Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
Zimdancehall veteran Sniper Storm has called on the entertainment industry to embrace and celebrate emerging talent, saying the new generation of stars deserves the freedom to enjoy their success and shape the future of the genre in their own way.
Born Donald Chirisa, he believes the phenomenal rise of young artistes is a positive development for Zimdancehall and a clear indication that the genre remains vibrant. At 48, he says he is proud to witness a new crop of musicians making their mark and taking the industry to exciting new heights.
Among the young artistes who have caught his attention are Nisha Ts, Junior Spragga and Hulengende, whose growing popularity and impressive talent have left him particularly excited about the future of the music industry.
Sniper Storm, however, believes that the older generation should resist the temptation to dictate how young musicians should conduct their careers. Instead, he wants them to enjoy their moment, explore their creativity and find their own paths to success.
“We come from the old generation and I am glad I had my opportunity. Now we need to pass the baton to others, and the successors are here enjoying themselves,” Sniper Storm told the Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub.
“I have been following new trends and I can only say the industry is in safe hands.
“I have been following Nisha Ts a lot, along with these trending boys — Hulengende and Junior Spragga — as well as others. These guys are really on fire and I am grateful to them.
“I wouldn’t want to put pressure on them, but they must do business their own way.
“We can also learn a lot from them and embrace them.”
Sniper Storm, who emerged during the same era as established Zimdancehall and urban music figures such as Winky D, King Labash and Badman, said young musicians should be allowed to express themselves without unnecessary interference from their predecessors.
“The fact that they are enjoying themselves means a lot. We should let them do things their own way.
“Young talent deserves to be embraced.
“In terms of professionalism, we should let them do it their way.”
He believes that every generation brings something unique to the music industry and that the continued evolution of Zimdancehall depends on accepting fresh ideas and different approaches to music-making.
For him, the success of emerging artistes should not be viewed as competition by established musicians. Rather, it should be celebrated as evidence that the genre is growing and attracting new audiences.
Sniper’s remarks also highlight the importance of mentorship and generational support in an industry where opportunities can be difficult to secure. While experience from veteran musicians remains valuable, he believes young artistes should have the freedom to learn through their own experiences and mistakes.
Having spent years navigating the highs and lows of the music business, Sniper understands the challenges that come with building a successful career. His journey from humble beginnings has given him a unique appreciation of the hard work, resilience and determination required to remain relevant in the ever-changing entertainment industry.
Despite experiencing different fortunes throughout his career, he remains a recognised figure in Zimdancehall and continues to command respect for his contribution to the genre.
As a musician, who has witnessed the evolution of the industry, Sniper Storm appears comfortable with the changing guard.
His message is simple: the future of Zimdancehall belongs to the next generation, and the best thing the pioneers can do is give them room to shine.
