NEW YORK-BASED Zimbabwean rapper Foretold said local hip-hop could improve greatly only if artistes are willing collaborate with each other.

Born Mutaurwa Mapondera, Foretold said he was pushing for more synergies between Zimbabwean-based artistes and those in New York to tap into the international market.

"I'm impressed by the talents of Stunner, Tehn Diamond and Roki and other kids who are doing it big in Zimbabwe," he said.

The 25-year-old rapper, whose debut studio album titled "Going Back Is Not The Same As Staying", is expected in mid-February says that Zimbabwean artistes have what it takes to make it big outside the country.

The 12-track album features two singles "Insomnia" and "Cherry Coloured" where Foretold exhibits his lyrical prowess through heavy punchlines.

He said that while he was enjoying his holiday back home he took time to listen to some of the stuff on radio and he felt compelled to assist other artistes as a "ghost writer".In hip-hop ghost writing is often used to describe songwriters who give other people to sing the music.

"I'm not saying that these guys can't drop heavy punchlines but it takes quite a skill to be able to do things they way they should be done. I'm really excited to work with anyone and I have met Tehn Diamond but the unfortunate thing is I am only here for a couple of days but when I return I will make sure that I record with one or two artistes," he said.

On his album, Foretold shows a lot of maturity and he says the title speaks volumes of the journey he has travelled from Zimbabwe to the United States and the Netherlands.

"If I had stayed in Zimbabwe all my life I would have been the same and if I stayed in New York all my life I wouldn't be where I am today. I think 2012 is going to be a better year for my music," Foretold said.