Bob Marley; true Zimdancehall Godfather

 Bob Marley is one of the first international musicians to sing in the Zimbabwean independence show in 1980. Now we talk of Zimdancehall.

therefore it is logical  for one to conclude that the the Raggae  chanter ,Bob Marley, is the  Zimdancehall godfather. Not Shinso mann the current Zimdancehall singer who to my own view is a mediocre godfather because that the uniformed media labels him as the Zimdancehall godfather. The following lyrics are that of the song that gave birth to a unified Zimbabwe as a Independent African country and Zimdancehall as a proudly Zimbabwean phenomena

Bob Marley – Zimbabwe Lyrics

Zim godfather

Every man gotta right to decide his own destiny,
And in this judgement there is no partiality.
So arm in arms, with arms, we'll fight this little struggle,
'Cause that's the only way we can overcome our little trouble.

Brother, you're right, you're right,
You're right, you're right, you're so right!
We gon' fight (we gon' fight), we'll have to fight (we gon' fight),
We gonna fight (we gon' fight), fight for our rights!

Natty Dread it in-a (Zimbabwe);
Set it up in (Zimbabwe);
Mash it up-a in-a Zimbabwe (Zimbabwe);
Africans a-liberate (Zimbabwe), yeah.

No more internal power struggle;
We come together to overcome the little trouble.
Soon we'll find out who is the real revolutionary,
'Cause I don't want my people to be contrary.

And, brother, you're right, you're right,

You're right, you're right, you're so right!

We'll 'ave to fight (we gon' fight), we gonna fight (we gon' fight)

We'll 'ave to fight (we gon' fight), fighting for our rights!

Mash it up in-a (Zimbabwe);

Natty trash it in-a (Zimbabwe);

Africans a-liberate Zimbabwe (Zimbabwe);

I'n'I a-liberate Zimbabwe.

(Brother, you're right,) you're right,

You're right, you're right, you're so right!

We gon' fight (we gon' fight), we'll 'ave to fight (we gon' fight),

We gonna fight (we gon' fight), fighting for our rights!

To divide and rule could only tear us apart;

In everyman chest, mm - there beats a heart.

So soon we'll find out who is the real revolutionaries;

And I don't want my people to be tricked by mercenaries.

Brother, you're right, you're right,

You're right, you're right, you're so right!

We'll 'ave to fight (we gon' fight), we gonna fight (we gon' fight),

We'll 'ave to fight (we gon' fight), fighting for our rights!

Natty trash it in-a Zimbabwe (Zimbabwe);

Mash it up in-a Zimbabwe (Zimbabwe);

Set it up in-a Zimbabwe (Zimbabwe);

Africans a-liberate Zimbabwe (Zimbabwe);

Africans a-liberate Zimbabwe (Zimbabwe);

Natty dub it in-a Zimbabwe (Zimbabwe).

Set it up in-a Zimbabwe (Zimbabwe);

Africans a-liberate Zimbabwe (Zimbabwe);

Every man got a right to decide his own destiny.

with all that being said and done we all agree to this assertion oh you dont 

Zimdance hall a social hub spot

local genesis

Zimdancehall music artists are known to be liberal making their music available for download on the internet through such platforms as Reverbnation, Facebook, YouTube and WhatsApp. Their business model is based on shows rather than music sales. 

 Due to our poor economic environment, most local artists now prefer to use whatsapp in order to distribute their content than using websites that are registered. Websites such as  provide local artists with a platform whereby artists can upload their music videos which can be downloaded by members of the public.

Most Zim artists seem to be be opting for whatsapp because they believe it has a far reach than other platforms. We should appreciate the fact that most Zimbos use whatsapp up as a means of communication because it one of the cheapest means of communication and can be easily accessed by many people.

Our local artists choose to use whatsapp because they know that it can be accessed by many and the rate inwhich the content can be distributed is faster compared to other networks or websites. People can forward the content to their contacts on whatsapp and by the end of the day it would have reached many people.

