Singer

Tapz

Tapz Gallantino, whose real name is Tapiwa Mutingwende, is a Zimbabwean-born singer, songwriter, music producer, model, and multidisciplinary artist. He is known for blending different musical styles and bringing together African influences, R&B, hip-hop, and punk-inspired sounds.

His journey from rural Zimbabwe to New Zealand and eventually Los Angeles has shaped both his music and his outlook on life. Rather than limiting himself to one creative field, Tapz has explored fashion, painting, business, and projects designed to help independent artists.

Early Life and Background

Tapz was born on 19 October 1995 in Wedza District, Zimbabwe. When he was about ten years old, he moved with his family to Wellington, New Zealand. Growing up between these two countries exposed him to different cultures, experiences, and musical traditions.

As a child, he listened to traditional Zimbabwean music, Bob Marley, Michael Jackson, and Prince. After moving to New Zealand, he discovered punk rock, which introduced him to a different style of expression.

These experiences eventually became an important part of his artistic identity. Tapz has described himself as someone shaped by a cultural mix, and that combination can be heard in his music.

He became interested in music at a young age, using melodies and songwriting to express feelings that were sometimes difficult to communicate in words. Over time, a childhood interest developed into a serious career ambition.

Music Career and Rise to Fame

Tapz began attracting wider attention around the middle of the 2010s. One of his breakthrough songs was Killa, which helped introduce his distinctive sound to a larger audience.

He also gained attention through his collaboration with Australian electronic music duo Hermitude on The Buzz. The song became a major streaming success and helped expose his music to listeners outside New Zealand.

As his profile grew, Tapz had opportunities to perform alongside established artists, including Lorde, Banks, A$AP Ferg, and Jeremih. He also secured a management deal associated with Kanye West’s G.O.O.D. Music management team in 2016 before later pursuing greater independence.

One of his biggest career highlights came in November 2017, when he won the MTV Europe Music Award for Best New Zealand Act. The award was a major achievement for the Zimbabwean-born artist, particularly because he beat fellow nominee Lorde.

His music continued to evolve through releases such as the Beautiful Nightmare EP and the Social Crucifixion project. These works explored personal identity, social experiences, and the challenges of navigating different cultures.

Beyond Music: Fashion, Art, and Business

Tapz is not only focused on recording songs. He has also worked as a model and collaborated with fashion brands, including Louis Vuitton, Nike, Adidas, Jordan, and Vans.

Another important part of his creative journey is Social Crucifixion, a project he co-founded to help independent creatives gain greater control over their work, identity, and relationship with their audiences.

He also enjoys painting and exploring visual art. These interests allow him to express ideas beyond music and build a broader creative identity.