Is urban grooves enjoying a renaissance?

Liberty Dube
Entertainment Correspondent
THE unmistakable sound of Zimbabwe’s urban grooves is making a strong comeback, with well-attended shows, nostalgic sing-alongs and growing demand for old-school performances suggesting that the genre is experiencing a remarkable revival.
In recent months, Mutare has become one of the hotspots for this resurgence, as some of the country’s most celebrated urban grooves stars return to the stage before enthusiastic crowds eager to relive the soundtrack of their youth.
In June, music lovers were treated to memorable performances at a local joint by Roki, Pauline and Dino Mudondo, who took fans on a nostalgic journey through some of the biggest hits that defined the early 2000s.

Songs such as Suzzana, Ndokuteera, Seiko featuring Leonard Mapfumo, Chidzoka, Gunshot and Dino Mudondo’s Chirangano Chedu and Ndichakumirira instantly transported audiences back to an era widely regarded as the golden age of Zimbabwean urban music.
Weekender Entertainment understands early next month, Roki will return to Mutare alongside Trevor Dongo and Extra Large for an Old School Picnic, an event that is already generating considerable interest among fans who grew up listening to the genre.
The growing popularity of such events points to a broader trend.
Promoters are increasingly banking on nostalgia, while fans continue to prove there is still a strong appetite for music that once dominated Zimbabwean airwaves.
Unlike many contemporary performances where audiences are still learning new songs, old-school urban grooves concerts are characterised by thousands of fans singing every lyric from beginning to end.
The emotional connection between the music and its listeners has remained intact despite the passing of time.
For many Zimbabweans born in the 1990s and early 2000s, urban grooves were more than just entertainment. They were soundtracks of school days, first loves, friendships and unforgettable moments.
Hearing these songs being performed live rekindles memories that newer music often struggles to recreate.
The renewed appreciation has also brought joy to older fans who at one point felt that the music industry had shifted entirely towards newer genres.

They are now finding themselves back at concerts, enjoying performances from artistes they have supported for decades.
The resurgence has been fuelled by a combination of nostalgia and the enduring quality of the music itself. While music trends continue to evolve, many urban grooves classics have stood the test of time because of their relatable lyrics, memorable melodies and authentic Zimbabwean identity.
Social media has also played a significant role. Short videos of live performances, dance challenges and throwback playlists have introduced younger audiences to songs they may have only heard from older siblings or parents. As a result, some urban grooves classics are finding a new generation of fans while reconnecting with longtime followers.
The success of recent shows has demonstrated that veteran artistes still possess considerable drawing power.
Roki continues to command huge audiences wherever he performs, while Pauline’s timeless vocals remain a favourite among fans.
Dino Mudondo’s emotionally charged songs continue to resonate, proving that genuine talent and meaningful songwriting never go out of style.