The Sunday Mail
Andrew Moyo —
OVER the years, reggae and dancehall music has proven to be one of the most popular music genres among local music lovers.
The popularity of this type of music gave birth to DJ and MC groups, known as sound houses, with many of them rising to fame during sound clashes that used to be a hit in Zimbabwe.
While the sound clash era has faded, there are still a number of sound houses in the country that have managed to maintain their dominance in the entertainment industry.
Judgement Yard is one reggae-dancehall movement that has established a solid footing on the local entertainment scene since its formation in 2009. Comprising of I-Randu, DJ Flevah, Etherton Bennie, 2 Bad and Asha B, the group has made its presence felt live on radio, on the club scene or on live shows.
Their popularity has not been limited to the local audience, international promoters are also after their services. Last week, two of the group’s members, Etherton Bennie and DJ Flevah, left the country for their maiden Australian tour where they were set to perform in Melbourne and Perth on Friday and yesterday respectively.
Speaking to The Sunday Mail Leisure on the day of their departure, DJ Flevah said they were grateful for the opportunity to tour Australia for the first time.
“It feels great knowing that there are people outside the country who also want to see us play live rather than just listen to our mix tapes or on radio. Since this is our first time performing in Australia, we intend to leave a mark so that people that side will know what Judgement Yard is all about,” said DJ Flevah.
These past few months, Judgement Yard has toured Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and the UK. DJ Flevah believes these international tours were a good platform to market their brand to a wider audience.
“We have managed to cultivate a following on the local front and now the next step will be penetrating the international market, so these shows outside the country are giving us that opportunity to market ourselves out there.”
For the remainder of the year, they have a string of shows lined up with their name appearing on posters of almost every upcoming major gig. DJ Flevah said they will be able to cope with the demand that comes with the festive season since their group consists of two acts.
“We are heading towards the busiest period of the entertainment industry but I am sure we will be able to cope because besides Etherton and I, we also have 2 Bad and Asha B who are both exceptional.
“Even if we have two shows on the same day at different venues, we can always split and still give our fans value for their money.”
