Keith Anesu Zulu, popularly known in the arts and entertainment industry as Rixx Kaz Keithavo, is a Zimbabwean music producer, DJ and a recording artist whose life story reflects courage, creativity and determination. Born on 14 September 1996 in Kadoma, Zimbabwe, Keith is one of the young African creatives who are redefining the meaning of talent, ability and perseverance. Living with cerebral palsy, Keith has faced many physical challenges from birth. However, instead of allowing his condition to limit his dreams, he has chosen to build a life defined by passion, hard work and creativity. Through music, he continues to show the world that disability is not inability but simply another way of navigating life with strength and innovation.
Keith’s journey into music is deeply connected to his childhood experiences. He grew up in a home where music was always present. His parents loved music and often played different kinds of songs whenever the family spent time together. The house would be filled with sounds from local Zimbabwean artists as well as international musicians from different parts of the world. For Keith, these moments were very special. Music became something that brought joy, comfort and excitement into his life. As a young boy, he would listen carefully to the rhythm of drums, the flow of melodies and the energy that music carried. Without knowing it at the time, these early experiences were shaping the passion that would later define his career.
Living with cerebral palsy meant that Keith had to learn how to do many things differently from other children. The condition affects the body’s ability to control movement smoothly, which made some everyday activities difficult. Tasks that require strong motor coordination, such as writing or handling certain objects, were not easy for him. However, Keith was fortunate to grow up in a family that believed in his potential. His parents encouraged him to pursue education and independence, always reminding him that his future should not be limited by his physical condition.
Keith began his education at St Giles Rehabilitation Primary School in Harare, a well-known institution that provides education and rehabilitation support for children living with disabilities. At St Giles, he learned not only academic subjects but also important life skills that helped him gain confidence and independence. The school environment allowed him to interact with other learners who were also living with different physical conditions and this helped him develop a strong sense of belonging. After some time he continued his primary education at Bumburwire Primary School in Gweru, where he continued to work hard in his studies while adapting to new surroundings.
Later, Keith attended Tromehuis College in Beitbridge, where he completed his secondary education and successfully obtained five Ordinary Level passes including English Language. Achieving these academic results required determination and persistence. Many school activities required adaptation because of his physical challenges, but he remained focused on building a future for himself. His educational journey helped him develop discipline, patience and resilience, qualities that would later become very important in his career as a creative.
A turning point in Keith’s life came during his school years when one of his teachers realised that he struggled to write with a pen because of limited control in his hands. Instead of seeing this as a problem without solution, the teacher introduced him to using a computer for his schoolwork. This moment would eventually change the direction of his life. While using the computer, Keith began exploring the different programs available on it. During this time, he discovered that there was software that allowed people to create music beats digitally. The idea that music could be made using a computer fascinated him immediately.
At around the age of thirteen, in 2011, Keith began experimenting with beat-making software for the first time. At first he was simply curious and wanted to understand how the program worked. He would click different buttons, test different sounds and try to combine rhythms. By 2012 his curiosity had grown into a serious interest in music production. Because he did not have access to formal training, he started teaching himself using the internet. He spent many hours watching YouTube tutorials and learning how producers create beats, arrange instruments and mix sounds together.
Through patience and practice, he gradually developed the basic skills needed for music production. By the time he reached the age of eighteen, Keith had become fully committed to learning the art of beat making. He spent long hours experimenting with different sounds and styles, slowly developing his own creative approach. The process was not always easy, but his passion for music kept him motivated.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Keith’s journey is the way he adapted his music production process to suit his physical condition. Because cerebral palsy affects the stability of his hands, he sometimes found it difficult to control the computer keyboard and mouse using his hands. Instead of giving up, he began exploring alternative ways of working. One day he realised that using his foot to control the computer provided more stability. What started as an experiment soon became his main working method. Today, Keith uses his foot to operate his laptop when producing music. This unique technique allows him to create beats, edit sounds and arrange tracks with precision. His ability to adapt in this way shows extraordinary determination and creativity.
Keith often says that many global superstars started their music careers from their bedrooms and his own journey began in the same way. With limited equipment but unlimited passion, he spent many hours in his room working on music. Each beat he created helped him grow more confident in his abilities. Gradually he began to believe that his passion for music could become a professional career.
A major breakthrough in his journey came in 2016 when he entered a professional recording studio for the first time. During this session he had the opportunity to produce a song for the sister of Bhadillah, a respected music figure from Matabeleland South. Hearing a singer perform over a beat that he had created was an unforgettable moment for Keith. For the first time he experienced how his ideas could be transformed into a complete musical production. This moment strengthened his belief that music production was the path he wanted to follow for the rest of his life.