Shinso-Mann a mediocre godfather

Shinso mann was claimed to be insane in the media in 2013. It was reported that he suffered a mental condition in December leading to him being hospitalised in South Africa. Shinso mann however dismissed  the claims in the media  saying the rumors were made by people bent to destroy his career. He then went on to release a single 'Takupenga' on the 2014 New Year’s Eve as a publicity stance.

Shinso mann has maneged to gain relevancy by featuring on many collaborations. He once featured on Sanii Makhalima's smash hit 'Zvachose'. The collaboration gave him the much needed exposure that many people began to notice. He had started singing in 2009  but his music did not see the light on radio stations. The dancehall sensation went on to be signed by Heshi Mufeshi Records. Under the label, shinso released hits singles 'Mawaya Waya' and 'Bata Panorwadza'. It is his unique husky voice that had made him a force to reckon with in the tightly contested Zim dancehall genre. Shinso broke new ground by becoming one of the few dancehall chanters to sing alongside a live band. He unveiled his band in 

He won the Best Song of the Year award for 'Mawaya waya' at the 2013 Zim Dancehall Awards.

therefore it is logical  for one to conclude that the Zimdancehall singer is a god father of mediocre not this uninformed names that  the media labels him as the Zimdancehall godfather.

"Chibabababa" profile

Born	Soul Musaka November 22, 1989 (age 25) Waterfalls, Harare, Zimbabwe
Nationality	Zimbabwe
Education	, Lord Malvern High School
Occupation	Zimdancehall Artist Composer Vocalist
Years active	2004 - Present
Known for	dnace hall artist

Soul Musaka
November 22, 1989 (age 25)
Waterfalls, Harare, Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe

, Lord Malvern High School

• Zimdancehall Artist
• Composer
• Vocalist

2004 - Present

dnace hall artist

Soul Jah Love is an award winning and popular Zimdancehall artist who rose to prominence in 2012 with hit tracks such as "Ndini Uya uya" and "Gum-kum". He is often compared to the Jamaican Vybz Kartel.Soul Jah Love shine as he was appointed a brand ambassador for Jan Jam Fashions in April 2014. He is known for making the "Chibabababa", Hauite Hauite" and "Conquering" signature chants which appear in all of his songs. 

The dancehall chanter was involved in many controversial issues. He sometimes failed to turn up for paid gigs and in other instances he had double bookings. The Mbare-bred chanter at one point faced arrest after failing to honor a contractual agreement with Uptown Club in Gweru. He reportedly received US$380 payment for performance but failed to turn up for the Zim Dancehall Varsity gig resulting in his promoter reporting the case to the police.

He was again caught on the wrong side during Valetine's Day in 2014. He was reportedly paid by Whispers Night Club to do a gig on on the day but he did not turn up. It was allegedly reported that he chose to perform in Beitbridge leaving his fans that had turned up for his show stranded.

In November 2014, Soul Jah Love was involved in a stage fight with a fellow dancehall musician Seh Calaz at City Sports Centre in Harare. Whilst performing, Soul Jah Love went on to attack Seh Calaz causing mayhem and about ten people were injured when the Zimbabwe Republic Police tried to disperse people using tear gas.

we need Ndebeledancehall...

 

Zimdancehall  godfather, Templeman( real name Simbarashe Maphosa)lauded Bulawayo artists to saying their music is of national quality but they just need to be promoted.
templeman, who has assisted many up and coming Zimdancehall artists, said all that was need was for bulawayo artist to push for air play on the country's waves.
" there is talent in terms of Zimdancehall artists, they've good lyrical ingenuity and can compete with those in harare . I was impressed with wat i saw when i hosted my show there" said templeman in a chronicle article.

Starfm Dj who host Dancehall remedy, said he would assist Bulawayo artist to recieve airplay, adding that they also need to persevere.

Templeman also arged artists to produce more music in other venacular languages in order to be more appealing to a wider audience.

