More dancehall as wise waters flow

05 Oct, 2014 - 09:10 0 Views
More dancehall as wise waters flow Winky D

The Sunday Mail

Winky D

Winky D

THE high-riding Zim dancehall artistes have been tasked with a mammoth mission of kick-starting proceedings at the inaugural Sunset October Beer Festival.

The event, which is set for October 24 and 25 at the Sunset Arena (Guard Alert Training Ground), will see all top Zim dancehall artistes, minus Winky D, taking turns to churn out vibes that have helped pattern their brands from night till daybreak.

Artistes like Oliver Mtukudzi, Alick Macheso, Suluman “Sulu” Chimbetu and man of the moment Jah Prayzah would have been given such an honour a few years back.

The vote of confidence in dancehall music has not been limited to organisers of this beer festival only.

With the flop bug doing waves around the country, different promoters have had to pin their hopes for a break even on this youthful lot.

It is now common to see artistes like Jah Prayzah being supported by the likes of Kinnah during live shows while dendera musician, Sulu has enlisted the services of Soul Jah Love for live shows and on his forthcoming album.

Organisers of the traditional Lion Lager Summer Beer Festival slated for October 11 at the Glamis Arena in Harare have also made their event a dancehall affair (featuring both local and international acts), though they are still to make an official communication on names of artistes to perform on the day.

Fronted by the likes of Tocky Vibes, Terminator, Lady Squanda, Soul Jah Love, Seh Calaz, Ricky Fire, Ras Caleb, Maffcat, Lady Banks, Kinnah, Dadza D and Sniper Storm, Zim dancehall artistes have literally taken over the country.

Their events are still to disappoint in terms of attendance as they have lived up to their billing, but issues of violence and drug abuse continue to dent the genre’s image.

The likes of Ricky Fire, Dadza D and Sniper, chanters who have stood the test of time, have seized every opportunity to exchange notes with the new crop of dancehall artistes increasing their appeal and popularity nationwide.

Going forward, music and dancehall lovers in particular will not only get to see the musicians perform during the two-day festival – they will also get an opportunity to see personalities like Star FM’s Zim dancehall All-Star Party presenter Garry Chiwala aka DJ Garry B live in action.

The programme together with others held by the station has a huge following and has uplifted local dancehall.

However, for most people, Garry B, one of the faces behind these programmes, remains a mystery.

He is regarded as one of the best mix masters in the country but only a handful of people can put the face to name like they do with most artistes and his business partner, the energetic Simbarashe “Templeman” Maphosa.

The popular DJ is more of an introvert and rarely hangs out in public places or share photos.

And his performance at the Sunset Arena will be one of the rare moments that he is publicly celebrated as the gig coincides with his birthday celebrations.

Considering the nature of the event, the Star FM presenter will be forced to mix and mingle as he fulfils his assignment. The down-to-earth DJ says he is of sober habits and avoids being part of the audience even when some of the people that he knows are playing.

“I talk to people that I know, but naturally I am a reserved person. I do not even go out. When I am not playing, I go home and sleep. I’m not very sociable,” he says.

Garry B, who is revered as the dancehall advocate, has over the years helped artistes realise their full potential through promoting activities such as lyrical battles and coming up with game-changing programmes like “The Dancehall Remedy” that have been endorsed by Star FM bosses.

His combination with “Templeman” is regarded by dancehall lovers as one of the best on radio.

The two have known each other for nearly a decade. According to Templeman, the love of music, ability to identify and nurture talent brought them together.

Apart from the dancehall gig, the two-day beer drinking event will treat revellers to other various forms of fun.

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