Born Paul Banda on 17th June, 1989, Just Slim is a Zambian recording artist, songwriter, and music producer. An R&B artist at his core, Just Slim boasts unmatched versatility, frequently fusing different elements including Dancehall, Afrobeats, Reggae, and even Hip-Hop into his music. With musical influences including Daddy Zemus, Mainza Chipenzi, TK, Dr. Dre, Chali Bravo, Usher, Rock City, Izrael, K’millian, Ne-Yo, Damian Marley, J.R. Rotem and Chris Brown, Just Slim first dipped his toes into the world of music production back in 2006.
He ultimately became affiliated with XYZ Entertainment in 2008, finding himself immersed in a world of opportunity that saw him interacting with industry players and collaborating with well-established producers such as Taz. This exposure helped him hone his production craft, refine his sound as well as enhance his mixing skills. Just Slim earned co-production credit for Slap Dee’s hit single “Gold Digger” featuring JK off the Black Na White album.
Over the course of his career, Just Slim has released a plethora of singles, each one evidence of his talent and dedication. Some tracks are self-produced, showcasing his musical talent, while others bear the mark of high-profile producers including Mag 44, Shom C, Mic Li, Kreative Natives and Mr. COG, all of whom have added depth and diversity to his discography.
After parting ways with XYZ Entertainment, Just Slim released “Me” and “Wachelwa” in 2010, both of which featured in an MTV documentary titled “Me, Myself, and HIV.” He followed this by releasing his mixtape ‘Proof’ in 2012 with the lead single ‘Keeper’ receiving considerable airplay.
Just Slim continued making music throughout the 2010s, releasing singles every year from 2015 to 2018. These were the Shom C produced dancehall tune ‘Pon Replay’, and the self-produced ‘Stay Positive’, ‘It Ain’t Easy’, and ‘Wechibeibe’ respectively. In 2020, Just Slim released ‘Chumvwika Bwino’ with an official video dropping simultaneously. Chumvwika Bwino has just under 6,000 YouTube views.
Just Slim has embraced collaboration, working with a slew of artists from Zambia. In 2015, he collaborated with B Flow on ‘Know Your Status’ in support of the AIDS Health Care Foundation’s campaign. ‘Know Your Status’ received a nomination under the ‘Most Conscious Song’ category at the inaugural Kwacha Music Awards in 2017.
In 2018, the Just Slim produced and Cactus Agony assisted “Mi Want Yuh” peaked at number 3 on the Hot FM Top 10 at 10 and number 1 on the Taffy Raw Chart on Power FM. “Nikukonde” featuring Mic Li dropped in the same year, receiving such overwhelming support from fans that it led to an official music video being shot for it. A feature on DJ ILL’s single “Bumper 2 Bumper” alongside D-Ice and Mr. COG followed in 2019.
Just Slim has received recognition for his activism and various passions. In 2013, he was appointed an ambassador to the ‘Brothers for Life’ campaign which was intended at fostering healthy emotional and physical living among men. This ambassadorial role led to a collaboration with Cactus Agony, Tio Nason, and Paul Da Prince for the campaign’s theme song produced by Mag44.
Just Slim's talents have taken him across borders. He performed alongside B Flow at the “Keep the Promise” March and Concert at Kingsmead Stadium in Durban with over 10,000 people in attendance, and rubbed shoulders with icons that include Common, Queen Latifah, Big Nuz, and Mi Casa among others.
In 2021, Just Slim took a brief hiatus from the music scene following the successful release of Special Somebody featuring T Bwoy, stepping back to recharge and refocus. However, his passion for music never waned, and in 2022, he made a triumphant return, reinvigorated and ready to conquer new musical frontiers. Teaming up almost exclusively with producer extraordinaire, Mr. COG, Just Slim embarked on a creative journey that would redefine his sound and solidify his place in the annals of Zambian music. Just Slim and Mr. COG have since teamed up on Make You Proud; Ku Macha featuring Kreative Nativez; One Life; and Vumilia, for which Just Slim released a Julai directed video.
Just Slim’s highly anticipated debut EP, "Chitukuko" will be released on the 23rd of February, 2024. A labour of love, Chitukuko featuring production from Mr. COG, as well as vibrant instrumentation that will captivate listeners and transport them to new sonic realms.
With lyrics often steeped with messages of hope, love, and joy, Just Slim has been a positive influence on listeners. As a trailblazer, Just Slim continues to push boundaries, continually evolving his sound while staying true to his roots.
