However, a hip-hop presenter known as Prometheus, who presents a ZBC show called Zim Hip-Hop Report, gave five reasons why the broadcaster is turning down various videos.
“When shooting your video, you need to make sure you do not display any recognisable commercial logos, eg Reebok, Nike, Spar, O.K, Mazda. This is viewed as passive advertising and is not acceptable. Make sure there is no lewd dressing, suggestive dancing, graphic displays of violence or sexual acts,” he stated.
The former rapper added that rap videos should not depict the country in a negative way.
“Video depicting pot-holes, sewage flowing streams, rampant unemployment or any form of political commentary is likely not to be played,” he stated. Rap artists who spoke to The Zimbabwean said the criteria defied the whole essence of rap music and accused the sole broadcaster of stunting creativity, advocacy and activism. “It is known the world over that rap is about bling, swag and showing off. How then can the movement be exciting when we are not allowed to dress in the latest labels and fashion in our music videos?” queried a Mutare-based rapper who declined to be named.
Another rapper asked what hip-hop would stand for if it was
banned from fulfilling its role of reflecting the societal and economic woes people were experiencing in their every-day lives.
Post published in: Entertainment