The police have said that dancehall music is a contributing factor to gang violence in Zimbabwe.
“Lyrics that glorify the use of illegal drugs, anti-informer songs and songs supporting violent behaviour are influencing the crime situation in Zimbabwe,” said police spokesperson Charity Charamba.
Dancehall groups incite a gang mentality, often because music is produced in backyard studios of different communities, where fans pledge their allegiance to local artists.
The police believe violent lyrics promote a lifestyle that encourages lawlessness.
Asked if the fight against crime could be won, police said: “Our hands are not tied. It can happen.”
Political analyst Tich Masomere cited the lyrics of the song Kuprison by dancehall artist Crystal as evidence of the social dysfunctionality behind criminality in Zimbabwe. The song was banned from the airwaves.
“Zimbabweans seem to love an anti-authoritarian element in our culture,” said Masomere, adding that music such as Kuprison threatened to increase the number of rapes.
“These types of lyrics contradict our call for and end to abuse of women,” he said. “As an informal way of education, dancehall artists portray statutory rape law null and void referring to it as a victimless crime,” he continued.
Post published in: Entertainment