Bongani Ndlovu
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
Rapper Stunner has expressed frustration after his hit song Godo was performed at the 24th National Arts Merit Awards by BaShupi, whom he featured, without his consent.
The NAMAs were held at the Harare International Conference Centre on Saturday evening.
Taking to Facebook, he criticised organisers for permitting the performance of the song released 14 years ago, without proper acknowledgement or recognition of the song’s origins.
“But Nama painofonera munhu asiri muridzi we song, chiiko chinenge chichimboitika? Hamungaimbe song yangu ndichiri mupenyu on such a big platform then you make up some choreography musingazive the roots of that song,” he wrote.
Stunner also expressed disappointment that BaShupi did not give him credit during the performance.
“Guy couldn’t even shout out Stunner pasong yausina kana kunyora. Feel free to use this to make yourself relevant again if you need to, but a little respect for others’ intellectual property is required at times,” he added.
Stunner, who brands himself #TheLastRealG and #RapperWekupedzisira, said performing on a national platform like the Namas is not the same as a club or general public show, stressing that such stages demand proper clearance and respect.
During the Nama medley featuring Young Gemini, Bling4, and BaShupi, the latter closed the set and performed only his verses from the track.
Sidumisile Mabena