The battle of Harare

Tawanda Marwizi : Arts Correspondent

Harare on Saturday became a battle field for dancehall artistes Killer T and Soul Jah Love as the two staged shows, the same day, at two venues from one owner which are less than a kilometre apart, in what fans perceive as heightening of beef among the two.Killer T held a gig at City Sports Bar, while Soul Jah was at Superlable, all owned by Biggie Chinoperekwei. Sources close to the two musicians said the decision by Soul Jah Love to have a gig was meant to disrupt the Killer T’s much hyped farewell gig.

“There are serious divisions in Mbare and Soul Jah Love wanted to prove to Killer T that he is a force to reckon with,” he said.

He said the two artistes have not been in good books for time and Soul Jah Love’s song “Boyiz Siyanisai Zvinhu” was meant to attack Killer T.

“The battle is on though Killer T is winning in most cases,” he said.

However, the decision turned against the “Kuponda Nhamo” hit maker’s favour as the Chairman drew a bigger crowd than him. Several chanters came for the gig at City Sports Bar in support of Killer T.

Chanters that include Bontoman and Jah Child were among those who came in solidarity of the musician. At Killer T’s show fans were singing along songs from his single collection that was released few weeks ago. It was track “Takangodaro” that became the song of the night. Fans requested for the song several times prompting the musician to wave his hands, while fans sang along.

In an interview the musician’s manager Kudzai “Supa” Biston said he would not comment about the purported beef with Jah Love but he is working hard to please his fans.

“You have seen it here people have responded. As artistes we work to please our fans not to fight each other. If they are working to fight us then they are wasting their time,” he said.

He is working to release videos of his album “Ngoma Ndaimba” in August.

“We are working on the new album but for now people will have to look forward to exciting videos of Ngoma Ndaimba,” he said.

At Soul Jah Love’s gig the musician worked to please fans that had come for the show. Soul Jah Love was not available for comment.