Online Reporter
Zimpapers Arts & Entertainment Hub
WHOSE BEAT ARE WE DANCING TO—OURS OR THEIRS?
Zimbabwe’s nightlife has become a war zone—and the casualty is home-grown music!
From trendy clubs to high-profile gigs like the Carling Black Label DJ Clash, DJs across the country are catching heat for turning their backs on local talent in favour of pumping out foreign hits. And it’s not sitting well with music lovers and artistes who are watching their dreams fade with every imported track.
At events in Harare, Bulawayo and beyond, decks are dominated by Nigerian bangers, South African Amapiano, and US chart-toppers—while local gems gather dust on the playlists.
“DJs are choosing popularity over patriotism!” blasted a music critic who attended the Warrinaland show last weekend.
But not everyone’s playing the same old tune.
Bryce Andiswa Dube, aka DJ Bryce, is being hailed a national hero after fearlessly lacing his set with Zim tracks—drawing cheers from the crowd and a heartfelt shout out from soul crooner MJ Sings.
“S/O to DJs like Bryce who take risks to make sure our music gets heard. If we had 10 Bryces, we’d be good to go!” MJ posted after his outstanding performance.
The message is clear: when you give local music a chance, the crowd will vibe. They’ll sing. They’ll own it. Because Zimbabwean music slaps, but it needs a stage!
In Bulawayo, DJs like Mzoe, Nospa, and resident spinners at koSamuriwo are proving that patriotism and party don’t have to be at odds. These DJs boldly include local tracks in their sets and the crowd never misses a beat.
Meanwhile, critics are asking the hard question:
“Why should I have to go to a Nigerian club to hear Zimbabwean music in Zimbabwe?”
As gatekeepers of sound, DJs are more than just party starters, they’re culture carriers. And right now, many are accused of dropping the ball… or rather, the beat.
It’s time to stop blaming the crowd. Because when DJs play our own, we move.
Wake up, spin nation. If we don’t dance to our own beat, who will?
