adminJonathan Mbiriyamveka Entertainment Reporter
Zimbabwe dancehall, a genre born locally which draws much from Jamaican reggae/dancehall has over the years enjoyed massive popularity. One of the reasons for the growing popularity is the stiff competition among artistes. For some, they were only as good as their last song but for a few others, longevity in the game has been made possible through consistently churning out hit after hit.
While it is true that the best is yet to come, fans have been treated to different talents and along the way and some hits have been made. A number of artistes stormed the charts with the songs and they made an impact on the music scene.
To date, The Herald Entertainment chronicles the Top 10 Zim dancehall hits. These are classics in that they became anthems either on the airwaves, pubs or clubs. In the order of popularity below is the list of hits
1.) Musarova Bigman – Winky D
The song was a huge success for Winky D whose real name is Wallace Chirimuko. There were a lot of endorsements and shows coming his way including his debut appearance at the Harare International Festival of the Arts’ Main Stage, a tour of Australia where female fans kissed his shoes and then at Akon/Sean Paul double bill. Winky D then assumed the titles “Ninja President” and “Messi weReggae”.
2.) Gum Kum – Soul Jah Love
For all its notoriety the song was an anthem and it was Soul Jah Love’s breakthrough number. Both young and the old could not resist the tune and even some radio stations played it on air despite the lewd lyrics. It was after the song that Soul Jah Love, born Soul Musaka aka Chibaba Chacho built a firm base and his clique known as the Conquering Family. Honour . . !
3.) Seunononga – Guspy Warrior.
To some he is the preacher’s son and to others he is the boss of Mafia 19 but Emmanuel Manyeruke alias Guspy Warrior hit the spotlight with the club banger. Again, the party song resonated well with all age groups and went viral with jokes flooding the social media on the song the “gangnam style”. He deserves a place in the Zim dancehall hall of fame. Mafia 19 again and again!
4.) Love Yemusoja – Sniper Storm
When Sniper Storm claimed to be the General nobody took him seriously up until he dropped “Love Yemusoja”. He laid down some serious love lyrics in a way that turned his contemporaries green with envy. He appealed to a crossover audience and proved to all and sundry that he was indeed a sniper. He can ride on any “riddim” and still be relevant. Salute . . . the general!
5.) Joina City – Freeman
The HKD boss made a grand entrance on the music scene with the single and he hasn’t looked back. It was a big hit and besides announcing his entrance on the music scene, the song popularised the Joina City building in the capital as a meeting place. Straight from Dzivarasekwa, Freeman or Emergy Sylvester Chizanga qualifies to be at number five . . . pru pru!
6.) Kwatinobva Kwakasiyana – Seh Calaz.
He is the pride of Mbare and again he has no time for fooling around. Seh Calaz born Tawanda Mumanyi who previously was known for trash talking like most “bandits” do stormed the charts and turned things upside down with “Kwatinobva Kwakasiyana”, a well thought-out song about his upbringing. His lyrical prowess and the ability to change voices in one song was the stroke of a genius. Check check. . . Mbare mi seh!
7.) Tirikumhanya – Killer T
Killer T whose real name is Kelvin Kusikwenyu is also a pride of Mbare and as the “Chairman” of Zim dancehall he is not bothered by competition and insists that he is not involved in factionalism or the so-called groups. His signature chant “Po Po Po” caused quite a stir on the airwaves and he landed one of the biggest endorsement deals with Chicken Inn. “Isu hatiite zvemagroups” he says.
8.) Mawaya Waya – Shinsoman
A talented youngster who worked hard to gain recognition since his days with Heshi Mufeshi record label. Shinsoman alias Baba Devante, is known for his husky voice which makes him stand out. On “Mawaya Waya” he proved that he was no pushover and claimed his pot in Zim dancehall. He enjoys himself and knows his music. Hear me no . . !
9) Mhai – Tocky Vibes
After he failed to make it while he was still with Vigilance, Tocky soldiered on and his big breakthrough came when he released the song “Mhai”. More than anything else it was the clean lyrics which made him popular. He is also a talented storyteller and is viewed as the artiste of the moment. He inked his major endorsement deal with Savanna Tobacco worth $100 000 though the figure is still to be confirmed.
10.) Kumba Kunouya Kuno – Ricky Fire
He took the traditional folklore tune and made it his own. The party song had everyone on their feet at weddings, graduations and birthdays. He has got a unique voice which he fully uses to his advantage and has no time to beef with anyone. The “Fire president” as fans lovingly call him has been consistent since the beginning. Who Jah Bless no man curse. . . !
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