The Sunday Mail
Andrew Moyo
FOR the past few years, Zim dancehall has been the dominant genre on the urban music scene and might continue on that trajectory for a while.
This music style has not only created many superstars, but has also changed the industry’s landscape, pushing other genres into oblivion.
Hip-hop, R&B and Afro-pop are among the genres that have been lurking in the shadows, but if recent developments are anything to go by, the sound is gaining a lot of traction on the local and international platforms.
From performing artistes to producers, the visibility has been growing significantly. The likes of Takura, Ti Gonzi, Garry Mapanzure, Ishan, Tammy, King 98, Hillzy, Simba Tagz, Kikky Badass, Ammara Brown, Charlie Kay, Union 5, Probeats and Gemma Griffiths are among some of the musicians that have been shining bright of late.
Since invading the hip-hop scene, Takura has become a household name, a serial hit-maker whose music is always generating hype every time he drops something new. He is one of the artistes who have been on the forefront in the rise of the genre, paving the way for many others who have lately been spicing up the industry.
Despite making captivating music, these artistes are also proving to be a force to reckon with when they perform live on stage. Recently, Ti Gonzi shook up the crowd when he took to the stage at Enzo Ishall’s birthday bash. In the past, that same crowd would have easily thrown missiles at a hip-hop artiste invading their territory.
Another rapper who has been breaking barriers is King 98, whose debut album launch was endorsed by continental heavyweights Davido and Nasty C. This gig was proof that other urban sounds, besides Zim dancehall, have made significant headway in cultivating a fan base.
The young musician has been touring various countries with Nasty C, a scenario that many artistes can only dream of.
One of the biggest songs this year, Ishan’s “Kure”, which has been smashing radio charts and is literally an anthem on the club scene, is proof that other urban sounds are now getting the attention of music lovers.
Some of these artistes have also been making major moves on the international scene with the likes of Ray Dizz recently breaking through the Chanel O Playlist with his single, “Panado”, which features Simba Tagz, Poptain and Jnr Brown.
Meanwhile, numerous local artistes made it into Mr Eazi’s emPawa100, a competition that selected 100 talented artistes from across the continent to receive USD$3 000 each to produce a music video.
Local rapper, Union 5, even went on to make it into the top 10, giving him an opportunity to attend a three-week masterclass with Mr Eazi, popstar Raye and renowned producer Diplo. Despite the talent behind the mic, there are also numerous producers including Mr Kamera and Young DLC who have become some of the most sought-after names on the continent. Kamera has worked with Patoranking, Davido, Yemi Alade, Mr Eazi, DJ Maphorisa, Bucie, Ma-E, Dotman, AKA and Vanessa Mdee, to name a few.
Besides being a major player on Patoranking’s new album “Wilmer”, he also produced the recently released “Round of Applause”, a collaborative effort featuring Major Lazer’s Walshy Fire, Ice Prince and Demaco.
Zim dancehall might still have a grip on the industry, but it is clear for all to see that there is a wave of new personalities and sounds shaping the urban cultural sphere.
