AWARD-WINNING South Africa-based Zimbabwean hip-hop artiste Ngonidzashe “King 98” Dondo yesterday said he had come to accept negative criticism associated with the cut-throat music industry. The youthful rapper said he had so far travelled a painful journey in music, but through determination he would soldier on. NewsDay (ND) Life Style reporter Winstone Antonio caught up with King 98 (K98) and below are excerpts from the interview. ND: King 98, how did you come up with such a stage name? K98: Many people have been asking me this question lately. In brief, King 98 is a personal brand and name that I believe I retrieved from the annals of my destiny. When I was in high school, my colleagues called me Asap after they saw the early days of my talent manifestation. With the passage of time, I ended up calling myself King 98. The 98 came from the fact that I was born in 1998. ND: About a fortnight ago you were signed up with a top American music label, Cinq. Can you share more on how you struck this deal and what it entails? K98: Concerning being signed by the music label, I am not yet in a position to comment on that, but what I would like my family and fans to know is that greater things are yet to come. ND: After the launch of your debut album, Francesca named after your mother, you have been doing mainly singles. Are there any plans to drop a second album as yet? K98: My team and I are continuously working towards ensuring the entertainment and music industry of Zimbabwe be lifted to international levels. As I have said earlier, greater things are yet to come but for now, I would like my fans to expect some hit singles. ND: You have dangled an $18 000 monetary prize to three of your lucky fans and you have been involved in a number of charities including donations to fellow artistes, vulnerable children and the elderly. Has music been that profitable or you have other streams of income? K98: As an artiste, I also perceive that we ought to introspect and take lessons from our cultural heritage that is rich in ethics and morals that have a bearing on life. We do not give because we have much, but we give because we are guided by deep Godly and moral ethics such as ubuntu which notes that “I am because you are…” ND: What inspires these charity initiatives? K98: The Lord blessed me with a very generous father who chairs a charity arm called Alfred Dondo Foundation. Many a times, children become an expression of the character of their guardians and I am glad that my parents have taught me much and have passed unto me a heart that longs to see a smile on every face. ND: Your parents actively support your music career. How did you convince them to do so? K98: Apart from them being my parents, they are a wonderful couple that believes in my calling and gift. In any case, in the genesis of my story, my mother was the one who knew that I made music. At that time, my father didn’t know. It came to pass that when Cassper Nyovest came to Zimbabwe, he alerted my father that I made music. It was easier since my talent had bee