Wonder Gang

Entertwine: Could you tell us a bit about your musical background? What inspired you to begin creating music in the first place? What is the significance of your stage name?

Keith Wonder: My Dad plays a good role in my musical background. I remember when I was little he had a shelved closet filled with record discs from Michael Jackson, Bob Marley, UB40, Peter Tosh, Lucky Dube, Bunny Wailer the list goes on. He definitely has a good ear for music of all genres. I don’t know if that influenced me to start making music, but I have always loved music since then and would often imitate the musicians I saw on T.V. I feel like I have now developed a good ear for music since I’ve been through a whole lot of genres from local Zimabwean to American music. You name it!
The significance of the my stage name “Keith Wonder”? Well my middle name is “Keith” and the Wonder part traces back to sixth grade when me and my best friend at that time tried to come up with a company name that we wanted to open when we got older called “The Wonder Brothers” or something like that (laughs).
Im sure he doesn’t even remember it, but I don’t know it just stuck with me. Just the idea of owning a company felt so cool to me at that time. So I just started calling myself Keith Wonder when I started rapping and it just sounds like a Super Hero name anyway!

Entertwine: In 2006 you moved from Zimbabwe to Dallas, TX; what inspired this big change? What was life like in Zimbabwe compared to America? What are some of the biggest cultural differences between the two countries, in your opinion?

KW: Well to start off just the idea of coming to the United States from the place Im from is a huge deal. Its just so hard to get the Visa. In 2006 there was a lot of things happening in Zimbabwe. The economy was falling apart, a lot of corruption and political (violence) etc. My parents where just so concerned about the future of their kids so just imagine, they left everything they loved and had worked for and took this leap of faith, for a better future.
Don’t get me wrong Zimbabwe is a beautiful country with beautiful people. It has been improving since the huge inflation. I mean what I like about it in my perspective is the genuine love that the people have over there. The weather is forever nice for the most part and everything is natural and organic.
Here in America its far more developed and well planned. Its obvious that United States is moving into the digital era and the competition is only going to get tighter. Its really easy to get caught up in things over here. No offense to anyone, but I just feel like most Americans are just caught up in their own ant trails and have no idea whats out there, but anyways this is a hard topic for me to get into, one can revisit some of my older songs to get better insight.

Entertwine: What life experiences and events inspired the writing and recording of your upcoming EP “Darkness After Winter Nights” (DAWN)?

KW: DAWN stands for Darkness After Winter Nights. Well I don’t want the audience to misunderstand me, so thank you for bringing this complex question to light – I feel like Im at the darkest hour of my life right now. Well just everything from me being 22 and looking at my life like what have I accomplished? Nothing. Im having nervous breakdowns like I know I am better than so and so on the radio, and I just need the platform. Being paranoid about time running out on me, but deep in my conscious I know what I have to do.
Its mostly influenced by being caught in-between relationship, money, family problems. Also how I lost a good friend. Watching the people I went to High School with graduate University and enter the real world while Im over here like… Stuck.
So metaphorically Dawn is about me trying to escape this dark place I am in right now as I try to reach the light (Zion). Me going through that forrest thats behind me on that cover picture from my first mixtape “Where I Belong” …It’s me looking for a breakthrough.

Entertwine: What can you tell us about the time you spent as part of the rap duo JK? How does the mixtape “Where I Belong” differ from your solo work?

KW: This is my first time addressing the breaking apart of J.K. (Rap Duo). I just want to say I learned a lot from being with James. So us going separate ways was tough. I lost a really good friend, a brother. That guy is a genius and Im sure he will succeed in what ever he wants to accomplish in life. He helped me out a lot as I have done as well, but you know I guess everything happens for a reason.
The difference between Dawn and Where I Belong..Hmmm – Well in Dawn we just turned up a whole new level. We are even thinking of doing a real short professional musical film based on the whole project. The production level on Dawn is far much better. My 16 year old little brother Takunda Masando is producing this whole thing and its on some upper echelon producer level. And then my raps and concepts have matured more. I can’t wait for people to hear it.

Entertwine: What influenced the album artwork of “DAWN”? Do you plan to film and release a music video for any of the tracks featured on “DAWN”?

KW: The cover was influenced by the idea behind the project. Its something raw and unexpected just like the music will be. Yes we plan to release at least 2 music videos if not a short film. We are still preparing the release date but keep your ears opened. Dawn is coming near the end of October! - Jacqueline Cassell

Keith Wonder and T.k $avage are two distinct hip hop artists from North Dallas who are quickly gaining popularity. Their sound is catching on locally and around the globe as they begin the early stages of their music careers. In 2015, they performed at the Phillips Arena. In addition, they have opened for T.I, Post Malone, Lil Uzi, TY$ and many more. Their song “MAD,” showcases their talent, proving why they deserve all the attention they are getting.


The song begins with a stellar bass line accompanied by a synth as TK begins to hype the track. The drums fade in slowly with the beat dropping as soon as TK begins his first verse. Immediately the sound is addictive.TK enters rapping “Last night I saw you taking pictures /Switchin poses saying hit me up no lame niggas/My homeboys tried to tell me listen/They said pay attention before you get conflicted.” His sound is unique with a killer flow and memorable bars that gets you completely hooked on the song.

“Mad” is inspired by modern day relationships and struggles that today’s generation can easily relate to. The hook is an unforgettable moment in the song with melodies that are smooth and easy to remember singing, “Cause we don’t love these hoes/I got too much problems/I don’t even trust these hoes/Give em too much power.” The following verse is taken by Keith showcasing his spectacular tone as he raps, “I went to Texas A&M/I cut a bitch and her friend, woah/She wanna keep it on the low/She don’t want her man to know/As far as it goes don’t truss these hoes like Metro Boomin.”
Each artist kills it and is sensational in their own right and together, the musical experience is a hit.

It comes as no surprise that these two, phenomenal artists, Keith Wonder and TK $avage, have had amazing performance experience with songs like “MAD.” This is just one track to look forward to from these future stars. Fans can find their music via all major online music streaming platforms. - Bryon William

"119. @tksavage_
TK $avage is a artist coming out of Wylie. He is putting the city on the map with his unique sound between rap and soul - Texas Wave