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Jonathan Mbiriyamveka Entertainment Reporter
Guspy Warrior was the toast of the night when he launched his much anticipated sixth album “Wedzera Mawattz” over the weekend.
Scores of Zimbabwean dancehall lovers thronged the Harare Gardens, the venue of the show where all the heavy hitters in the likes of Dhadza D, Freeman, Soul Jah Love, Killer T, Bounty Lisa, Jiggaz, Ricky Fire and others wowed the fans.
From the onset, the gig had the makings of a thriller considering that it was the first time for a dancehall artiste to organise an album launch of that magnitude thanks to Chipaz Promotions and Savanna Tobacco who sponsored the event.
Indeed, as much as it was an album launch, it goes without saying that it was also a popularity contest where artistes were judged according to who rocked.
But somewhere in the VIP car park, it was also a case of who drives what and who dressed better than the rest.
Freeman arrived in time for his act driving a Mercedes Benz Kompressor, so was Soul Jah Love and his entourage who arrived in a sleek Mercedes Benz A class and Dhadza D was driving a Nissan ‘Wolf’.
There is so much at stake these days within dancehall circles and you cannot help but notice how the genre has transformed the lives of many youths.
There is no denying that Zim dancehall as it is popularly known, draws much from Jamaica from where reggae/dancehall originated.
You can’t blame anyone for that since reggae music appealed to Zimbabweans ever since the legendary Bob Marley performed at the historic gig to mark Zimbabwe’s independence in 1980.
What fans are witnessing now is a confirmation that reggae/dancehall is here to stay and is getting better with each day.
Back to the stage, it was fireworks throughout the show although some unruly elements tried to disrupt the show by throwing missiles on stage. However, the security at the gig was up to the task. Highlights included thrilling performances by Soul Jah Love who also announced his engagement plans to his girlfriend Bounty Lisa.
The two who share romance on and off the stage made their presence felt with a show stopping act that left many clamouring for more.
The signature chant “Hauite hauite hauite” got everyone singing along to his ditties such as “Ndini Uya Uya”, a moving song based on a true story.
Then came, Jiggaz who was backed by the Red Radicals Band. Well, Jiggaz had plenty to deliver and yet there was little time. However, he made sure that fans had enough including a collaboration with his protégé — Spiderman.
Another artiste worth mentioning was Dhadza D who was fired up throughout his act and if you thought Capleton aka King Shango was the best at high energy performances then you ain’t seen nothing yet.
Dhadza D whipped fans into a frenzy when he introduced a new track called “Menduru”.
Freeman of the Danger Zone also proved his mettle and so was Ricky Fire who performed just before midnight.
But the big moment came when Godfatha Templeman and Garry B took to the stage to introduce Guspy Warrior. Their fiery act took all the glitter from Guspy Warrior, who was in fact the main act.
Organisers should not have allowed Templeman and Garry B to open for Guspy Warrior in the manner they did because they simply took over the show.
The only thing that saved Guspy Warrior from disappointing was that his live band was in tune. However, the new album is as good as it gets. Some of the tracks that sent the crowd into delirium include “Vana Inhaka” and “No Man” where he says no man is better than the other.
The album launch ended in the early hours of the morning and what a great show it was.
Online Reporter
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