s this intuitive approach that makes his music feel so raw, so real.

If Que could collaborate with anyone, his first pick would be Okmalumkoolkat.

"He’s an OG, not just in South Africa but across borders. And the fact that he believes in me as a brand? That co-sign gives me power to push harder."

On the fashion side, he remains open to opportunities.

"I once did something with Converse, and the offer to work with them is still on the table. Who knows? The future is wide open."

As our conversation wrapped up, I asked Que what message he had for aspiring artists. His answer was simple but powerful.

"Don’t ride trends—be unique. My sound isn’t typical Zimbabwean, but it has taken me places. Don’t compete with others; be content and work hard. That’s how you win."

Que isn’t just making music—he’s making a movement. In an industry that often rewards imitation, he’s proving that originality is the real key to success. And something tells me this is just the beginning of his story.

Follow Que’s journey and music on his YouTube and Instagram @quetheartist