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EXQ, (Mr Putiti), born Enock Munhenga on the 11th of January(year withheld), is a leading Zimbabwean Urban Grooves artist from Manicaland.
He began his career in the late 1990s but gained national recognition in 2000 with the hit track Musalala. Around this time, government policies promoted local music on both local TV and radio stations and with the much needed efforts by mostly young and upcoming artists, Urban Grooves flourished. Soulful melodies infused with urban grooves made him trend the most. Personally he has two children Trey and Tiara with former wife Irene whom he was married to until 2014 but split amid rumours of a relationship with a wealthy girlfriend but rubished the claims citing career interference and currently Mandisa whom he married in May 2020 and welcomed a child in October 2020.
In 2021 he got detained with fellow artist Nutty O for presenting fake COVID-19 certificates upon returning from South Africa but both were later released on $5,000 bail each. Overally, X helped popularize the Urban Grooves movement and is widely praised by fans for his solidified relevance and consistent output in modern Zimbabwean music.
Having worked with fellow stars such as Roki, Tererai Mugwadi, Stunner and Extra Large he helped shape the sound of Zimbabwe’s early 2000s music scene. Considered one of the pioneers in the genre and unlike many of his peers he has remained relevant for over two decades, adapting to new trends while staying true to his style. His notable Songs include Musalala(Salad), Pandakakuona, Ndichakutevera, Mazirudo, Pane Rudo with Oliver Mtukudzi, Wakatemba, Nezvangu, Paya paya, Try, Bhachura, Tsvigiri, Nzenza, Mazirudo, Sweeter, Sorry moyo Wangu and Hatichacheme. Recently he has also featured Nutty O on Healer, Takura on Wangu, and Feli Nandi on Catch and release with his latest release being Rhaka Rhaka. EXQ is often compared to Winky D and Jah Prayzah and considered one of the most consistent Zimbabwean artists of his generation.
Awards and accolades shelved include best video of the year (2005) for his song Ndichakutevera conferred by the National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA) and Best Afro-pop award (2014) conferred by the Zimbabwe Music Awards (ZIMA). The Urban Grooves and Afro-beats artist has stayed relevant by consistently releasing chart-topping hits to date. Like his pseudonym exquisite describes something that is extremely beautiful, delicate, or flawless or exceptional craftsmanship. There is always a saying that goes “hatitongwe nemaSalad but tinotongwa nechiSalad”……….thanks to EXQ.
