As a matter of fact, back then dancehall music was the least followed genre in Zimbabwe. Though Jamaican dancehall superstars such as Shabba Ranks, Cutty Ranks, Buju Banton and I Roy managed to popularize the genre, most local acts who sort to adopt the music trend fell short of a commendable following during the late 90s.
Also, at this particular time reggae-dancehall artistes were regarded as Marombe (failures) or scruffy ghetto hoodlums addicted to drugs (marijuana) without focus or direction in life.
Local musicians such as Edwin Hama, Nelson Chibwana of the Mamoyo fame, Trevor Hall founder of Transit Crew and Potato who featured on Andy Brown’s hit track Mapurisa, played an instrumental role in the foundation of the music trend.
Major E, Bucca T, Innocent Utsiwegota and Culture T kept the genre alive after the new millennium. However, one fascinating thing about music is that, like fashion, it is dynamic and changes for the better with time.
If the dancehall story was to be retold in this modern day, surely the ending would be completely different. Today, Dancehall music is on a higher level in Zimbabwe.
Needless to say the bulk of the international artists who have performed in the country lately emanate from the Caribbean island of Jamaica.
These include Jamaican reggae-dancehall superstars such as Brick and Lace, Saun Paul, Capleton, Sizzla, Saun Kingston, King Sounds, Touch of Klass (TOK), Beenie Man, and Elephant Man.
The impact of reggae-dancehall music is so phenomenal that people cannot talk of Zimbabwean music without names such as Winky D, Sniper Storm, King Shaddy, Gypsy Warrior, Mic Inity being thrown into the fray.
According to a short survey conducted by this columnist on “How locals perceive the genre,” the way it was viewed then and now has dramatically changed.
In an interesting comment, one respondent said, “I associate it (reggae and dancehall) with lots of fun, people who are out to have fun. I mean you can’t dance to Jamaican music if you are not happy and really in a mood to have a good time.”
As the dancehall fire keeps burning Winky D and his partners in crime are smiling all the way to the bank. Characterized by heart-pounding baseline drums, dancehall artists have brought life back to live performances and are worth every penny.
Post published in: Entertainment