adminJonathan Mbiriyamveka Entertainment Reporter
The switching on of the lights in Harare’s Africa Unity Square signaled the start of the festive season and what a better way to cap 2013 which was by and large a big year for Zimbabwean dancehall.Aptly titled “Zim Dancehall Shutdown 2013” the gig features the creme dela creme of dancehall in the likes of Winky D, Sniper Storm, Dhadza D, Killer T, King Shaddy, Guspy Warrior, Freeman and last but not least Ricky Fire.
The gig takes place at Harare Gardens on December 20. There is also the battle of the queens when Lady Squanda go head-to-head with Angel P.
The gig will also featured top emcees — Godfatha Templeman and Smiley of Legendary Sound as well as selector Gary B on the turntables.
Looking at the line up it is easy to see why this year has been a good year for Zimbabwean dancehall music. There were a number of artistes who stepped up their act and made names in the genre.
If there is an artiste who has taken Zimbabwean dancehall by storm, it must be Killer T. His songs such as “Tirikumhanya”, “Makarova Gunners”, “Suspects”, “Officer Mirai Chirukazi” and “Ziso Rako Hameno”, have become popular at watering holes and clubs.
Born Kelvin Kusikwenyu, Killer T has become a household name not only in Mbare but in other high-density suburbs. The dancehall star got his nickname from his brother who always referred to him as a “killer” of dancehall lyrics. He used to sing with his young brother Temptation and the combination became “Killer T” taking the ‘T’ from the latter’s initial.
Through persistence and hard work, Killer T was recorded by producer Bryton Munyuki of Iton Music. That is when he made the hit song “Makarova Gunners” and since then he has never looked back.
His signature tune, the gun sound “Po po po,” has become synonymous with ghetto youths and even rivals in the dancehall genre are forced by fans to chant the slogan once they get on stage.
The self-proclaimed Matapi Chairman has not only built his fan base in Harare as his services are now in demand in areas as far as Beitbridge. He has become a celebrity in his neighbourhood overnight and each time he strolls around, he is mobbed by children and women alike demanding the signature tune.
Guspy Warrior has also had a fine run during the course of the year buoyed by the popularity of his tune “Seunononga”. The number receives heavy rotation on most Dj playlists.
Like most dancehall artistes who are doing well in Zimbabwe, Guspy performs with a full band and he was one of the artistes who lit up the stage at the Lion Lager Campus Activation Nights.
Dancehall star Freeman of the Danger Zone fame is another heavy hitter at the gig. Freeman born Emegy Chizanga who hails from Dzivarasekwa also known by its slang name as DZ short for Danger Zone is not only a force but his influence goes beyond his backyard.
Dhadza D whose rise to fame was when he released the hit “Dairai” commands a huge following in most ghettos. Dhadza D is known for his scintillating performances on stage.
While the gig is not a popularity contest it is by and large a battle as chanters will be out to outdo each other through their lyrical prowess.
And Winky D does not take such contests lightly. He always gives his best in music and since there are other artistes eyeing the throne he will be all out to protect his territory. Whether or not he will succeed it will be up to the fans.
Lady Squanda is a joy to watch on stage while she is in good books with Angel P who is Ricky Fire’s labelmate she will be raving up things at the gig.
Online Reporter