Online Reporter
Maria Chiguvari
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
DANCEHALL and reggae artist Gilan “Micropile” Chidede has secured a recording deal with Jamaica-based Rasblinger Records.
It marks a major step in his push to take his music to the international market.
The deal will see the Micropile work with the Jamaican label on his upcoming six-track EP, ‘Our Story,’ a project that brings together local and Jamaican dancehall.
As part of the project, Micropile will collaborate with Jamaican artiste Nyron, who is associated with the second generation of dancehall artists linked to veteran Jamaican musician Bounty Killer.
Micropile said the deal was more than just a recording opportunity, describing it as a sign that local artists can take their music to the home of dancehall.
‘‘This is not just a signing, this is history. From the streets of Zimbabwe to being signed in Jamaica by Rasblinger Records, it proves Jah never sleeps.
“Working with Nyron from Bounty Killer’s second generation is a dream.
“This EP ‘Our Story’ is our story – the ghetto youth from Africa to Jamaica, same pain, same struggle, same victory.”
He said working with Nyron was a dream and that ‘Our Story’ would tell the story of young people from Zimbabwe and Jamaica who face similar struggles.
The EP will focus on themes of survival, hustling, faith and triumph with producers from Zimbabwe and Jamaica expected to contribute to the project.
The first single from the EP, “Her Hands Build Me,” is set to be released soon.
The chanter said the Afro-Dancehall and soul song sees him move away from his usual gritty dancehall sound to deliver a tribute to women who have played a role in shaping people’s lives.
The song pays tribute to mothers, grandmothers, wives and sisters for their sacrifices and the role they play in building families and communities.
Micropile said the song was inspired by watching his mother work hard, pray and support her children while making the most of limited resources.
He also drew inspiration from the role played by women in Zimbabwean communities.
The musician said the song was part of his growth as a man and an opportunity to appreciate the women who helped shape him.
‘Her Hands Build Me’ will be followed by the Nyron collaboration as Micropile begins rolling out the ‘Our Story’ project.
Rasblinger Records chief Oliver Shaw, popularly known as Rasblinger, said the label was impressed by Micropile’s approach to dancehall.
“Micropile is real dancehall. No AI, no gimmick. Real voice, real pain, real energy.
“That’s why we signed him. ‘Our Story’ will shake the Caribbean and Africa,” he said.
Micropile is also honoured to be working with Exodus Records, whose founder is Felix Tafara Chihwai, on his next album, ‘Trinity.’
Chihwai has been confirmed as the songwriter behind some of Micropile’s music, including his upcoming single ‘Her Hands Build Me,’ and will work closely with the musician on the new album.
“I have written for Micropile because his voice carries the truth.
“He is not just singing songs, he is living the lyrics. ‘Her Hands Build Me’ was just the beginning.
“Now we are building something bigger. The album ‘TRINITY’ will be spiritual, deep and international – it will show the world who Micropile really is.
“I am ready to work with him to make this album a classic,” he said.
Micropile described Chihwai as more than a songwriter, saying their relationship was based on friendship and a shared understanding of his musical journey.
The musician said the title ‘Trinity’ has a spiritual meaning, representing the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
“Felix Tafara Chihwai is more than a writer, he is my brother and my sound. Exodus Records understands my journey.
“’Trinity’ is not just an album, it’s the Father, Son and Holy Spirit working in my career – three powers becoming one.
“From Rasblinger Records in Jamaica to Exodus Records in Zimbabwe, the link is blessed.”