 "what they say on the Mic should be a reflection of what's happening in society . As artists we're social commentators what we say is supposed to educate the masses that listen to our music"

Zimdance hall a international brand

Buffalo Souljah is one of the country’s reggae and dancehall pioneers who have created an international brand.Multi-Award-winning reggae chanter Buffalo Souljah (real name Thabani Ndlovu) has engaged seven Zim dancehall artistes on a song titled “Zim Dancehall to the World” which was recorded on new riddim called “Souljah Cry”.

The song, which features Buffalo Souljah who is also the co-producer, Sniper Storm, Shinsoman, Guspy Warrior, Lady Squanda, Freeman, Celsious and DJ Smiley, is already being played on the local charts. Buffalo Souljah told The Herald Entertainment that the development was to advocate recognition of Zim dancehall and make sure that Zimbabwe overtakes other African countries which seem to be dominating the urban music in Africa.

“I came up with this idea with the intentions of initiating a movement which will see Zimbabwe being recognised on the African urban music map which is presently dominated by Nigerians,” said Buffalo Souljah.

“There are so many talents in Zimbabwe that can raise the nation’s flag on the African urban music. The only problem is that artistes are not pushing for their products to compete on international level if it’s not just being invited for shows. However, when I first thought of this movement, I approached local Zim dancehall stars and some artistes were up for the idea while others turned the idea down.”

He said the Zim dancehall artistes featuring on the song were the only ones who showed interest in the idea.

The song was recorded at United Nations of Africa Studio in Fourways, Johannesburg, South Africa.

In 2008, he was awarded the best gifted Southern Africa and best gifted duo. Buffalo Souljah won seven Channel O Ragga Dancehall awards in different years: in 2008 he won two awards, in 2009 he won two more awards, in 2011 he was awarded one, in 2012 he was awarded again and 2014 another award from the same category. In 2010 he was, however, selected as best Nigerian viewer’s Choice Sound City and recently he was awarded the Best Zim Dancehall Diaspora.

bulawayo intertainment industry is not dead

Bualwayo based musician, Cal_vin

BULAWAYO’s entertainment industry has generally been considered to be on a downhill, a situation has driven some entertainment lovers from the city to shun local arts, and instead opt for foreign music.

BUT. Zimdancehall has has brought about change to all this as people now listen and support local music. In the Bulawayo case, Zimdancehall is hardly local.

  

In as much as this is the case, Bulawayo rapper, Cal_vin who recently got a nod from South Africa’s Cassper Nyovest has said Bulawayo’s entertainment industry-particularly the hip-hop genre is not dead and urged people to support the music so as to take it to another level.

“I do not think Bulawayo’s entertainment industry is dead, but in fact it is coming to life. We are happy that we are getting some recognition now,” he said.

Cal_vin also urged promoters to work together so that they invest in the genre that is slowly growing around Bulawayo, saying the genre has the potential to leapfrog the popular Zim dancehall.

The rapper said he was happy with the way corporate and radio stations were responding to their plea.

“I believe promoters have to take time and invest in Hip-hop, especially here in Bulawayo were the entertainment industry has been on a low. I hope they will not give up on that as they doing a great job to support us. With time we will be bigger than Zimdancehall music.

“I am also glad that the corporate world is also playing their part in supporting our music and with time we will grow,” he said.

Cal_vin’s talent is growing and is currently working with Casper Nyovest on a single. He has also worked with prominent artists POY, Orthodox 6, Mcheznana and Stunner.

He is also set to share the stage with Casper Nyovest in April at Hartsfield Rugby Ground.

stiff SA competition on local Zim musicians

SA musician dominate local industry

Local musicians are awarded to perform as supporting acts in a Casper Nyovest gig which is set to happen next month, 25 April.
Bulawayo promoters are said to be working with Harare giants promoters to help the event become a big gig but however those local artist who are lined to  perform as supporting artists are not Hip pop artist, but Zimdancehall artist.
 the supporting artist include Winky D, Soul jah love, Djemba Monks and Ca vin

