Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
FEBRUARY is celebrated as the month of love.
Couples exchange gifts, renew vows and travel to celebrate their unions.
During this time, red is the dominant colour, symbolising the triumph of love.
For the Musaka family, however, February carries a much heavier meaning.
It marks the loss of their beloved son, Soul Musaka — better known as Soul Jah Love. He passed away on February 16, 2021 at the age of 31.
Five years later, the family is still grieving.
Some local music connoisseurs believe Soul Jah Love was far ahead of his time.
Referred to variously as “Chibaba”, “Ngwendeza”, “Chigunduru”, “Mwana waSithembeni” or simply the Conquering Family boss, Soul Jah Love was a lyrical genius who touched the hearts of millions and redefined the Zimdancehall landscape.
As a creative powerhouse, he made Zimdancehall the “in-thing” during his lifetime. His legendary stage clashes with rival Seh Calaz were epic, while his gigs attracted massive crowds that transcended the genre’s typical fan base.
However, Zimdancehall has never been the same since his demise.
While promoters have tried to hype the rivalry between Silent Killer and Blot, among others, this has failed to ignite the genre.
What remains is a huge void filled with mediocrity and fly-by-night performers who substitute substance with frivolity.
The current crop of “top” chanters has clearly failed to fit the bill.
With artistes like Silent “Ngwere” Killer, Malloti Rose and Hulengende, a massive gulf in quality is evident.
This generation relies heavily on vulgarity rather than substance. Younger performers, such as Ngwere Diki and Ngwere Lite, seem increasingly influenced by this “loose-tongued” approach, believing that profanity is the only way to create a hit. In contrast, Soul Jah Love sang effortlessly.
Producers like Cashlibs, PTK, Bodyslam, DKT and Mt Zion were all eager to capture his magic. He was comfortable tackling any subject, be it love, social commentary, betrayal, death, prophecy, hope and resilience.
His classics — “Ndini Uya Uya”, “Kana Ndafa”, “Dai Hupenyu Hwaitengwa” and “Ndiri Zvinhu”— spoke deeply of his personal journey.
Five years later, these songs still resonate with music fans across generations.
Popular hypeman and Chillspot Records co-director DJ Fantan, real name Arnold Kamudyariwa, describes the late chanter as “superhuman”.
“Soul Jah Love was a superhuman whose talent remains unmatched, even five years after his passing. He could sing effortlessly about issues affecting people in every situation and to this day, we are still singing and dancing to his songs,” said DJ Fantan.
“There is no party you can attend without hearing his music. His loss was huge for the industry; no one from the current crop of Zimdancehall artistes — or even his generation — comes close to him.”
He also said the late muso’s easy-going character made him an icon for the youth.
“I think the current crop of chanters wants to be treated as A-list celebrities who hardly spend time in ghettos, where real stories are happening. Soul Jah Love was different.
“He would move around ghettos like Mbare, Highfield and Mufakose with his team, coining new chants and slang from interacting with the public. He sang what he knew and that is why his music still appeals to many today.”
DJ Fantan added that he was “convinced we will not get someone as talented as him”.
Fellow hypeman and Star FM presenter Godfatha Templeman (Simbarashe Maposa) also contends that Zimdancehall would never be the same without Soul Jah Love.
“To be honest, what Soul Jah Love did was unmatched. He was a gifted composer, who could create music that resonated in every situation, whether one was mourning or celebrating. One of his popular songs, “Ndichafa Rinhi”, was released the day he died, and that alone showed he was prophetic and ahead of his time. We need to cherish him, his work and the legacy he left behind,” he said.
Godfatha Templeman hailed the late chanter as a trendsetter and history-maker.
“It will take years before another Zimdancehall artiste receives the same honour. His send-off was massive and those who doubted him now admit that Soul Jah Love was super-talented.
“His influence on young people was immense; he was truly an influencer and a people’s favourite. His ability to create a song out of nothing was one of his greatest strengths, and people will cherish that for years to come.”
Soul Jah Love collaborated with many artistes, even outside Zimdancehall.
“His ability to sing across genres made him a creative genius who should inspire future generations. He is still ruling from the grave, and we can only appreciate the footprints of success he left behind. The new crop of stars has plenty to learn from him.
“We still have a lot of work to do to find yet another Soul Jah Love. Those who tried to imitate him have either joined the music cemetery or faded into oblivion.”
Music promoter Patson “Chipaz” Chimbodza, who is remembered for hosting Zimbabwe’s biggest version of “Sting Clash” — popular in Jamaica — said Soul Jah Love should be remembered as one of the best musicians to ever come out of Zimbabwe.
“Zimdancehall remains competitive with new blood, though Soul Jah Love’s gap is too big to fill,” he shared.
“Five years after his death, his legacy can only be honoured by commemorating his works annually. We should remember him and others as we do our fallen heroes. Jah Love will be remembered as one of the best to ever come out of Zimbabwe.”
Chipaz vowed to continue searching for new talent until stars with rare gifts emerge. He also reflected on those who tried to imitate Soul Jah Love but failed.
“We will continue to search for new talent every year, not looking for Soul Jah Love’s replacement only, but allowing artistes to do what they want. Those who tried to imitate Soul Jah Love — I applaud them for taking notes from the greats — but I urge them to find their own style as well.”
Seh Calaz, known as Soul Jah Love’s rival, shared a heartfelt post on February 16 saluting the liberation hero.
“Today I remember my brother, my friend and my rival in music — Soul Jah Love. We pushed each other, we challenged each other and through it all, we helped grow Zimdancehall together. The competition was real, but so was the respect. Rest easy, Chibaba. Your voice still lives in the streets.”
The story of Soul Jah Love would be incomplete without mentioning the influence of urban grooves star Rockford “Roki” Josphats, who ushered Chibaba into the industry.
“Jah Love was my younger brother, and we had come a long way since I used to run a studio at their family house in Waterfalls. I recorded him and even taught him some of the ropes, and I was happy for him when he made his breakthrough. It is no secret that he was my mentee, and today I reflect with pride on what he did for the sector and the Zimdancehall movement,” Roki said.
Now based in Seke, where he is doing a poultry project, Roki assured fans that unreleased material from Soul Jah Love will soon be available.
“I have just discovered some old files of him which I recorded back in the day. I needed to polish them, and it is good stuff. I am glad I finally found them recently, and we are going to release them later this year.”
Tinaye Agere