Online Reporter
Nodumo Moyo, [email protected]
Veteran reggae producer, broadcaster and music executive Dr Dread has challenged Zimbabwean musicians to embrace and modernise the country’s traditional sounds, saying genres like Jiti have the potential to become Zimbabwe’s biggest musical export if artistes stop chasing foreign trends.
Jiti, also known as jit or jit-jive, is a popular Zimbabwean dance music genre characterised by its fast-paced rhythms, energetic drumming and vibrant guitar-driven melodies. The genre emerged from a fusion of musical influences, including Zimbabwe’s indigenous Chimurenga music, Congolese rumba and Tanzanian guitar styles. The genre rose to national and international prominence in the 1980s through pioneering groups such as the Chazezesa Challengers, The Four Brothers and the Bhundu Boys, Marshall Munhumumwe whose infectious sound helped define an era of Zimbabwean popular music.
While they cannot be referred to as Jiti musicians, most of the popular musicians such as Oliver Mtukudzi, James Chimombe and even the more modern Enzo Ishall have Jiti songs. In Mtukudzi case, his most known is Chimbambaira Chiri Mupoto and Enzo Ishall’s 2019 track, Mhamha.
Dr Dread, a former ZBCtv Rockers Vibes presenter shared his views on social media, urging local musicians to build on Zimbabwe’s rich musical heritage instead of imitating genres such as Amapiano and Afro-beats.
According to the seasoned producer, the future of Zimbabwean music lies in the digital evolution of indigenous sounds, particularly Jiti, which he believes has the appeal to captivate international audiences.
He praised artistes such as Baba Harare who have remained committed to the genre while introducing fresh elements that resonate with younger listeners.
“One person that I want to mention is Baba Harare. He does traditional music in a Jiti way. Then on the flip side, there is Enzo Ishall. In the song Ndakutaura ZvePower, he’s singing digital Jiti. He’s so innovative,” said Dr Dread.
“Artistes should not copy Amapiano and Naija songs. People should digitalise traditional songs.”
Dr Dread’s comments stem from decades of experience in Zimbabwe’s music industry. A respected multi-instrumentalist, producer and former presenter, he began his musical journey in a marimba band while attending Shiriyedenga Primary School in Glen Norah.