Casper NyovestSupporting acts are Winky D, Soul Jah Love, Djemba Monks and Ca_Vin. - See more at: http://bulawayo24.com/index-id-entertainment-sc-events-byo-64466.html#sthash.vKTToMn5.dpuf

Supporting acts are Winky D, Soul Jah Love, Djemba Monks and Ca_Vin. - See more at: http://bulawayo24.com/index-id-entertainment-sc-events-byo-64466.html#sthash.vKTToMn5.dpuf

Supporting acts are Winky D, Soul Jah Love, Djemba Monks and Ca_Vin. - See more at: http://bulawayo24.com/index-id-entertainment-sc-events-byo-64466.html#sthash.vKTToMn5.dpuf

proffessional musicians

Zimdancehall scandal

You can not kill the proverbail goose that lays golden eggs and still earn a living as a proffessional musician. Zimdancehall musician manage to earn a living and drive fancy cars in two years.

Even the most controversial zim dancehall musician of them all soujah love is able to keep on getting shows and record deals after a series of disappointment from both fans and the promoters.

TEN top artistes from both the ZimDancehall and Urban grooves genres are set to ignite the United Kingdom on a three-city tour scheduled for May.

The three-day 'UK Tour Summer Fiesta' tour will see the crème de la crème of both genres mashing up London on the 1st of May.

After that they travel to Birmingham the following day for the second show, with the last event scheduled for Manchester on May 3.

Organised by Digitalone International, the line-up includes multiple award winning ZimDancehall artistes such as Tocky Vibes, the controversial Soul Jah Love and the local Dancehall igwee Winky D.

Lady Squanda, known as the ZimDancehall queen, Jay C, Shinsoman, Freeman and Soul Jah Love's spouse Bounty Lisa will also be performing on the tour.

The best of the urban grooves cast that is melodious Trevor Dongo and soulful Enock Guni popularly known as Nox will also perform alongside the ZimDancehall artistes.

Interestingly, this is not the first time that most of the artistes on the bill will be touring the UK with Tocky Vibes who left many drooling for more recently.

Speaking with Trevor Dongo on what the fans should expect for the tour, the talented male vocalist said he will be promoting his latest album.

"This is my opportunity to promote 'Two steps to go' and fans will get to familiarise with the songs on the album," he said.

The organisers said the tour seeks to put Zimbabwean talent on the global stage.

"Our expectation as Digitalone International is to highlight and showcase the talent from our Zimbabwe, not only focusing on dancehall but urban grooves too.

Zimdancehall Awards

Zimdancehall Awards

Zimdancehall awards

WINKY D CROWNED BEST LIVE PERFORMER

Zimdancehall artists from different social conners stood out  as they walked away with well deserved awards from various categories there nomination had been cover before in the  previous article.  

Zimdancehall artists such as Tocky Vibes, Winky D and Sir Calaz dominated at the awards.

The awards ceremony was a resounding success for a genre that is normally associated with negativity and violence by the media. The awards ceremony was characterized by better  improvements compared to the one held last year which were dogged down by traces of violence. 

Some of the nomination categories that stood out and the artists who scooped this include:

Best Club DJ                                 Best Dance Group

   

 Winner:DJ Flavour                                                                Winner: Flying Angels

 Nominees:                                                                                           Nominees:
                                                                                                                       Ghetto Creepers
             Garry B                                                                                               Flying Legends
             Cables                                                                                                 Desert Fox
              Fidel                                                                                                    Swag Turn Up 

Best Zimdancehall Online                     Best Vocalist

 Winner: King Alfred                                                       Winner: Seh Calaz

Nominees:                                                                      Nominees:
Slim Doggz                                                                                   Celcious
Zim Entertainment                                                                         Guspy Warrior
Ta International                                                                              Soul Jah Love
Propa Bless
Chris Digital                                                                                 Princo Spice

Best Radio Station Supporting Zim Dancehall

Winner: Star FM

Best Dressed Performer                     Best Album

Winners: Winky D and Ricky Fire                                          Winner: Silver Bullet - Sniper Storm

