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Bruce Ndlovu
One of the pillars of the once popular urban grooves genre, Rockford Roki Josphats surprised all and sundry last week when he released a single, Munhumutapa, which had a strong hip-hop influence.
While artistes are usually praised for experimentation and exploring other avenues of creativity, Roki was taken aback by the lukewarm reception of fans, most of whom questioned his sudden decision to abandon his urban grooves roots and pursue a hip-hop route.
After years of women troubles and waning fortunes on the music front, the controversial Roki has been on a mission to revive his career. Following his tumultuous break-up with Ammara Brown, a reinvigorated Roki featured on the single Alleluya with long time collaborator ExQ which saw him shoot back to the top of the charts.
However, the musiciana��s latest effort was met with more questions than cheer from fans.
In response, the Chidzoka hit-maker took to social media to rubbish those who he said were trying to limit his artistry.
a�?We let the work do the talking. Ia��m not phased, 16 years in the game still making hits. I am a creative, Ia��m not boxed by titles. Stop making your ignorance readily available for public consumption,a�? he posted on his twitter account.
The singer turned rapper also accused the local hip-hop scene of possessing a crabs in the barrel mentality.
a�?I now understand why ita��s hard for #ZimHiphop to grow many bitter people out there shuwa munga venge kuti munhu ane hype musadaro. Hype here?a�? he posted.
Roki received support from former Big Brother Africa contestant Hakeem Mandaza, who said that the term urban grooves united all genres under its umbrella.
a�?But technically speaking Urban Grooves is the genre that fits into any genre,a�? he posted.
Online Reporter