Mr Makoya Now Turns To Business

Multi-genre performer Mr Makoya (Strauss Lunyangwe) has ventured into business, and recently told The Weekender about his different ventures, including his newest project as a property developer.

Lunyangwe is involved in multiple projects such as TS Media and the Subu-A brand.

“The Subu-A brand was started three years ago, when we started selling airtime and electricity and making it easy for clients at Osona village to make payments for their DStv, etc.

“After much consideration, we decided to venture into the financial sector last year and we were grateful to get approval from the regulator to become a micro-lender (Subu-A Financial Services) with one full-time employee.

This year, we just created another portfolio under the brand, called Subu-A Trading and Construction, to become property developers offering affordable housing,” he says.

Lunyangwe believes he has carved a niche in the music world, business and professionally over the last 20 years, which he can finally use to his advantage.

“Being an artist gives you a certain advantage in life, I would advise them to use it wisely and carefully as we won’t be able to dance and make hit songs forever. It has given me a certain advantage sometimes, but also a stigma when the rationale is just to stick to music.

“I will be putting all the knowledge I learned over the years in the music business into Subu-A as a consortium that can stand the test of time,” he says.

Lunyangwe says trying his hand at various things was prompted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Covid has taught us a lesson of not becoming too complacent and relaxed. It has made us realise that staying in our comfort zones might be to our detriment when push comes to shove and the struggle becomes real. You start worrying about what you are going to leave behind for your family in the event that you pass on. If you’re going to be having a job – because people lost their livelihoods in that space.

“Most importantly you have to create your own opportunities in life because nothing comes on a silver platter,” he says.

Lunyangwe says working in these fields is different from music and provides various new challenges, but he has learned to appreciate the stress, trials and tribulations.

He says one of the biggest challenges is when others do not believe in the vision from the start.

“When you start off with something, you are determined to make it work. It’s nerve-wracking and exciting at the same time. We have lost a lot and had some small victories which we learn from on a day-to-day basis. We at Subu-A believe in making sure our foundation is set up right, so that it does not crumble. We have a lot of hard work to put in but we are up for the challenge,” he says.

Speaking about his music plans for the year, Lunyangwe says he wants to belt out promotional material in an effort to stay relevant.