Nominees:                                                                               Nominees:
Freeman                                                                                                Varidzi Vezvinhu - Freeman
Terminator                                                                                             Wedzera Mawatts - Guspy Warrior
Quonfused                                                                                            There Is No Danger - Ricky Fire  
                                                                                                             Still Young - Kinnah

Best Social Message                                    

Winner: Simudza Maoko - Tocky Vibes 

and Nhamo -Soul Jah Love

Nominees:
Pazvikona - Winky D
Mwari Wenyasha - Killer T
Mazuvanokune Hiv - Tally B

Best Youngster

Winner: Spiderman

Nominees:
Ras Pompy
Reflex Mausa
Jah Child
Josta

Most Promising Artist

Winner: Jerry B

Nominees:
Kabinda
Killer Man
Daruler
Rebel

Best Artist Diaspora

Winner: Buffalo Souljah

Nominees:
Miz Dee
Jusademantor
Jah Hanief
Teban C

Most Disciplined Artist

Winner: Kinnah

Nominees:
Cello Culture
Jay Cee
T Makwikwi
Tally B

Best Conscious Song

Winner: Tokwe Mukosi- Ras Caleb

Nominees:
Wings From Jah - Kinnah
Mamutsa Zvirere - Jerry B
Be Strong - Curtis B
Dziriko Hama - Tocky Vibes

Best Conscious Riddim

Winner: Pure Niceness - Chill Spot Records

Nominees:
Riddim Fingertip - Y2k Productions
Silent Killer- Sunshine
Ice And Rose - Ice And Roses
Step Up - Kutso

Riddim Of The Year

Winner:Body Slam - Body Slam Records

Nominees:
One Clan - Chill Spot Records
Sunshine - Sunshine Records
Voice - Mount Zion Records
High Praises - Cashlibs

Best Video

Winners: Ndinochema - Seh Calaz

Nominees:
Chimakanika - Tally B
Manika - Viviun
Bata Ruokorwangu - Freeman
Inini - Quonfused

Best Medley Video

Winner: Viktaks (Ladies Edition)

Nominees:
Pure Niceness
Silent Killer
Mbare-Chitown
High Praises

Best Collaboration

Winner: Soul Jah Love & Shinsoman - Hativasiye Vane Nyota

Nominees:
Seh Calaz & Freeman - Tapinda Musummer
Tipsy And Ras Pompey - Change Gear
Kinnah And Lady Squanda - Ndakapera Tsoka
Yoz & Shinsoman - Zvidhakwa

Song Of The Year

Winner: Mhai - Tocky Vibes

 

Nominees:
Mama Devante - Shinsoman
Paita Party - Winky D
Giroriya- Legend Elly
Kwatinobva - Seh Calaz

Most Popular Artist In The Ghetto

Winner: Killa T

Most Improved Artist

Winner: Terminator
Nominees :
Tally B
Platnum Prince
Legion
Magical

Best Artist Manager

Winner: Jonathan Banda - Winky D

Nominees:
Godfrey Bakasa - Seh Calaz
Watson Kafela - Freeman
Peter Chiyangwa - Shinsoman
Crispy - Terminator

Best Collabo Riddim

Winner: Madlevel - Jump and Chill Spot Records

Nominees:
Cashlance - Cashlibs and Vigilance
Chillslam - Bodyslam And Chill Spot Records
Mbarechitown - Givanchy And Equation

Zim Dancehall Ambassador

Winner: Freeman

Nominees:
Killer T
Judgement Yard
Soul Jah Love
Lady Squander

Best Live Performer

Winner: Winky D

Nominees:
Dadza D
Killer T
Kinnah
Ricky Fire

Best Mixtape

Winner: Garry B Volume 16

Nominees:
Dj Staera - Zim Dancehall
To The World Volume 17
Judgement Yard - Volume 17

Best Club Hitsong

Winner: Hatimisike - Seh Calaz

Nominees:
Tasanganazvidhakwa Yoz and Shinsoman
Tocky Aenda Nenyika Tocky Vibes
Kana Uchitiunotamba Ricky Fire

