A preview of the Zimdancehall 2021 scene
BY WINSTONE ANTONIO / KUDZAI CHITSATSO
ZIMDANCEHALL’s music has undoubtedly transformed the local music industry and the lives of many artists across the country. The genre has also inspired many young people to pursue careers in music.
Among the artists who contributed to the current status quo are President Ninja Winky D, Killer T, Kinah, Nutty O, Seh Calaz, Freeman, Guspy Warrior, Lady Squanda and the late Soul Jah Love, among others.
The year 2021 has brought new voices to Zimdancehall circles, deaths, international collaborations, new albums and controversy.
On a positive note, some artists have been recognized for their lyrical prowess which has won them local and international awards.
Controversies
Passion Java, Seh Calaz tiff
There was a war of words between singer Seh Calaz and controversial preacher Passion Java in November. Java had taken to Instagram to mock Seh Calaz, describing him as an exhausted force who had released three albums in a year, but had nothing to show in terms of wealth.
Seh Calaz responded with a video saying that Java was just bitter because he turned down his offer to join his Passion Java Records. He then took out a piece of dubbed diss Handibvume Kupusiswa, produced by Lazy T. Seh Calaz claimed that Java is not a promoter, but a cultural vulture whose intentions are to use musicians for influence before throwing them out. In response to the diss track, Passion Java under his recording label released an unreleased Soul Jah Love dubbed song. Nzwisiso. In the midst of tantrums, the Mumota Menyu Murikubvira The hitmaker claimed that the flamboyant Passion Java sacrificed the life of the late Soul Jah Love, who was under the management of Passion Java Records at the time of his death earlier this year.
Lady Squanda in a Burglary Storm
The Queen of Zimdancehall, Lady Squanda, real name Sandra Muchaneta Gazi, was allegedly involved in a kidnapping, robbery and storm of assault in May after being accused of beating a man she accused of ending his love affair with a local car dealership identified only as Boss Moyo. It is alleged that the singer kidnapped, assaulted and stole his valuables from Victor Chaponda, popularly known as Pablo in Chitungwiza. A report was made to the Chitungwiza police station under RRB number 4767689.
Singing Silent Killer Arrested
Singer Jimmy “Silent Killer” Mudereri was arrested in November on charges of assault. He allegedly assaulted Tinashe Kamudyariwa, younger brother of famous spinner Arnold, known as DJ Fantan.
Enzo Ishall wrestles with Holy 10
Zimdancehall has maintained its culture of controversy normally associated with the late Soul Jah Love and Seh Calaz, but this year Enzo Ishall joined them with his tantrums directed at hip-hop singer Holly 10 on the hip-hop crown King of Zim. . Their beef made a noise, and Enzo Ishall later called on other dancehall performers to come to his aid.
Winky D wins international awards
Dancehall President Winky D won Africa’s Accountability Music Award 2021 with the song Njema from his 2019 album of the same title. ONE, accountability labs and Tracing Africa The sponsored gong celebrates artists who speak out against corruption through music. The award came against the backdrop of another international gong, the Jamaican International Reggae and World Music Award (IRWA).
Soul Jah Love dies
On February 16, the showbiz industry was mourned after the death of award-winning dancehall singer Soul “Soul Jah Love” Musaka, who succumbed to complications from diabetes at a city hospital and was declared a hero. of liberation. The 31-year-old Soul Jah Love was laid to rest at Warren Hills Provincial Heroes Acre where he was honored with a 21-gun salute while buried next to his father, Ephraim. His funeral was not lacking in drama, just as his life of mischief followed him to the grave.
Enzo Ishall quits and joins showbiz
In September, Enzo Ishall shocked many followers of his music and his dancehall genre in general when he announced that he was definitely quitting music after releasing a gospel song. Ehee.
In his announcement, Enzo Ishall said he was going through personal issues and wanted to rebuild his life. Surprisingly, in less than a month he made a sudden turnaround and returned to showbiz as he released a new track titled Zuva Risingasvike.
Born Kudzanai Mamhere, Enzo Ishall rose to fame in 2018 after appearing on the Avion riddim with his song Kanjiva, which became an instant hit at the time.
New Zimdancehall Voices
Zimdancehall is a genre that welcomes new talented artists almost daily. Popular record label Chillspot Records unleashed talented young talents such as Young Star and Likkle Art, famous for the song. Musarwadziwe.
Canceled Dancehall Awards
Zimbabwe’s annual dancehall awards did not take place this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic which continued to stifle the showbiz industry.
International collaborations
Many dancehall artists have made an impact with international collaborations. Some of those who have managed to collaborate with international musicians include Nutty O, who collaborated with Jamaican artist Demarco on the right track. Ndiwe out of his album Mustard seed.
Some of the albums released
Many artists have marked the spirits this year with their new albums. Talented and lyrical dancehall star Emmanuel Manyeruke, known as Guspy Warrior, has released his new album titled Emmanuelle (a gospel reggae / dancehall fusion).
Another popular dancehall artist, Killer T born Kelvin Kusikwenyu, released a 16 track album titled Inzwai Kuchemawo Mambo.
Nutty O has released an album titled Mustard seed, while Freeman released an album titled Flight.
Zimdancehall Cup shock postponed
The annual Zimdancehall Cup clash held at its City Sports Center ceremonial center in August could not take place due to COVID-19 restrictions.
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