adminLiberty Dube
ONE of the oldest and pioneering dancehall musicians in Zimbabwe, Donald “Sniper Storm” Chirisa, has described his music as mature dancehall and distinct, saying it appeals to all age groups. The 35-year-old musician, who started singing in 1999 when local dancehall music was yet to identify itself and give birth to an avalanche of musicians and followers, is now working on a DVD album for the project Silver Bullet which is set for release before end of year.
In an interview on the sidelines of his maiden show at Sakubva’s hottest entertainment joint, Gwinyai Bar, last Friday, the talented chanter said the DVD would also feature yesteryear singles.
“I am one of the few musicians in the country whose music appeals to all group ages. It is more mature and it is very unique. I am more than a dancehall artiste. I have been in this industry for quite some time and I realised that music means more than just singing. It is about message conveying, inspiring people,” said one of Zim dancehall founding fathers.
“I am releasing my DVD before the end of this year. It will carry several videos from where I started,” he added.
Last Friday, Sniper belted songs such as One-Room, Kuginyabvura, Silver Bullet, Kwarira Mukati, Love Yemusoja and Mafans Angu.
The much-sought-after Sakubva-based dancehall novice, Lady Popa, heated the stage before Sniper left her fans clamouring for more.
The General was overwhelmed by the capacity crowd at the venue. The rapturous swarm of fans sang along to most of his songs.
“I couldn’t believe that all these revellers came to watch me performing.
“This is too good to be true. I am humbled. It is very rare, but special to have this kind of following when I am out of Harare.
“I owe my fans a lot and am hoping to come here before the end of year,” said the Ndakabata Mic hit-maker.
Show promoter and bar proprietor Given Shumba hailed hundreds of revellers who attended the event and vowed to bring more renowned musicians before the end of this year.
“Progress Chipfumo is next on the list and we are hoping to host one of dancehall’s hottest property, Tocky Vibes, before year end. We will always consider what our patrons advise us to do and I want to applaud them for maintaining peace before, during and after the show.
“We also want to correct the notion that people have about Sakubva and our venue in particular. Some people tend to have the traditional belief that Sakubva is a noisy suburb that is synonymous with violence and disorder which is far from true,” Shumba said.
Online Reporter