Best Female Artist

Winner: Lady Squanda

Nominees:
Lipsy
Juwela
Empress Shelly
Daruler

Best Male Artist

Winner: Tocky Vibes

Nominees:
Winky D
Seh Calaz
Shinsoman
Soul Jah Love

13 to 31 years of Talent

Ras Pompy is a Zimdancehall artists who, at just 13 years old in 2014, was the youngest artist in the music  industry.Winky D is an 31 an award-winning Zimbabwe Dancehall artist in 2014 popularly known as the Ninja President for his poverty biting and poverty protesting lyrics.

Zimdance hall has produced talented individual artist in the Zimbabwean society with this 13 year old Pompy touring countries like United Kingdom in 2014 as part of the Zvirikumbofamba Sei Tour with other artists Jay C, Lady Bee where as Winky D being able to score three United Kingdom gigs in the same year which was his second tour out of the country in six months.

Ras Pompy recorded his first song, called Mwari Baba, when he was just 8 years old and doing his Grade 3. Ras Pompy got the name Ras Pompy from his friends in the Mbare neighbourhood.

He has said that he was inspired by fellow Zim dancehall artiste Kinnah. “If you look closely you will realise that Kinnah is very popular around here. He is one of the few artistes that my generation watched perform and we could relate with his message. He has a huge impact in my life. He inspired me and continues to do so even today.

GENRE OF THE MOMENT

rocki

 

Where has urban groves music vanished to? has it been overtaken by the genre of the moment Zimdancehall which has taken the country by storm.

when urban grooves fever hit the music scene few years back a number of fans were caught on the dance floor sing along but with Zimdancehall  we all sing along.

This genre was associated with musician such as rockford Josphat aka Rocki, Ngoni kambarami among other.

But with the recent twist of events at has been overrun by the genre of the moment Zimdancehall and ithas also finding it had to keep up with the newly evolve Zim hip pop genre as it is called.

In an interview with B-metro .Mapfumo said music revolves with time and he acknowledged that dancehall.  TEN top artistes from both the ZimDancehall and Urban grooves genres are set to ignite the United Kingdom on a three-city tour scheduled for May.

Award winning ZimDancehall artistes such as Tocky Vibes, the controversial Soul Jah Love and the local Dancehall igwee Winky D.Lady Squanda, known as the ZimDancehall queen, Jay C, Shinsoman, Freeman and Soul Jah Love's spouse Bounty Lisa will also be performing on the tour.The best of the urban grooves cast that is melodious Trevor Dongo and soulful Enock Guni popularly known as Nox will also perform alongside the ZimDancehall artistes.
nterestingly, this is not the first time that most of the artistes on the bill will be touring the UK with Tocky Vibes who left many drooling for more recently.Speaking with Trevor Dongo on what the fans should expect for the tour, the talented male vocalist said he will be promoting his latest album."This is my opportunity to promote 'Two steps to go' and fans will get to familiarise with the songs on the album," he said.

The organisers said the tour seeks to put Zimbabwean talent on the global stage."Our expectation as Digitalone International is to highlight and showcase the talent from our Zimbabwe, not only focusing on dancehall but urban grooves too."We wish to create an atmosphere for all to enjoy and at the same time give a platform for the artists," said a spokesperson

proffessionalism vs fanaticism

                       Police and souljah  love

cutesy of twitter

cutesy of twitter

At his respective working area A Zimbabwean police officer shows his fanaticism of Zimdancehall music without fear of scrutiny from the public.

the picture sparked a debate whether what the officer did was professional or it was violation of his police mandate. from  the look of this the picture tells me that the the guy in blue is a Zimdancehall fan and is not shy to express his appreciation of the local music like most Zimbabweans do.

 As an individual we all have people we adore the most and have different extent we would express our love and compassion to those people, but the question  is are Zimdancehall artist wealth of such belief from their fans and do they appreciate the kind of impact they have on our societies. therefore what is the Age of Zimdancehall