Draft:Teemak
Taona Oswald Chipunza (born 12 December 1996), professionally known as Teemak, is a Zimbabwean entrepreneur, music promoter, and recording artist. He rose to prominence in the 2010s through major music investments and later became a subject of public scrutiny following investor complaints, although no formal legal charges or arrests were made. By 2025, he had returned to the music scene with a successful EP and renewed artistic focus.
Early life and education
[edit]Chipunza was born in Harare, Zimbabwe. At age 13, he moved to Malaysia to pursue his education and eventually earned a degree in computer science. He recorded his first album, Mother & Son, at age 9 with his late mother, Makanyara, who passed away in 2012. His stage name “Teemak” combines “Tee” from his first name, Taona, and “Mak” from Makanyara.[1]
Career
[edit]Early ventures
[edit]Teemak began his professional career as a high-ticket financial consultant in the UK investment space, reportedly closing over US$500,000 in sales.[1]
Maximus Capital
[edit]In 2018, Chipunza founded Maximus Capital, a private hedge fund specializing in forex trading. The company attracted investors from across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. At its peak, Maximus was reportedly valued at over US$10 million.[1]
Controversy and denial
[edit]In 2020, allegations surfaced accusing Maximus Capital and its subsidiary Max Harvest of fraudulent activity. Investors claimed they had lost funds; however, there was no formal legal indictment or arrest of Chipunza. In a public statement, he denied the allegations and clarified that he had never appeared in court nor been arrested in Zimbabwe.[1]
Music industry involvement
[edit]Artist management
[edit]In January 2020, Teemak signed dancehall artist Enzo Ishall in a management deal reportedly valued at over US$100,000. The deal included monthly allowances, housing, and transportation.[2]
One House Zimbabwe
[edit]Chipunza also launched a reality TV project called One House Zimbabwe, described as a local adaptation of the Big Brother concept. The show aimed to highlight young Zimbabwean talent in a competitive, televised environment. Although the concept generated widespread interest and attracted applicants, it ultimately failed to launch due to licensing delays.[3][4][5][6]
Return to music
[edit]After a hiatus, Teemak returned to music with a new artistic direction. His 2020 release, Songs of Love, marked his debut in Afrobeat after starting out as a rapper. In 2025, he launched the EP Mavambo (meaning "Beginning"), with music videos shot in Nigeria and premiered at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Harare.[1]
Personal life
[edit]Teemak is the son of Bishop Oliver Chipunza of Apostolic Flame Ministries. His sister, Namatai Chipunza, is also publicly known. He frequently credits his late mother for inspiring his life and career.[1]
Teemak is noted for his unique fashion statement of wearing exclusively white clothing. He has explained that white symbolizes "purity, cleanliness, love, and hope," and he adopted this dress code after reaching financial success. The all-white attire has become his signature look.[1]
Legacy
[edit]Despite controversy, Teemak remains a prominent figure in Zimbabwean pop culture. His blend of business ventures, media projects, and musical endeavors has established him as a notable contributor to Zimbabwe’s creative and entertainment economy.
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f g "Teemak bounces back, clears air on warrant of arrest, court cases". The Herald Online. Retrieved 11 June 2025.
- ^ "Enzo Ishall reinvents self". The Herald Online. Retrieved 11 June 2025.
- ^ "Zim to host own version of Big Brother". The Herald. Retrieved 11 June 2025.
- ^ "Zim's own Big Brother version on the cards". The Chronicle. Retrieved 11 June 2025.
- ^ "Zimbabwe to get Big Brother-style reality show". GBC Ghana. Retrieved 11 June 2025.
- ^ "One House invites applicants". Nehanda Radio. Retrieved 11 June 2025.