As a producer, Rixx Kaz Keithavo works mainly with FL Studio, also known as Fruit Loops, one of the most widely used music production programs in the world. His production process begins with understanding the artist’s vision. When someone brings lyrics to him, he listens carefully and tries to understand the message and mood of the song. He then creates a beat that supports the story being told in the lyrics. Keith believes that a good producer must be able to enter the artist’s vision and make it even stronger through music.
His creativity and technical ability allow him to produce beats quickly while maintaining quality. In many cases he can create a full beat within an hour. This speed comes from years of practice and experimentation. For Keith, producing music is not only about technical skill but also about emotion. Every beat must carry a feeling that listeners can connect with.
Musically, Rixx Kaz Keithavo is very versatile. As a producer he can create beats for artists in different genres such as hip hop, R&B, pop and Afrobeat. However, when performing as a DJ and creating his own music, he focuses mainly on private school amapiano, Afro electronic music and electronic house music. These genres allow him to create energetic sounds that connect with audiences on the dance floor.
His main goal as a DJ is to make people feel good whenever they hear his music. He believes that music has the power to help people forget their problems and enjoy the moment. Whenever he plays music or produces a track, he wants listeners to feel joy, energy and inspiration.
Keith is inspired by several major figures in the music industry. One of his biggest inspirations is the world-renowned South African DJ and producer Black Coffee, who is widely respected as a global ambassador of African house music. Black Coffee’s success story motivates Keith as he has achieved international recognition. Seeing someone like him reach such heights gives Keith confidence that his own dreams are possible.
He is also inspired by Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa, two influential pioneers of amapiano music. Their dedication and creativity have shaped the sound of modern African dance music. Internationally, Keith dreams of one day sharing a stage with famous DJ and producer David Guetta.
Despite his growing talent and experience, Keith continues to face serious challenges. The biggest challenge is financial. Professional music production and DJ performance require equipment such as powerful computers, studio monitors, microphones, DJ controllers and mixing equipment. At the moment he works with very limited tools, which makes it difficult to grow his career at the pace he would like.
Another challenge is the stigma that sometimes exists around disability. Some people wrongly assume that individuals with cerebral palsy cannot work independently or make professional decisions. Keith strongly disagrees with this belief and continues to prove through his work that his condition does not affect his intelligence or creativity.
One of the most inspiring aspects of Keith’s story is his strong belief in hard work, he wants to build professional partnerships with individuals and organisations that believe in his talent. Through collaboration, he hopes to generate income from his music and reinvest it into better equipment and career development.
Keith also understands that his journey represents more than just his personal ambitions. As one of the few artists with disabilities actively working in the music arts and entertainment industry in Zimbabwe, he represents a community that is often overlooked. He hopes that his success will inspire other people living with disabilities to pursue their dreams without fear or doubt.
To share his work with the world, Rixx Kaz Keithavo has built an online presence where fans and music lovers can listen to his productions and follow his journey. His works are available on Audiomack, including his remix titled “Runna Rulez Murume – Rixx Kaz Keithavo Remix”, which can be accessed at https://audiomack.com/djrixxkazkeithavo/song/runna-rulez-murume-rixx-kaz-keithavo-remix. He also shares music videos and creative content on his YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@Rixxkaz. Fans and industry partners can also connect with him on Instagram through https://www.instagram.com/djrixxkazkeithavo/ where he posts updates about his artistic progress.
Looking toward the future, Keith has big dreams for his career. Within the next few years he hopes to build a professional recording studio where he can produce high-quality music for artists from Zimbabwe and around the world. He also hopes to become a recognised DJ performing at major clubs, festivals and international music events. Another important goal is to organise his own live shows and concerts, creating platforms where artists from different backgrounds, including those living with disabilities, can showcase their talent.
At the heart of his journey is a strong belief that every person has a purpose in life. Keith believes that his condition has shaped him into a creative thinker who sees opportunities where others might see limitations. Rather than allowing his disability to hold him back, he has chosen to use his talent to inspire others.
Today, Rixx Kaz Keithavo stands as a powerful example of resilience, creativity and determination. His story reminds us that true ability is not defined by physical strength but by passion, vision and the courage to pursue one’s dreams. With the right partnerships, professional support and access to proper equipment, he has the potential to become one of the most inspiring DJs and music producers not only in Zimbabwe but across Africa and beyond.
For engagements, bookings, partnerships and collaborations, interested organisations, the business community, brands, event promoters and industry stakeholders are encouraged to get in touch with Sithokozile Sibanda (Artist Manager, Arts Journalist, Arts Researcher and Founder of Creatives Magazine). She can be contacted via email at sibandas2308@gmail.com or by phone on +263 773 248 538.
